Tourism in Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Prefecture is a place of natural harmony where the culture and blessings of the sea, mountains and rivers are interwoven

Wakayama Prefecture is a place of natural harmony where the culture and blessings of the sea, mountains and rivers are interwoven.
In addition to enjoying beautiful mountains, hot springs, rivers, the sea and abundant seafood there are many attractive tourist spots that you should visit including Koyasan (Mt. Koya) and Kumano Sanzan, which were registered in 2004 by the World Heritage as "Sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii mountain range".
It takes about 40 minutes to reach Wakayama City from Kansai International Airport, Direct flights are also available from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Nanki-Shirahama Airport in Wakayama.
The motorways circling the Kii Peninsula are well maintained and offer good access to tourist attractions.

Koyasan Area

oyasan, is a sacred place in Shingon esoteric Buddhism which was founded by the scholar, poet, and monk Kukai or Kobo-Daishi (774-835).
Koyasan's two sacred sites, the Danjo Garan and the Okunoin Temple, have welcomed many worshippers over the years.
Kobo Daishi is believed to rest in eternal meditation as he awaits Miroku Nyorai the Buddha of the Future and provides relief to those who ask for salvation.
Of the 117 temples on the mountain, 51 offer accommodation as “shukubo”.
which literally means “sleeping with the monks”.
Koyasan is a place where you can experience morning prayers, Ajikan (Shingon esoteric meditation) and vegetarian cuisine.

Places to visit in the Koyasan area

Kumano Area

Since ancient times, Kumano is believed to be the abode of the gods and a place of spiritual revival. In Kumano, many natural objects such as huge trees, rocks and waterfalls, have been the object of worship.
The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to the three Kumano mountains, has been walked by many people, from the royal family and nobility to common people.
The pilgrimage offers many different routes, adapted to walkers of all levels.
Kumano also offers many hot springs, to refresh body and mind after a tiring day or long journey.

Places to visit in the Kumano Area

Food Culture in Wakayama

Understanding the food culture of Wakayama means learning about its history and traditions.
Wakayama's mild climate and diverse geological features allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, while the sea produces a variety of fish.
The appeal of Wakayama's food also lies in the fact that each season offers different local products.
Finally, Wakayama's rich natural environment is the perfect backdrop for enjoying and experiencing the food culture nurtured by its people.

Discover the culinary culture of Wakayama

In Wakayama prefecture, a wide variety of fruit and vegetables are cultivated throughout the four seasons, taking advantage of the mild climate and blessed geology.
There are many local delicacies, full of history and tradition, that can only be enjoyed in Wakayama prefecture, including "raw tuna" which is the largest catch in Japan, and local ramen noodles.
You can also enjoy sake and local beer made from the pure natural water of the region, authentic wine made from the finest variety of plum, Nankobai, and processed fruit products such as tangerine juice.

Discover the culinary culture of Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture offers a wide range of in person experiences and tastings. Why enjoy a memorable moment experiencing its culinary culture passed on by generations of local farmers and artisans?