41 Recommended Tourist Spots in Wakayama Prefecture!

Here’s a carefully curated list of 41 must-visit tourist attractions in Wakayama Prefecture. Located in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula, Wakayama is blessed with nature and home to many famous tourist destinations across Japan. From the scenic coastal areas and beaches along the Pacific Ocean, such as Nanki Shirahama, Wakayama stands out as one of the most popular resort areas in the Kansai region!

In addition to natural beauty, Wakayama boasts historical sites, including UNESCO World Heritage locations such as Kumano Kodo and Mount Koya. Whether you’re looking for sightseeing, hot springs, leisure activities, or delicious cuisine, Wakayama offers countless attractions. Why not embark on a journey to explore this amazing prefecture?

1. Nanki Shirahama Adventure World

Why not come and interact with a variety of animals at Nanki Shirahama Adventure World, an amusement park that is one of Wakayama Prefecture's most popular tourist spots?

Pandas in particular are the most popular in Japan, and are like mascots. There are also other familiar animals like giraffes, elephants, and lions, as well as sea animals like killer whales and penguins.

You can also have the rare experience of holding a small, cute Asian small-clawed otter or squirrel monkey in the palm of your hand. Meet your favorite animals while sightseeing in Wakayama Prefecture!

2. Toretore Market, Nanki Shirahama

Toretore Market Nanki Shirahama is one of the largest seafood markets in Western Japan, located in Wakayama Prefecture. You can get high-quality seafood at reasonable prices. The tuna section, where unfrozen raw tuna is sold by the slice on the spot, is very impressive! There is a wide selection of seafood and Wakayama Prefecture specialties, so you can look around and eat. You can also enjoy a meal at the BBQ corer or food court.

There is also a direct bus from Nanki Shirahama Airport in Wakayama Prefecture, so you can easily visit the market.

3. Fisherman's Wharf Shirahama

This seafood market is directly managed by fishermen from Shirahama Onsen, a famous tourist destination in Wakayama Prefecture. In addition to selling fresh seafood, you can also eat Japanese and Italian cuisine made with local ingredients. Enjoy the food that Nanki Shirahama is proud of!

You can also have a BBQ from March to October. Take any ingredients you find at the market on the first floor to the rooftop and grill and eat them while looking at the ocean view. This is a delicious way to enjoy sightseeing in Wakayama.

4. Sandanbeki

Sandanbeki is a dynamic scenic spot that represents Shirahama, where Wakayama Prefecture's tourist attractions are concentrated. First of all, you will be overwhelmed by the huge rock wall that is about 60m high and 2km long. After enjoying the magnificent Wakayama Prefecture scenery seen from the observation deck, take the elevator down. Directly below is the legendary cave where the Kumano Navy hid their ships, which is also a power spot. Now, the exploration begins.

If you get tired of walking, you can enjoy a foot bath while looking out at the Pacific Ocean. Near Sandanbeki, you can also visit Senjojiki, so we recommend visiting both.

5. Shirarahama Beach

Shirarahama Beach is the best choice for swimming and sightseeing in Wakayama. It is the most beautiful beach in Wakayama Prefecture and is counted among the "100 Best Swimming Beaches." It is also a sister beach of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.

The pure white sand and clear blue sea make it a tropical resort that you would never imagine is in Japan. There are many accommodations in the area, including luxury resort hotels and tourist inns.

Fireworks events are held here, such as the Nanki Shirahama Fireworks Festival, where about 3,500 fireworks are launched, and the SHIRAHAMA Fireworks Rally, where underwater star mines are a highlight. In winter, the Shirarahama Seaside Illumination shines brightly.

6. Shirahama Onsen

Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture, with a history of over 1,350 years, is one of the leading hot spring tourist destinations in Japan. There were once famous hot springs here known as the Seven Hot Springs of Yuzaki, of which Saki no Yu is the only one that remains. You can soak in an open-air bath right on the shore of the majestic Pacific Ocean.

Shirahama Onsen has 15 hot springs and a wide variety of public baths. In addition to Shirara-yu, located right next to Shirarahama Beach, and Muro-no-yu, where you can soak in the waters of Ko-yu and Gyoko-yu, there are also many foot baths that can be enjoyed on a day trip.

The Shirasuna Open-Air Bath, located on the beach at Shirarahama, is a hot spring facility where you can enter in a swimsuit. It's amazing to be able to enjoy swimming and hot springs at the same time!

7. Takashima (Engetsuto Island)

This uninhabited island is 25m high and is the symbol of Shirahama, a tourist spot in Wakayama Prefecture. The round hole in the middle of the island is a sea cave formed by the waves. It was named "Engetsuto" (Full Moon Island) because it looks like a full moon. Around the time of the spring and autumn equinoxes, the setting sun fits completely into the hole, creating a beautiful landscape.

The glass-bottom boat that sails around the island is popular because it allows you to see the ocean floor through the glass at the bottom of the boat. If you come to Wakayama Prefecture, this is a view you definitely want to see.

8. Kongobu-ji Temple, Mount Koya

Kongobu-ji Temple is the main temple of the 117 temples on Mount Koya, towering over Wakayama Prefecture. Built in 816, it is the head temple of the Shingon sect.

The prestigious and important Mido-do is imposing. Go through the main gate and enter the main hall's large hall. From there, you can wander around the spacious hall. You can also view the rock garden, one of the largest in Japan. The corridor where Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, rests is called the inner sanctuary. Be sure to visit this sacred place when sightseeing in Wakayama.

9. Danjo Garan

Danjo Garan is the center of Kongobu-ji Temple in Mount Koya, Wakayama Prefecture. It is the first sacred place opened in Mount Koya, and it still retains a dignified atmosphere. There are many halls lined up on the grounds, including the Kondo and Konpon Daito, so you should visit them according to the route recommended by Mount Koya.

Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture has many famous places, so it's a good idea to think about the route you will take when visiting for sightseeing.

10. Okunoin

Okunoin is a sacred place dedicated to Kukai, the Kobo Daishi who founded Mount Koya. The approach to the temple is lined with cedar trees and is enveloped in a sacred atmosphere, making you feel like you are in another world just by walking there. There is also a graveyard where famous warlords from the Warring States period, including Oda Nobunaga and Takeda Shingen, are memorialized.

11. Kudoyama

Kudoyama is where Sanada Masayuki and Yukimura, father and son, who played an active role during the Sengoku period, spent their time. It is now a popular tourist destination in Wakayama Prefecture, with people coming to follow in their footsteps.

In addition to the Kudoyama Sanada Museum, which focuses on the story of the three generations of Sanada Masayuki, Yukimura, and Daisuke, you should also visit Sanada-an, which is said to be the hermitage of Sanada Masayuki. Sanada-an also has a museum built in the style of a storehouse, which displays items related to the Sanada family.

At the Kudoyama roadside station, you can purchase agricultural products from Wakayama Prefecture! It's easy to stop by on your way to Koyasan, so be sure to check it out.

12. Nyukanshofu Shrine

Nikanshobu Shrine is a shrine located in Kudoyama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, and is a tourist destination that is also registered as a World Heritage Site. The Koyasan Choishimichi road leads from Nikanshobu Shrine to Mount Koya, and it is the gateway to visiting Mount Koya. You can enjoy the scenery of cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn that dye the mountains.

13. Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls, one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan, boasts the highest single-tiered waterfall in Japan. The Nachi Mountain area is a sacred place for waterfall worship, and it is worshiped as the object of worship for the Hiryu Shrine, a branch shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha.

Nachi Falls was originally a collective name for the 48 Nachi waterfalls. Nowadays, Nachi Falls generally refers to the "Ichinotaki" waterfall.

14. Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

Kumano Nachi Taisha, Kumano Hongu Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha are collectively known as the "Kumano Sanzan." It is the head shrine of the 3,000 or so Kumano shrines in Japan, originating from nature worship. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."

Kumano Nachi Taisha, located on the middle slope of Mount Nachi, is the gateway to Nachi Falls. Seiganto-ji Temple, from which you can see Nachi Falls, is about a one-minute walk away, and the three-story pagoda is about three minutes away. You can also walk to Nachi Falls, also known as the branch shrine Hiryu Shrine.

15. Daimonzaka (Kumano Kodo)

Daimonzaka is a pilgrimage route leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. It is a stone-paved road stretching for about 1km, and is a famous tourist spot that retains the atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo, so if you have time, be sure to walk along it.

You can also walk along Daimonzaka in Heian period clothing. Rent it at the Daimonzaka Teahouse at the entrance to the slope, and dress up in Heian period clothing to feel like a pilgrim of the past.
If you get tired of walking, why not take a break and enjoy a sweet treat? If you are touring the Kumano Kodo in Wakayama Prefecture, this is one place you should visit.

16. Seigantoji Temple

Seiganto-ji Temple is a temple adjacent to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. When you think of Seiganto-ji Temple, you think of the beautiful sight of the three-story pagoda and Nachi Falls at the same time! As it is one of the most beautiful views in Wakayama Prefecture, many tourists visit with their cameras.

It is easily accessible by bus from Kii-Katsuura Station, and it is also nice to be able to visit other tourist spots in Kumano, such as Nachi Falls and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, at the same time.

17. Hiro Shrine

Nachi Falls can be reached by walking along the approach surrounded by nature. It is overwhelmingly impressive! It is no wonder that it is the tallest waterfall in Japan. Hiroki Shrine does not have a main hall or worship hall, so you worship directly at the waterfall.

There is a legend that if you touch the spray of the waterfall, you will be blessed with long life. This shrine is located on Mount Nachi in Wakayama Prefecture, and the deity worshiped is Oonamuchi. It is a must-see tourist spot if you come to Kumano in Wakayama.

18. Hashiguiiwa Rocks

Hashiguiiwa in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a tourist spot where you can see a group of strangely shaped rocks, with large and small rock pillars lined up in a row like bridge piles. The legend of Kobo Daishi was born from this mysterious landscape of about 40 rocks lined up in a straight line over a distance of about 850 meters. The morning sun rising is beautiful, so if you want to visit Hashiguiiwa, we recommend visiting early in the morning. The limited-time illumination is also popular.

19. Bōkidō (Hotel Urashima)

Hotel Urashima is located in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Along with Genbudo Cave, Bokido Cave is a natural cave hot spring that Hotel Urashima is proud of. The appeal of Bokido Cave, which is located inside the cave, is the ocean that spreads out before you. While relaxing in the hot spring, you can look out into the distance at the vast ocean.

It is truly a tourist destination that makes you "forget to go home." To get to Hotel Urashima, you can take a shuttle boat from the tourist pier. A cruise while looking out at the ocean of Nanki Katsuura is sure to enhance your tourist mood!

20. Shionomisaki

Cape Shionomisaki is the southernmost point of Honshu and is a famous tourist spot with a wide view of the ocean. In particular, the "Watchtower Lawn" is a tourist spot with a wide lawn and a sense of openness! From the Cape Shionomisaki Tourist Tower, you can not only see the beautiful Pacific Ocean, but also taste tuna caught off the coast of Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture.

The Cape Shionomisaki Lighthouse is also open to the public at all times, so you can see not only the ocean but also the Nachi Mountains.

21. Kushimoto Underwater Park

Kushimoto Marine Park is an aquarium that displays fish that travel north on the Kuroshio Current. However, the aquarium is not the only attraction of Kushimoto Marine Park. You can see the beautiful fish swimming in the sea of ​​Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture. You can also experience diving and snorkeling, so you can swim with the fish!

You can also stay overnight at the log house Sun Villa. It is a recommended tourist destination for those who want to fully enjoy the sea of ​​Wakayama.

22. Katsuura Onsen

Katsuura Onsen is a famous hot spring resort in Wakayama Prefecture, along with Nanki Shirahama Onsen. It is popular as a base for sightseeing around the Kumano Sanzan, Nachi Falls, and the Kumano Kodo trail, which are registered as World Heritage sites.

The appeal of Katsuura Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture is the luxury of being able to bathe in the hot springs while looking out at the sea! Hotel Nakanoshima's Kishu Chomon-no-Yu, Hotel Urashima's Bouki-do and Genbudo are truly famous open-air baths that Wakayama can be proud of. The open-air baths where you can bathe while listening to the sound of the waves are exceptional.

23. Kowloon Island

Kowloon Island is an uninhabited island that floats at the mouth of the Koza River that flows through Wakayama Prefecture. It is pronounced "Kuroshima." Kowloon Island, which was also used as a location for the TV drama "Zero Yen Life on a Deserted Island," has many tourist attractions, such as caves that are said to be the home of pirates and rare subtropical plants.

In the summer, many tourists visit Kowloon Island for swimming and camping. If you want to enjoy sightseeing on Kowloon Island, sea kayaking is recommended. Even beginners can easily get on a sea kayak and enjoy a sense of adventure even in Wakayama Prefecture.

24. Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine

Kumano Hayatama Taisha is also one of the Kumano Sanzan, and is a tourist spot known for its many power spots, such as the sacred tree Nagi. In particular, the auxiliary shrine, Kamikura Shrine, is the place where the Kumano god first descended. If you worship the large rock that is the object of worship, you may be granted the power of nature.

Kumano Hayatama Taisha is easily accessible by bus from JR Shingu Station, and is one of the most easily accessible tourist spots of the Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama Prefecture.

25. Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of the three Kumano shrines that are worshipped as a sacred place of resurrection. It is a famous tourist spot in Wakayama, where Susanoo-no-Mikoto is worshipped as the main deity. Climb the stone steps in the cedar grove where the flag of "Kumano Daigongen" stands and visit the sacred grounds.

The Yatagarasu (a sacred bird of guidance) that can be seen on amulets and in the precincts is a common "divine bird of guidance" common to the three Kumano shrines. Under the sacred tree in front of the shrine office, there is a black postbox with a Yatagarasu on it. It is a memorable tourist spot, as it also sells Yatagarasu postbox votive plaques that can be posted as postcards. There are also stylish cafes nearby, so it might be a good idea to take a stroll around the area at lunchtime.

26. Oyuhara

Oyunohara is where Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine once stood. Currently, Japan's largest torii gate stands there, and a stone shrine stands quietly there. Oyunohara is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and many tourists visit in the spring. The torii gate is also lit up during events, making it feel even more divine.

If you are sightseeing in Wakayama Prefecture and go to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, why not visit here as well?

27. Yunomine Onsen

Yunomine Onsen is an ancient hot spring with a very long history dating back 1800 years since it was first discovered. It is a quiet hot spring town in the valley of the Shimura River in Wakayama Prefecture. It still retains an unfading atmosphere, and you can feel the charm just by touring the town. People in the past would have stopped here on their way to Kumano pilgrimages to relieve their fatigue. Tsuboyu, where the color of the water changes seven times a day, is registered as a World Heritage Site.

Azumaya, a long-established inn founded in the mid-Edo period, is also popular. If you are visiting Wakayama, it is a wonderful place to visit, whether for an overnight stay or a day trip.

28. Ryujin Onsen

Located in the mountains of Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, this hot spring is counted among Japan's three great hot springs for beauty. The sodium bicarbonate spring (sodium bicarbonate spring) will leave your skin smooth and moisturized.

Ryokan inns such as Kirari Ryujin, Kami Goten, and Shimo Goten face the Hidaka River mountain stream, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful and nostalgic scenery while soaking in the hot spring. It is one of Wakayama Prefecture's hot spring tourist attractions, and many people stop by to stay the night on their way back from a pilgrimage to Mount Koya.

29. Wakayama Castle

Wakayama Castle, built on the summit of Mount Torafusu, was the residence of the Kishu Tokugawa family, one of the three great families of the Tokugawa clan. It is now one of Wakayama City's most popular tourist spots, attracting many visitors. Don't miss the stone walls, which use a lot of bluestone (chlorite schist), a specialty of Kishu. From the castle tower, you can see the Wakayama cityscape and the Kinokawa River.

The zoo attached to Wakayama Castle is a popular tourist spot that can be enjoyed with small children. For lunch before or after sightseeing, we recommend the cafeteria at Wakayama City Hall, which has a view of Wakayama Castle. On the 14th floor of Wakayama City Hall, which stands on the north side across the road from the castle, you will find the buffet restaurant "Juyonkai Farm." Wakayama Castle is close to both JR Wakayama Station and Nankai Wakayama Station, so it is easily accessible.

30. Awashima Shrine

This shrine is located in Kada, Wakayama City. There are more than 1,000 Awashima Shrine-type shrines in Japan, and this is their head shrine. It is one of the most historic shrines in Wakayama Prefecture. This shrine is famous for its doll memorial service.

Many Hina dolls, Ichimatsu dolls, and French dolls are dedicated in the precincts, creating a unique atmosphere. If you are a tourist, you may be a little surprised.

31. Kada Miyama Fortress

Kada Miyama Fortress, which was used as a military fortress from the Meiji era until World War II, is located in Kada Setonaikai National Park in Wakayama Prefecture.

The ruins, which are part of Yura Fortress, have a surreal, fantasy-like atmosphere and are a mysterious tourist destination along with Tomogashima, also in Wakayama Prefecture. It is full of nature and has clean air, so it is also recommended as a healing spot.

32. Yosuien

Yosuien is a vast garden of about 33,000 square meters that was built by the Kishu Tokugawa family. Many pine trees are arranged around a pond that uses seawater, making for a spectacular view. The Sukiya-style Yosuitei and teahouse are also built with a quaint atmosphere. It is rarely crowded, so it is perfect for those who want to take a leisurely stroll.

It can be accessed by bus in about 30 minutes from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayamashi Station.

33. Wakayama Marina City

Wakayama Marina City is an artificial island floating in Wakaura Bay. It is like Wakayama Prefecture's Disneyland, a complex leisure and tourist facility that brings together the theme park Porto Europa, the seafood market Kuroshio Market, and the Wakayama Marina City Hotel.

There are many ways to enjoy it, so we recommend that you allow yourself plenty of time to explore.

34. Porto Europa

Located inside Wakayama Marina City, this is a tourist theme park that recreates a medieval European port town. There are plenty of attractions, including the thrilling "Twin Dragon" dragon gondola ride and the "Shower Ball" where you can have fun in a pool of Puyo Puyo balls.

Another great thing is that there is no admission fee! You only pay for the fees for each attraction and event. If you're going to an amusement park while sightseeing in Wakayama Prefecture, this is the place to go!

35. Wakayama Electric Railway, Kishi Station "Tama Train"

Wakayama Electric Railway is a local line featuring "Tama", who became the first cat stationmaster in Japan in 2007. Why not enjoy a leisurely 30-minute trip from Wakayama Station to Kishi Station on this local line featuring "Tama", who became the first cat stationmaster in Japan in 2007?

The cat stationmaster is very popular at Kishi Station. The stationmaster is the ultra stationmaster "Nitama". On Wednesdays and Thursdays, when Nitama is off, the super stationmaster of Itakiso Station, "Yontama", works in his place at Kishi Station.

Another fun thing is the train cars. There are a variety of trains with attractive designs, such as the "Tama Train" with Stationmaster Tama as its motif, the "Strawberry Train" with its motif of strawberries, a local specialty of Wakayama, and the "Umeboshi Train" with its motif of Nanko plums, a local specialty of Wakayama.

36. Tomogashima

Tomogashima, located between Wakayama Prefecture and Awaji Island, is a tourist destination that truly lives up to its name of a hidden region. On the island, where beautiful and mysterious nature remains, you can enjoy fishing, camping, and swimming. The highlight of the island is the remains of a former Japanese military battery! These ruins have an extraordinary atmosphere, like something out of an anime movie.

We also recommend hiking around the Western-style lighthouse, the remains of the second battery, the observation deck, the remains of the third battery, and the pier. To get there, the Tomogashima Kisen ferry departs from Kada Port in Wakayama Prefecture about 4 to 6 times a day.

37. Furobashi Bridge

This beautiful arched bridge is located in Wakaura, Wakayama City. It was historically built for the occasion of festivals when the Tokugawa family and people associated with Toshogu Shrine would travel to Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The eye-catching relief patterns, reminiscent of the splendor of the Edo period, offer a view of the calm sea.

It is a small but well-established tourist spot. It is easily accessible from the bus stop "Furobashi."

38. Washigamine Cosmos Park

This mountain is located in Aridagawa-cho, Wakayama Prefecture, and is about 586 meters above sea level. As its name suggests, the entire mountain is covered in pretty pink and white cosmos flowers.

There is a great view from the summit, and on a clear day you can see as far as Shikoku and Kobe from the observation deck. If you climb it at night, you can enjoy a wonderful night view. It is also recommended for couples.

39. Arida River Railway Park

This is a railway park in Aridagawa-cho, Wakayama Prefecture. It was developed after the Arita Railway was closed, with the aim of passing on the Arita Railway, which made a major contribution to the development of the area along the line, to future generations. It opened on March 20, 2010, so it is still a relatively new tourist spot. The Kiha 58 railway car in the park has a very retro feel, from the passenger cars to the driver's cab. It has also been used in the filming of movies set in the good old Showa era.

Other preserved cars include the Heimo 180-101, making it a particularly irresistible tourist spot for railway enthusiasts.

40. Negoro Temple

Negoro-ji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, located in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. As it is surrounded by mountains, it is clear that the temple itself was once a castle.

There were many warrior monks whose main occupation was fighting, but most of the buildings were destroyed in an attack by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1582. The pagoda, which still bears bullet holes from a matchlock gun, is the largest wooden pagoda in Japan and has been designated a national treasure.

In spring, it becomes a scenic spot for cherry blossom viewing, and in summer, it is also a great place to see fireflies. If you're sightseeing in Wakayama and want to experience the Sengoku period, be sure to visit!

41. Shirasaki Marine Park

White limestone like icebergs and deep blue seas. Shirasaki Marine Park in Yura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular coastline with beautiful scenery that is also written about in the Manyoshu. The marine park, with its karst topography reminiscent of the Aegean Sea, has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Beaches and 100 Best Sunsets. There are

walkways and observation decks, and a parking lot. There is also a roadside station, an auto campsite, and a cafe, so it is recommended not only as a tourist spot but also as a date spot.

Summary of recommended sightseeing spots in Wakayama

We have introduced 41 tourist spots in Wakayama, from famous spots that everyone knows to unusual spots. If you are traveling by plane, Kansai International Airport is convenient, and Nanki Shirahama Airport is convenient for the southern part of the Kii Peninsula, such as Shirahama Onsen and Adventure World . If you reserve a cheap rental car in Wakayama Prefecture at or near the airport , you can access tourist spots from the main air terminal in the prefecture without any problems. Why not visit the currently popular Wakayama?