Enjoyable even on rainy days! 6 recommended sightseeing spots in Wakayama

When it comes to popular tourist spots in Wakayama Prefecture, places like the famous Shirarahama Beach with its beautiful sandy shore, temples, numerous theme parks, and leisure facilities come to mind. However, enjoying these spots usually depends on sunny weather. If it rains, you might have to change your plans. So, this time, we’re introducing spots where you can have fun without any worries, even if it’s raining.

1. Semi-Submersible Underwater Sightseeing Boat "Stella Maris"

The "Stella Maris," departing from Kushimoto Marine Park, is a rare type of sightseeing boat—a semi-submersible vessel. It's not a full-fledged submarine that submerges entirely underwater, nor is it a standard sightseeing boat typically found at tourist spots.
The lower half of the vessel is designed to be submerged, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely view of the underwater world. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, taking you through clear waters and beautiful coral reefs located in a region registered under the international "Ramsar Convention" to protect rare flora and fauna.
From the large windows inside the ship, you can observe coral reefs and colorful fish beneath the surface, making you feel as if you're scuba diving. If you're lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle! The Stella Maris departs 13 times daily at 30-minute intervals, so there's no need to rush.

2. A Unique Market Experience at "Kuroshio Market"

Do markets feel a bit overwhelming with their unique atmosphere? If so, "Kuroshio Market," located within Wakayama Marina City, is a place you must visit!
The interior features a retro vibe with orange lights reminiscent of Showa-era candy stores. Near the entrance, a tuna cutting show is held three times a day, where freshly landed tuna is sliced right in front of your eyes. You can even purchase this fresh tuna on the spot and savor it as sushi or in rice bowls. Watching the impressive tuna cutting up close is an experience children will surely enjoy.
While the market boasts an abundance of seafood, it also offers meat and vegetables. On the first floor's food court, you'll find noodle dishes, fried foods, and even a barbecue restaurant. At the "Hamayaki Barbecue" shop, a variety of ingredients, including seafood, are available, and the terrace seating on the second floor offers a stunning ocean view. The terrace is particularly popular in summer, so reservations are recommended.
Don't miss the mandarin orange soft serve, a hidden favorite! Seasonal "all-you-can-eat snow crab" events are also held, so be sure to check their website. Unlike typical markets that open early in the morning, Kuroshio Market has later hours, starting from 9 or 10 a.m., depending on the day. Confirm the opening time in advance before your visit.

3. "Eneran" – Shirahama Energy Land

Shirahama Energy Land, commonly known as "Eneran," is an interactive theme park where 90% of the facilities are designed to be enjoyed even on rainy days.
The trick art exhibits, which use perspective and optical illusions to create fun photo opportunities, are immensely popular with both adults and children. Most visitors take plenty of photos here. Why not get creative, take some unique shots, and share them on social media?
There are plenty of fascinating attractions to explore, such as the "Parallel World," which makes you question your senses, or the "Trick Maze," where you need to collect stamps to successfully clear it rather than just reaching the goal. Even on rainy days, you can stay active at Shirahama Energy Land, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended! It is conveniently located right near Shirarahama Beach, making it a great alternative for those planning a day at the beach in case of rain.
Outdoor attractions like the "Footbath with Reflexology Path" also have partial coverings, so check the weather and enjoy accordingly. Please note that the facility is closed every Tuesday.

4. Experience an Adventure at the "Totsui Limestone Cave"

The Totsui Limestone Cave, which has gained attention from media coverage and positive reviews, has seen increasing visitor numbers over the years. Interestingly, the cave has only been open for tours for 28 years.
Exploring the cave takes about 15 minutes in total. Its winding paths offer a sense of adventure, making it a fun destination to visit with children. Inside, the temperature is consistently maintained at around 15°C, providing a natural cooling experience, especially in the summer heat. This makes it particularly crowded in August. If you’re planning a summer vacation visit, keep this in mind!
The entrance fee is quite affordable, at just 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children, which adds to its appeal. It’s also a mystical spot that can serve as a great subject for children’s independent research projects.

5. "Kyoto University Field Science Education Center Seto Marine Biological Laboratory Aquarium" – A Place to Enjoy While Learning

Originally a tank room for Kyoto University, this facility opened to the public about 80 years ago and was renovated in 2014.
This aquarium houses creatures native to the Wakayama area, particularly known for its large collection of invertebrates, which is said to be among the best in Japan. Enthusiasts will love this place, as it was even featured on "The World Unknown to Matsuko." While it lacks flashy shows like dolphin or sea lion performances, reviews praise it as a "hidden gem" and "exceeding expectations."
Many visitors have also remarked on the detailed and easy-to-understand explanations, making it an educational and satisfying experience that only a university-affiliated facility can offer. The aquarium also provides a rare service of lending sketching stools, adding a unique touch.
This aquarium is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy its exhibits or take a closer look at organisms and learn more about them. It is open all year round without holidays, and the reasonable admission fee is another attractive point.

6. The Unique Joy of “Indigo Dyeing Experience”

Using components from plants that contain a blue pigment called "indigo," participants immerse fabric in the dye, squeeze it, and then expose it to air to create the characteristic indigo color. For 2,300 yen per person, you can complete your piece in 1 to 2 hours. Recently, this experience has been attracting an increasing number of international tourists.
The beauty of indigo dyeing lies in its individuality – no two pieces are the same, influenced by factors like folding, squeezing, string-wrapping techniques, and fabric texture. You can even bring your own items to dye. From tapestries to scarves and bandanas, creating different pieces with family and friends can be an enjoyable adventure starting with choosing your materials. Reservations are required, but sessions are available daily, so why not give it a try?

Summary

Famous tourist destinations like beaches and amusement parks often lead us to plan trips with sunny weather in mind. However, the spots introduced are all places where you can go out without worrying about the weather, whether it’s sunny or raining. Planning ahead is one of the joys of traveling, so it might be a good idea to prepare two schedules: one for sunny days and another for rainy days.