Enjoy History, Culture, and Nature in Gobō City: 5 Must-Visit Tourist Spots!

Gobō City is blessed with a warm climate, making it an attractive destination where you can harvest various fruits throughout the year—melons in summer, mandarins in autumn, and strawberries from winter through spring.

In addition, the “Kumano Kodo Kiiji Route,” which leads to the sacred Kumano Sanzan, passes through Gobō City. Alongside many famous tourist sites, the city also preserves its old townscape, offering a soothing experience for visitors.

Packed with historical, cultural, and natural attractions, Gobō City is full of charm. Be sure to take the time to enjoy everything this captivating city has to offer.

1. Japan’s Shortest Railway, the "Kishū Railway," When Visiting Gobō City

Gobō City is home to Japan’s shortest mini railway—the Kishū Railway. A source of pride for Gobō, this beloved local railway is also a popular tourist attraction.

The Kishū Railway departs from Platform 0 at JR Gobō Station. With a total length of only 2.7 km, it’s delightfully short. A single train car clatters along leisurely at about 20 km/h, creating a charming, nostalgic feel. There are only five stations in total, and the ride from Gobō Station to Nishi-Gobō Station near Hidaka Betsuin takes around 8 minutes. One unique feature is the train car itself—a two-axle railbus with just four wheels.

If you're traveling with children, consider getting off at Gakumon Station ("Study Gate Station") along the way. The station sells special good-luck tickets (¥550), perfect for a memorable souvenir from your trip. For students taking entrance exams, this could be an encouraging charm!

2. Enjoy Strawberry Picking at “Nōen Kinokuni”

Nada Town in Gobō City is one of the warmest areas in the southern Wakayama region, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing. It’s also a thriving area for both agriculture and fishing.
At Nōen Kinokuni, around 70 greenhouses are used to carefully grow fruits like strawberries and melons, as well as flowers such as statice. The hands-on farming experience, where visitors can enjoy strawberry and melon picking, is especially popular with tourists.

Nōen Kinokuni also sells strawberry syrup made exclusively from fully ripened “Marihime” strawberries. Its refined and gentle sweetness, along with the texture of the berries, is something truly unique. The elegant packaging also makes it a great gift. It can be enjoyed on freshly baked toast or mixed with soda—there are plenty of ways to savor it. While available online, be sure to grab a bottle as a souvenir when you visit. The facility is barrier-free, so visitors using strollers or wheelchairs can enjoy it worry-free.

3. Learn About Energy at the “Hidaka Port New Energy Park (EE Park)”

A unique attraction in Gobō City is the Hidaka Port New Energy Park, also known as EE Park. It’s the first complex facility in Japan themed around “seeing, learning, and experiencing” new energy. "EE" stands for ECO, ENGY, ELECTRIC, and ENVIRONMENT.

Here, visitors can learn firsthand about various next-generation energy technologies such as micro hydropower that works with minimal water, small-scale hybrid generation combining solar and wind power, and compact, whale-shaped wind turbines. There are also different styles of micro generators, including propeller-type and vertical-axis types.

In the PR Hall, you’ll find many corners where you can learn about new energy through games and quizzes. Adding a place like this to your Gobō sightseeing itinerary makes for a fun and educational visit.

4. Parent-Child Canoeing Experience on the Clear Waters of the Hidaka River

Facing the Kii Channel, Wakayama Prefecture is actually a hub for watersports—and canoeing on the Hidaka River is one such activity. Flowing through Gobō City, the Hidaka River is Japan’s longest Class 2 river. Why not try a canoeing adventure here during your visit?

The program, using the river’s clear waters, features inflatable two-seater “duckies” guided by instructors, making it accessible even for beginners. The sit-on-top ducky type is also less likely to flip, which adds to the comfort.

This experience is available annually from May through September. It’s a chance to enjoy river activities with your family in the rich nature of Gobō—an unforgettable travel memory. Life jackets and helmets are available for rent. Advance reservation is required, so don’t forget to book!

5. The Largest Festival in the Chūki Region Held at "Kotake Hachiman Shrine"

Kotake Hachiman Shrine is the only shrine in the former Gobō Town and one of the grandest in the city, with around 20,000 parishioners.

The Gobō Festival held at this shrine is the largest in the Chūki region. If you’re visiting in autumn, this is one event you shouldn’t miss. It has long been said, “If you want to see people, go to the Gobō Festival,” attracting around 30,000 spectators every year.

Held annually on October 4th and 5th, the Gobō Festival is also called the “Kenkamatsuri” or “Fighting Festival.” Large festival drums (yotsu-daiko) carrying children with white-painted faces and kabuki-style makeup are paraded vigorously through town. The chant “Saitekuryo!” means “Let’s lift it up!” as people raise the roughly one-ton, four-legged structure high with their hands. The spectacle continues until midnight, making it a thrilling highlight of autumn in Gobō.

◎ Summary

What do you think? Gobō City offers a wide variety of attractions—from historical sites and peaceful walking spots to exciting outdoor adventures and opportunities to learn about next-generation energy.

Whether you want to take it slow and enjoy nature, or get active and have fun, there’s something here for solo travelers, groups, and families alike. Hands-on experiences make for memorable visits, not just for adults but for children too. And with the chance to savor local ingredients, it’s a destination that ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or three generations of family, Gobō City is sure to offer something for everyone.

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Enjoy History, Culture, and Nature in Gobō City: 5 Must-Visit Tourist Spots!