Related articles

【せんりみち公式】Japan’s proud, breathtaking night view! Introducing beautiful spots carefully selected from all over the country!

Wakayama Prefecture is one of Japan's most fascinating tourist destinations, often overlooked even by locals. It boasts ancient sacred sites, high-quality hot springs, beautiful nature, and a fascinating cultural heritage site registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wakayama Prefecture is a dream destination, especially for foreign travelers with a strong interest in Japanese culture. This article will thoroughly introduce the charms of Wakayama Prefecture to international tourists. From a foreigner's perspective, we will carefully explain how to plan your itinerary, access methods, tourist attractions, experiential activities, accommodations, food culture, and how to overcome language barriers. We will provide a multifaceted guide to ensure your trip to Wakayama Prefecture is unforgettable.

Why is Wakayama Prefecture recommended for foreign tourists?

The World Heritage Site "Kumano Kodo" and Spiritual Tourism

One of Wakayama Prefecture's greatest tourist attractions is the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range. It is a symbol of Japan's unique "spiritual tourism," attracting many international visitors seeking spiritual healing and cultural depth. For international travelers, the experience of a multi-day pilgrimage on foot through nature is truly extraordinary. The moss-covered Jizo statues and torii gates along the roadside evoke a sense of Japanese aesthetics and religious faith. The roads connecting the "Kumano Sanzan" (Three Grand Shrines of Kumano), Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha, each with its own unique history and culture, add depth to the journey. The route is particularly popular with European travelers, often compared to the Camino de Santiago (Camino de Santiago), and is attracting significant attention.

Easy access from Kansai Airport

Although Wakayama Prefecture is far from airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area such as Narita and Haneda, it is very easily accessible from Kansai International Airport (KIX), making it convenient for foreign tourists. From KIX, it takes about an hour and a half by JR express train to reach Wakayama City, and two to three hours to reach Shirahama or Tanabe, making it easy to incorporate into a sightseeing plan that combines sightseeing in the Kansai region.

Popular with individual travelers rather than groups

Compared to "must-see" destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, Wakayama has relatively few foreign tourists, making for a quieter and more relaxed travel experience. This is a major attraction, especially for Western tourists who prefer to travel independently. Wakayama Prefecture is the place to fulfill your wish to "see the real Japan."

Top 10 Must-See Sightseeing Spots in Wakayama Prefecture

1. Mount Koya: A World-Famous Buddhist Holy Land

Mount Koya is the headquarters of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) during the Heian period. There are many lodgings called shukubo, where you can stay with monks, and experience Buddhist culture firsthand through experiences such as vegetarian cuisine and morning religious services. Keywords such as "Zen" and "Meditation" particularly resonate with Western travelers.

2. Nachi Falls and Mount Nachi

Nachi Falls, one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls, boasts a height of 133 meters, with Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple standing behind it. This mystical landscape is a popular spot that frequently appears on social media among foreign tourists. The combination of the waterfall and the temple visually expresses Japan's unique belief in nature, making it a photogenic and historic place.

3. Shirahama Onsen and Adventure World

Shirahama, a famous resort town, is a place where you can enjoy both the tropical beach resort atmosphere and Japan's unique hot spring culture. Furthermore, Adventure World, a zoo with pandas, is especially popular with tourists from China. Hotels and inns are also becoming more and more accommodating to foreigners, making for a comfortable stay.

4. Kimiidera Temple and Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

Kimiidera is one of the centers of Kannon worship, and in the spring it is decorated with cherry blossoms, a scene that is often featured in foreign tourist media. The combination of temples and cherry blossoms attracts attention from overseas as a symbol of "Japaneseness."

5. Katsuura and the Tuna Cutting Show

In the fishing port town of Katsuura, fresh tuna is landed almost every morning and a spectacular tuna filleting show is presented. Restaurants that allow you to participate in this show have received a great response as it is an experience that foreigners do not usually have the opportunity to have. This is an area that you should not miss as part of a gourmet trip.

6. Yunomine Onsen: Japan's oldest hot spring

For foreign tourists who love hot springs, the idea of a hot spring with over a thousand years of history is very appealing. The World Heritage Site "Tsuboyu" is said to have miraculous powers, and bathing there will be a precious memory that you can't find anywhere else.

7. Kushimoto: Diving at Koza Beach, Japan's Southernmost Point

Kushimoto, facing the Pacific Ocean, is known for having some of the clearest waters in Japan, and you can experience scuba diving and snorkeling here. It is especially popular among foreigners who love the sea.

8. Minabe Town: Experience Umeboshi Culture

Wakayama Prefecture is the number one producer of plums in Japan. In Minabe Town, the center of the prefecture, there are an increasing number of tourist facilities where you can actually experience making umeboshi, making it a great learning opportunity for foreign tourists interested in Japanese food culture.

9. Taiji: Learn about historic whale culture

Taiji, historically the center of whaling culture, has a whale museum where visitors can learn about the unique fishing methods and history of the village. This culturally interesting area is popular with European tourists who are interested in environmental conservation and history.

10. Wakayama City and Tomogashima: Island Hopping Through History and Ruins

Tomogashima, located off the coast of Wakayama City, is secretly popular among ruin enthusiasts and military fans. The fantastical scenery, reminiscent of the Ghibli anime "Castle in the Sky," has been gaining attention in recent years as a spot where you can experience a different world view of Japan.

Experience activities and workshops in Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Prefecture offers not only sightseeing but also a wealth of hands-on activities that you can participate in. Popular experiences among foreign visitors include: – Calligraphy experience (Mount Koya and Kumano area) – Japanese sweets making experience (Wakayama City, Tanabe City) – Pickled plum experience (Minabe Town) – Tatami making workshop (Wakayama City workshop) – Kimono rental and walking tour of the city (Mount Koya, Nachikatsuura) Another big plus is the increasing number of English-speaking instructors, which has greatly improved participant satisfaction.

How to Choose and Recommend Foreigner-Friendly Accommodations

While there are fewer accommodations for foreign tourists than in urban areas, if you look carefully, you will find many lodgings and inns that boast high levels of hospitality. In particular, around Mount Koya and Shirahama, there are an increasing number of facilities with English-speaking staff on-site. Some of the accommodations that have received high ratings on overseas sites (such as Booking.com and Agoda) include: – Mount Koya's Fukuchiin (lodgings) – Nachikatsuura's Hotel Urashima – Shirahama's Infinite Hotel & Spa Nanki Shirahama – Yunomine Onsen's Yunomineso These facilities offer accommodations for foreign visitors, such as Wi-Fi, vegetarian menus, and English-speaking guides.

Food culture and recommended gourmet foods that are essential for your trip to Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture has many local delicacies that will surprise foreigners. – Wakayama Ramen: Characterized by a pork bone and soy sauce base. Numerous options are available in front of the station and around the city. – Tuna dishes: Fresh tuna bowls and sashimi delivered directly from Katsuura Port. – Plum dishes: In Minabe, you can enjoy plum rice porridge, plum wine, pickled plum sushi, and more. – Mountain delicacies: You can also taste game dishes in Tanabe and Kumano. – Shojin cuisine: You can experience this at a temple lodging at Mount Koya. Menus that cater to foreigners who avoid meat and fish for religious or cultural reasons are gradually becoming more extensive, and the number of restaurants with vegetarian options is also increasing.

Transportation in Wakayama Prefecture

The basic way to travel between major tourist spots in Wakayama Prefecture is by train and bus. JR West and Nankai Electric Railway are the main means of access, and the Kansai Area Pass and JR Pass for foreigners are recommended. Renting a car also allows for more flexible itineraries. Buses are limited, especially when going to remote areas such as the Kumano Kodo and Nachikatsuura, so it's important to check in advance.

Dealing with English environments and language barriers

Compared to the past, Wakayama Prefecture has made progress in providing information in English. Tourist information centers provide English pamphlets, and there is a multilingual smartphone app called "Wakayama Navi." Additionally, many information boards in major tourist destinations are written in English, making for a smoother trip. However, in regional restaurants and on public transport, it can be difficult to communicate in English, so it's a good idea to learn a basic amount of Japanese. Phrases like "thank you," "delicious," and the Japanese name for the place you want to go to are useful.

A model itinerary for a trip around Kansai, starting from Wakayama

For foreign tourists, incorporating Wakayama Prefecture into an itinerary touring the Kansai area adds depth to your trip. – Day 1: Kansai International Airport → Stroll around Wakayama City – Day 2: Experience a temple lodging at Mount Koya – Days 3-4: Trekking along the Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi Course) – Day 5: Resort experience at Nachikatsuura and Shirahama – Day 6: Wakayama ramen, hot springs, and the return journey With an itinerary like this, you can cover a moderate distance and have a trip that covers culture, nature, food, and relaxation.

summary

Compared to other major cities, Wakayama Prefecture may be considered a "hidden gem" for foreign travelers, but it is packed with unique and profound charm. Nature, culture, history, food, and the warmth of the people. Many foreign visitors to this place unanimously say they were able to experience the real Japan. Its easy access and abundance of tourist attractions will likely become increasingly known around the world. Wakayama Prefecture is a tranquil and memorable destination worth visiting now. When recommending Wakayama Prefecture to foreign travelers, conveying not only its visual impact but also the "story" and "philosophy" of the land will provide a deeper travel experience. Wakayama Prefecture is a worthy destination for anyone looking to experience the source of Japan's spirituality and culture.

Make a reservation here!