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While many foreign tourists visiting Japan are concentrated in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, one prefecture is secretly gaining attention: Wakayama Prefecture. Located in southwestern Japan, Wakayama is a hidden tourist destination packed with a diverse range of attractions, including mountains, sea, hot springs, history, religion, and cuisine. Wakayama, in particular, is becoming recognized as a valuable place to experience the "essence of Japan" for foreign travelers. This article provides a comprehensive and thorough introduction to Wakayama Prefecture's attractions, tourist spots, access methods, cultural experiences, accommodation information, gourmet food, and important points to note for foreign travelers. This is a must-read for anyone planning to visit Wakayama or show a foreign friend around. We'll explore why Wakayama is gaining popularity, providing detailed information on multilingual support, religious and cultural considerations, and more.

Basic information and geographical attractions of Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Prefecture is located in the southwest of Honshu and is part of the Kinki region. It covers an area of approximately 4,724 square kilometers, and most of it is mountainous. The coastal area offers spectacular views of Wakayama Bay and the Pacific Ocean, making it a truly precious area where you can enjoy the natural scenery of the sea, mountains, and rivers all at once.

Easy access

It takes about 40 minutes by train from Kansai International Airport to Wakayama Station. Traveling by car is even more flexible. It's also easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto, making it easy to incorporate into your travel plans during your stay in Japan.

Geography where the sea and mountains merge

The southern part of the prefecture is home to sacred sites such as the Kumano Sanzan and Mount Koya, and is surrounded by mountains creating a mystical atmosphere.On the other hand, the sea side is lined with resort towns such as Shirahama, Kushimoto, and Shingu, with beautiful coastlines and crystal clear beaches.

Why Wakayama Prefecture is rapidly gaining popularity among foreigners

Wakayama has traditionally been a destination for domestic tourism, but in recent years it has begun to attract the attention of foreign visitors because of the diverse experiences it offers, such as:

Spiritual Experience

"Paths of Prayer" such as Mount Koya and the Kumano Kodo are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and are attracting attention from people of different religious and cultural backgrounds as "journeys of healing for the soul." They are especially valuable places for tourists from Europe and the United States to quietly experience Buddhist culture.

A sense of unity with nature

Popular activities include trekking to scenic spots such as Nachi Falls, the sandy beaches of Shirahama, and Mount Gomadan, as well as hot spring experiences. You can take a deep breath and refresh your mind and body, something you can't experience in urban areas.

Establishing an inbound system

Shirahama Airport has plenty of English signs and tourist information centers, and multilingual staff. The number of Wi-Fi hotspots is also increasing, making it easy to use for map checking and translation.

Major tourist spots to visit and their appeal to foreigners

There are many sightseeing spots in Wakayama, but the following are particularly recommended for foreign tourists.

Mount Koya

Founded by Kukai, this sacred place of Japanese Buddhism exudes a solemn atmosphere. By staying at the temple lodging, enjoying vegetarian cuisine, and experiencing the morning service, even international visitors can experience a sense of spiritual fulfillment that will put them to sleep deeply.

Kumano Kodo

This ancient pilgrimage route runs through the Kii Peninsula and is designated as a World Heritage Site. Along the way, you'll feel as if you're embraced by nature, as you smell the trees, hear the birds chirping, and feel the cobblestones. There are many walking tours available, and there are also guided courses in English.

Shirahama

There are plenty of attractions to see, including hot springs, the ocean, the zoo, Adventure World, etc. In particular, the number of pandas kept here is among the highest in Japan, making it popular with overseas tourists with children.

Unique culture and activities you can experience in Wakayama

Experience staying at a temple lodging

Many lodgings offer multilingual support, and an increasing number of people, especially Westerners, are attracted to the tranquility and spirituality of these lodgings. Training experiences and sutra copying are also available.

Wakayama Ramen Making Experience

You can experience making authentic Wakayama ramen and pickled plums at tourist farms and local restaurants. They are especially popular among foreigners who love cooking, and are also popular as souvenirs.

Ninja & Samurai Experience

Kii Tanabe regularly hosts ninja experiences and samurai shows, and offers a wide range of Instagram-worthy plans, including trying on traditional Japanese clothing and swinging a sword.

Transportation information and itinerary for foreign tourists

Osaka to Wakayama Prefecture Tour Course

The most popular route for foreigners arriving at Kansai Airport is "Osaka → Mount Koya → Kumano Kodo → Shirahama → Return to Kansai Airport." This route is also recommended by tourist information centers as it can be easily completed using public transportation.

Rental car usage is also increasing rapidly

With the increase in English-speaking navigation systems, the number of foreigners using rental cars is also increasing. They are especially useful for families and those staying long-term.

Useful information to know before you visit Japan

SIM card and Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in major tourist destinations such as Shirahama, Mount Koya, and Kumano, making it convenient for short stays. There are also plenty of services for eSIM-compatible devices around Kansai International Airport and Wakayama Station.

Currency exchange and payment methods

For foreign tourists, foreign currency exchange machines are available in some areas, such as Shirahama and Shingu, and payment options such as credit cards and QR code payment are expanding. Alipay and WeChat Pay are also accepted for Chinese tourists.

Accommodations for foreign tourists

Mount Koya: Temple lodgings

Shukubo, where you can experience staying overnight at a Buddhist temple with over 300 years of history, can be booked through an English-language website and is extremely popular with foreign tourists.

Shirahama: Resort Hotel

There are facilities such as Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel and Hotel Kawakyu that offer amenities, meals, and interpretation services for foreigners.

Urban areas: Business hotels

Wakayama City is also home to a growing number of affordable, clean business hotels that cater to foreigners, making it ideal for short stays.

Wakayama cuisine popular with foreign tourists

Wakayama ramen

It features a soy sauce and pork bone based soup and thin noodles, and is popular with foreigners for its easy-to-eat flavor. Frozen ramen souvenirs are also popular.

Pickled plums and citrus fruits

Kishu umeboshi are highly acclaimed overseas, and samples are sometimes sold at airports and roadside stations. Arita mikan mandarins are also popular among foreigners for their sweetness and freshness.

Grouper and whale dishes

You can also try some unique seafood dishes unique to Wakayama, such as grouper hotpot and whale bacon, making this an unforgettable experience for food-loving travelers.

Best season to visit Wakayama and event information

Spring: Cherry Blossoms and the Kumano Kodo Trail

In spring, you can enjoy trekking along the Kumano Kodo trails amidst the blossoming mountain cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms in full bloom around Mount Koya also create a mystical atmosphere.

Summer: Swimming and fireworks

You can enjoy swimming in the sea, especially in Shirahama, and there are also fireworks displays, making it a popular summer event for foreign visitors.

Autumn: Autumn leaves at Mount Koya

Mount Koya is enveloped in autumn leaves from the end of October to mid-November. The contrast between the silence and the fiery autumn leaves makes it a popular photo spot with foreigners.

Winter: The contrast between hot springs and snow

Nanki Shirahama Onsen and Ryujin Onsen are popular for their open-air baths that can be enjoyed alongside the snowy scenery. This is the perfect time to enjoy the quiet Japanese atmosphere.

Points that foreign tourists should be aware of

Language barrier

Outside of urban areas, there are areas where English is difficult to understand. By using a translation app, you can enjoy your trip smoothly. It is important to know the location of tourist information centers in advance.

Cultural Manners

It is necessary to thoroughly instruct people to observe basic etiquette at temples and shrines, such as removing their shoes, not making noise, and observing areas where photography is prohibited.

Number of trains

Regional trains and buses run infrequently, so be sure to check the timetable. Delays and temporary cancellations can occur, so it's important to plan ahead and include some extra time.

summary

Wakayama Prefecture is a place that combines diverse attractions that appeal to the five senses: Japanese history, culture, nature, food, and hot springs. It is quietly gaining attention, especially among foreign tourists, as a place where they can experience the "real Japan" that cannot be found in other major cities. Meanwhile, the development of tourism infrastructure and language support make it easy to visit. Visiting this region will teach you about the diversity and depth of Japan, from the tranquility of Mount Koya, the breathtaking scenery of the Kumano Kodo Trail, the sunshine of Shirahama, and even the delicious flavor of Wakayama ramen. Whether traveling with friends, family, or solo, Wakayama is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

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