2025 Wakayama Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Do you think Osaka is already beautiful? Then you should check out Wakayama. Compared to the bustling Osaka, Wakayama is more like a quiet haven with fewer tourists but many attractions worth exploring. Not only is there the world-famous Kodama Tram and the historic seafood market, but also Japan's No. 1 waterfall, dense forests, clear waterfalls, solemn shrines, blue sea and golden beaches. 🎀Highlights of Wakayama 🐱Kodama Tram: The Kishigawa Kodama Tram in Wakayama Prefecture is small and cute, and is a great way to experience the local atmosphere. 🌊Coastline: The coastline along the Kuroshio Line is long and winding with picturesque scenery. 💦Beach: Shiraharahama's beach is white and fine, and there are also Engetsu Island, foot baths and hot springs. ⛩Shrine: The sea torii gate of Kii Katsuura and the seafood sashimi rice bowl full of marine flavor. ✅ Itinerary suggestion: (6 days and 5 nights in Kansai) Day 1: Depart from Osaka Kansai Airport, check in to the hotel, and stay in Wakayama for the first night. Day 2: Tour from Osaka to Wakayama, visit Koyasan and Kuroshio Market, and stay overnight in Shirahama. Day 3: Explore Sandanbeki, Engetsujima, Senjojiki, Shio Cape and Hashiraiwa, stay in Urashima. Day 4: Visit Kumano Kodo, Seigantoji Temple, Nachi Falls and Shufu Park, and head to Tsu City. Day 5: Depart from Tsu City, visit Kyoto Sanzen-in Temple, experience Kibune's water divination and kawadoko cuisine, and return to Osaka. Day 6: Return to Osaka Kansai Airport and end the journey. 🎈How to Play ♨Seaview Hot Spring: This is the oldest "Saki-no-yu" in Japan, with a history of more than 1,350 years. The ticket is only 500 yen (about 25 RMB). It is very comfortable to soak in the hot spring with the sea view of the Pacific Ocean and lean on the rocks to listen to the sound of the waves. 🏖Free beach: The beautiful Shirahama Beach, with fine white sand and clear water, allows you to listen to leisurely music and watch students playing volleyball shirtless, which is not inferior to the surfing teenagers in Kamakura. 🌇Small town scenery: Different from the bustling big cities, there is the largest seafood market in Kansai, where you can taste fresh and economical seafood. 🌊Sea view accommodation: Most of the hotels here face the sea. You can wait for the sunset in the free foot bath, listen to the jazz played by the band, or enjoy your personal sea view time in a private hot spring under the shade of trees. 🍤Food experience: Whether it is the hotel's one-night stay and two-meals, or Keynoodle's sea bream noodles and seafood tea rice, you can enjoy the delicious food to your heart's content. 🏠Specialized accommodation: The all-white dome tents in "ToreTore Village" look like cotton candy. It offers a variety of room types and even has a pet room. #Wakayama Travel #Odama Tram #Seaview Hot Spring #Shirarahama Beach #Kansai Travel #Osaka Itinerary

Recommended gourmet food and sweets you'll want to try on your trip to Wakayama! ✍🏻 (All photos are from May 2024) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ▼ ɢᴏᴜʀᴍᴇᴛ 🐼 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 📷2 #ShirahamaPudding ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 　 🏡Address | 2521 Katata, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture 　　　　Toretore Market Nanki Shirahama 1st floor 🕰️Opening hours | 8:30-18:30 🚙Parking | Available 　 　 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 📷3-5 #Cafe de Mamma ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 　 🏡Address | 1590-40 Hanita, Minabe-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama Prefecture 🕰️Opening hours | 10:00-17:00 (Saturdays and Sundays 9:00-) 🚙Parking | Available 　 　 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 📷6-8 #FukubishiKageroucafe ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 　 🏡Address | 1279-3 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture 🕰️Opening hours | 8:00-18:00 🚙Parking | Available 　 　 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 📷9 #Pescatore Shirahama ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 　 🏡Address | 300-4 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture 🕰️Opening hours | 11:30-15:00 🚙Parking | Available 　 　 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 📷10-11 #tettibakerycafe ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 　 🏡Address | 1821 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture 　　　　　Key Terrace Hotel Seamore 1F 🕰️Time｜7:00-18:30 🚙Parking｜Available 　 　 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 📷12 #tanabeenplus ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 　 🏡Address｜41-1F Minato, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture 🕰️Time｜10:00-19:00 🚙Parking｜No (nearby coin parking) 　 　 🏷️Save and use it for your next trip! 　 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 　 ✍🏻 ᴛʀɪᴘ ᴛɪᴘs ˊ˗ Pescatore Shirahama was fully booked even on weekdays! Make a reservation early and go there 🍝🍕 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ #DomesticTravel #WakayamaTourism #BlanchetNankiShirahama #WakayamaTrip #KinkiTourism

CoStudio | Kuroshio Market — Seafood feast at a seaside resort Located on the artificial resort island of Wakayama Yacht City, Kuroshio Market is an exciting seaside fish market offering freshly caught seafood for you to indulge in a seafood feast. The area is characterised by a lively seaside atmosphere, full of buzz and energy. Visitors can watch the fishing boats return with their bountiful catch to market, ensuring that the seafood you taste is absolutely fresh and delicious. Kuroshio Market offers a wide variety of seafood options, with the mouth-watering sashimi being the most recommended. Fresh sashimi and sushi made on site are guaranteed to satisfy all your expectations for seafood. You can taste authentic Wakayama seafood cuisine in this market, as if you were in the embrace of the sea. Whether you want to taste delicious sashimi, explore the local fishing culture, or enjoy a seaside vacation, Kuroshio Market is a seafood paradise worth visiting. #Kuroshio Market #Wakayama Yacht City #Seafood Feast #Fresh Catch #Sashimi #Seaside Vacation #Seafood Paradise #Wakayama Cuisine #Fishing Culture

In Japan, I think everyone should go to the Nachi Falls that I introduced in this article. Nachi Falls is the highest continuous waterfall in Japan! It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites! : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Before, most people would stay in hot spring hotels when they went to Japan, because one of the things to do when you go to Japan is of course to take a hot spring bath. 😎 Today, I will introduce the Kishu Nanbu Royal Hotel in Wakayama, Japan. 🏨 This hotel has a total of ten floors, and there are many Japanese decorations inside. We also took photos as a souvenir. 📸 There is an open-air hot spring rock bath inside. If you like to take a hot spring bath in Japan, you must go there. ♨️ You can look at the endless Pacific Ocean outside the hotel, and at the same time soak in the hot spring, relax your body and mind at the same time, which is really a great pleasure in life. 👍🏻 The rooms are quite spacious, at least there is a coffee table and a sofa chair that can be used, which surprised me! The design of the rooms is mainly based on the feeling of Japanese B&B. Unlike ordinary hotels, the style seems a bit outdated, but it is not bad! The mattress is also comfortable, even a single bed is wide enough for two people to sleep👀 I have to mention that there are many different kinds of goods in the basement of their hotel, including food, fine products, daily necessities, etc. ~ Many of them are very unique! Some of them are not available in public. It is also a good choice to buy souvenirs here, at least they are rare and unique souvenirs! If you have a chance, you can go there. If you like it, please collect it❤️ Kishu Southern Royal Hotel Address: 348 Yamauchi Ometsudomari, Nanbu-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama Prefecture 645-0012 #residentwriter #attractionsphotographyguide #hotsummerplaces #japanplaces #checkinguide #japanhotels

Day 5️⃣ Breaking News Wakayama after a night of snow❄️ Very beautiful But it's easy to slip when walking Every step is a thrill ⚠️ The kids still wake up a little late🤣 Check out was rushed Arrive at Wakayama Castle at around 11:00🏯 Park in the parking lot opposite First City Office 14th Floor You can "see straight ahead" of Wakayama Castle👀 Then walk up to take a close-up shot📷 No money or time to go up to the castle tower Anyway Jon's dad 👨🏻Jon's mom 👩🏻thinks all cities are the same 🤣🤣🤣 I have been to Himeji Castle, Osaka Castle, Matsumoto Castle, and Okayama Castle before. Lunch is at the seafood restaurant Tsunaya🐟 It is a canteen directly operated by the fresh fish department of a large supermarket group. High freshness And they are all cheap 🤑 Lunch is between 1300-1700 yen Bought some small things after the meal We drove straight to Shirahama The original journey only took 70-80 minutes Who knew that some highways were closed due to heavy snow⛔️ It took 2.5 hours to get there. Fortunately the hotel did not disappoint One night and two meals The room is a four-bed room with a terrace. Breakfast and dinner are buffet 38xxx yen per night Very cost-effective 👍🏻👍🏻 Each room has one hour of free Karaoke🎤 There are also table tennis 🏓️ and kids center, etc. Of course, the Shirahama Onsen, one of the three ancient springs in Japan, is indispensable. Stay here for two nights More relaxing than staycation🥰🥰 #禧之小厨 #chefjonjon #香港小男厨 #禧之日常 #高中初年生 #thisis12 #hkkids #hongkongkids #instakid #fotokids #kidsphotography #kidsphoto #kidsinfluencer #kidskol #hongkonginfluencer #hkinfluencer #hkkol #hongkongkol #hkyoutuber #hongkongyoutuber #kidsmodel #foodie #foodiehk #kidfoodie #自驾慢游和歌山2023 #日本 #自驾游

The most common thing to do in Japan is to check in and take pictures around. But what I didn’t expect is that there is a place in Wakayama, Japan that is like flying to Europe in a second‼ ️This place is called Europa Port~ The buildings around Europa Port are all European in style, with street scenes of France, Italy, and Spain as the main ones, such as the fountain square, small square, castle, etc., which attract many tourists to check in and take photos here✨ There are also other mobile games and amusement facilities available for you to play, such as the Ferris wheel, carousel and other mobile games, as well as large ball pools, mazes and other facilities. It can be said to be very diverse~ But remember that these amusement facilities require additional charges🌟 Finally, we also had a meal in the restaurant there. The quality of the restaurant there was also good 👍🏻 There were many dishes I liked, and I sincerely recommend them to everyone☺️ Europa Port Address: Wakayama Yacht City, Wakayama, 1527 Momi, Wakayama Tickets: Free Additional fee package (amusement facilities) Adults (junior high school students and above): 3,800 yen Children (3 years old and over): 3,200 yen Transportation: Take the Wakayama Bus from JR Kainan Station/go to the Yacht City Bus Stop and walk to the destination #residentwriter #attractionsphotographyguide #hotsummerplaces #japanplaces #suburbsplaces #Japan Attractions

It has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best beaches, and is easily accessible from Osaka 👍 There are many diving spots and swimming beaches, centered around Shirasaki Marine Park, which is surrounded by white limestone, and the area around Kuroshima and Yura Port are also popular for sea fishing! I went at dusk, but there is also a roadside station that is open 24 hours a day, so it seems like you can enjoy it no matter what time of day you visit! There is also a video that gives you a sense of the atmosphere, so be sure to watch until the end! If you find this helpful, please save it, it will encourage me to post more 💦 (Actually, it took me a few hours to make this lol) 🚍 Bus: 20 minutes by bus from Kii-Yura Station 🚘 Free parking: Available 📸Camera: Sony a7c GoPro8 📸Lens: tamron 28-75mm f2.8 👨‍💻Edit: Lightroom 📍Shirasaki Beach 960-1 Ohiki, Yura-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama Prefecture #Amazing view #Free spot

① Shirasaki Marine Park It's said to be the Aegean Sea of ​​Japan! The white rocks and blue sea are the best ② Oishi Plateau The Japanese silver grass is great! The best time to see it is in the fall. Maybe mid-October to early November! ③ Senjojiki It seems that this pattern was created by erosion by rough waves for a long time! The sunset is also beautiful. It's nice to sit and relax during the warmer seasons. #Wakayama Prefecture #Wakayama Trip #Shirasaki Marine Park #Senjojiki #Oishi Plateau

This is a shrine I visited while sightseeing in Wakayama Prefecture. I drove up the mountain road to this shrine in the mountains, and it seems to be a World Heritage Site. There are 108 shrines across Japan that worship Nyutsuhime-no-Okami, and if you include the sub-shrines, there are more than 180, and this Nyutsuhime Shrine is the head shrine. The red arch bridge stands out. 230 Kamitenano, Katsuragi-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture Nyutsuhime Shrine #ForestBathing #JapanGenkiProject2021 #SummerShortTrip

Adventure World has had the baby panda Kaedehama, born last year, on display since March. To see Kaedehama and mother panda Lianghama, you have to enter a lottery in advance on the Adventure World website, and I won this time, so I went. Kaedehama is getting bigger and bigger, but he still moves like a baby and is very cute, so I recommend seeing him while you can. There are also dolphin shows, safari tours, and you can see many animals up close, and the staff are all animal lovers, so you can have fun even if you only go for a day. #having fun at the theme park #summer trip #trip with kids

Adventure World is famous for its pandas. I went there just to see the pandas, but there were also many other fun events, such as dolphin shows and mini shows featuring other animals, and even I, an adult, enjoyed it more than I expected. When I went, it was even more fun than I imagined!!! First of all, if you go, be sure to check the times for the dolphin show and go see it. I thought it was a theme park where the staff put a lot of thought into it. #themepark

At Kuroshio Market in Wakayama, you can enjoy fresh seafood🌊🐟✨ Not only can you eat seafood bowls and fresh fish that you can grill on the spot, but you can also buy a lot of souvenirs that you can't easily find anywhere else😳‼️ There is also a theme park called Porto Europa on the premises, so you can enjoy it all day✨ Please come and visit with your family or friends🙌 #souvenirs #Kuroshio Market #gourmet #couple trip #Wakayama #gourmet trip

Wakayama Prefecture Adventure World I went to see the pandas. They are really cute, and even adults can enjoy it. I'd like to go back someday. Recently, baby pandas have been born, and I'd like to see the baby pandas again. In addition to the pandas, there are also dolphin shows and a safari space, and you can see the animals up close on foot or in a train-type car called the Kenya-go. #Theme Park #Having Fun at the Theme Park #Wakayama Prefecture #Adventure World

Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan is the most famous waterfall in Japan. It is 133 feet long and majestic. You can walk along the mountain road and go to the observation deck to take photos. #Overseas Travel

#goout, Wakayama Castle, it is a 15-minute walk from Nankai Wakayama Station. The cherry blossoms haven't bloomed yet, which is a pity. There is a seating area prepared for the cherry blossom festival next to it. It is a very comfortable castle 👍👍👍👍 #goout #goout #goout

We took a bus to kimiidera from Wakayamashi station. It took about 35 minutes and dropped us right by the entrance. I like shrines that are built onto the hillside so this one was nice. There are loads of cherry blossom trees around the area that would be excellent during peak season. It is worth a look after you've seen the castle and there are some great views from the top. I also spent some time walking around the hillside graveyard above the shrine. I happen to find Japanese graveyards fascinating and beautiful. #givethanks #givethanks

Our friends took us to this quite small shrine and we were immediately fascinated by all the small statues that people had left there as gifts or something (was a bit confused as to the reasoning). The dolls are just beautiful and there are so many of them !!! We were also amazed at the areas where specific animal items had been left, for example heaps of small pigs including money box pigs, frog garden ornament type items etc. We also enjoyed learning about the water cleansing and the ringing of the bells and the clapping hands. You can also buy a small piece of fortune paper that our Japanese friend translated as very good luck. Highly recommend if you're in this area as not crowded and very different to other shrines because of the dolls and animal statues. #givethanks #givethanks

It is a little bit hard to find but once you know where it is then it is easy to walk and find your bearings either back to where you started or to another bus stop. This path leads from one of the lower bus stops to the main temples of Nachi Falls. It is steep and continual steps all the way so it is not suited to people with walking difficulties. The trees are tall and make for a good relaxing peaceful atmosphere while doing the walk. I personally think it is best to do the descending walk. As there are a lot of steps around Nachi Falls take the bus to Nachi-San and enjoy the temples and surrounding area then walk down the Kumano Kondo back to the bus stop as it is all down hill. Nachi Falls is something worth conserving your energy for as you will do ample walking with plenty of stairs once you are there. Worth to visit! #givethanks #givethanks

The Hashigui-iwa rock formation on the water front of Kushimoto is very interesting and unlike any other formation. It just out into the bay pointing to Oshima lsand, the southern most point of Hoshu, the main island of Japan. Nature did a Good Job lining up the rocks. Located near to the coast for visitors to view. This place is a natural wonder and always a good place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. If the tide is low, you can actually walk out onto the rocks and if you happen to visit in December, the rocks are likely to be illuminated. Well worth a visit. #givethanks #givethanks

I have watched the TV news that a baby panda was born last year. When I saw the baby, I have decided to see the panda. My high expectations have not been betrayed. The name of the child panda is “Saihin”. She is a girl and so active! So cute! So lovely! You must see her. Now the crazy fever of baby panda boom has been calmed down, you can watch her very well without any clouds on week days. You will not be disappointed to enjoy here !!!!! This place will delight you, whether for children or adults. Dolphin show will also amaze you . I do not regret being here !!!! #givethanks #givethanks

Has anyone heard of Ghibli studio Laputa, Castle in the sky? Well, this island was the background inspiration for that animation. It was an interesting island though one need to really go early else there will be a long waiting queue since there is only one ferry operator from the Kada port, Wakayama. Also, some instruction was not really clear and lack of English direction. Tomogashima Island is a misnomer, there are actually 4 islands that are collectively referred to by that name. Access is by ferry from Kada port and the ferry only takes you to Okinoshima Island. #givethanks #givethanks

After visiting the Wakayama Castle which holds its guarded grandeur and famed ninja tales; we decided to explore its surroundings. We found beauty and elegance in a surprisingly quiet corner of the castle: Nishinomaru Teien Gardens (also known as Momijidani Teien). Not many tourists come down to this corner. During visit we met a japanese person told us that this garden brings peace and serenity. This elderly gentleman let us in on the secrets of this Garden as he lifted a big heavy camera with one hand to show us photos of rare birds who visit this charming garden too. We were in awe of the many different birds and creatures hidden but captured in photos which he graciously shared with us. We are glad we ventured beyond the main Castle and soaked in the tranquility of this garden. #givethanks #givethanks

Very popular Grand Shrine, best appreciated by hiking the Kumano Kodo as in the old days. The shrine architecture is outstanding. Great place for family with history and cultural experience. Many places of other interest are nearby. There are also one of the largest Torii shrine gate in the world #givethanks #travelinspiration #historicallandmarks #scenicspotguide #newyearstrip #givethanks

Kumano Shrine located at Wakayama, Japan is another breathtaking and stunning place in Japan. Visiting temples and shrines is very popular in Japan. But sometimes to appreciate more the place and view, we need to avoid crowded people thats why it is recommended to visit early in the morning. It is indeed a must visit place! It allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty and mystic atmosphere of the Kii mountains. Pilgrims then and now travel these trails to reach the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines, three of the most revered shrines in Japan. Visiting all three is believed to bring good luck to your past, present, and future lives. #givethanks #givethanks

#cherryblossom25 Wakayama Shrine during cherry blossom season? Total vibe. It’s not one of those mega-hyped spots, which honestly makes it even better. You roll up and there’s this peaceful, almost old-school charm to the place, quiet grounds, classic shrine architecture, and then... pink blossoms everywhere. The contrast between the soft petals and the traditional shrine buildings is amazing. It’s the kind of place where you can actually slow down, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the moment without a crowd hovering over your shoulder. There are paths to wander, stone lanterns peeking through the trees, and a few benches where you can just sit and vibe. Great spot for photos, journaling, or just zoning out under the blossoms. Bring snacks, maybe a matcha latte, and let spring do its thing. Low-key but totally magical, Wakayama Shrine hits different.

#cherryblossom25 Starting from Nishikoku’s 33rd Temple, No. 2 and Kimi-dera, which is known as the "Temple that Calls for Spring," I was surrounded by the beauty of blooming cherry blossoms. 🌸 The poetic lyrics echo in my mind: "If the sakura blossoms again, I hope to express my love under these cherry trees." It's a truly magical experience to witness the fleeting beauty of sakura while reflecting on the passing of time. 🥺💖 Day's itinerary: Arrived at Kansai Airport, then made my way to Wakayama Station to check in. Visited Kimi-dera Temple, then headed to Wakayama Castle. Wrapped up with a trip to Kata fishing port and took the scenic Taiyō Train (snapshots of fresh, colorful memories along the way). Despite being off the beaten path, Wakayama surprised me with its fewer crowds and abundant beauty, making it the perfect location for sakura lovers like me. 🌸 #naturalwonders

#cherryblossom25 "Life should be made up of countless moments like this." 🌿 About Wakayama City Wakayama City is the capital of Wakayama Prefecture in Japan. Located in the northwestern part of the Kii Peninsula on the island of Honshu, it sits along Osaka Bay. This city beautifully blends history, nature, and modern living, making it a perfect destination when exploring the Kansai region. 🌸 Strolling Through Spring: A Romantic Moment in Wakayama City In springtime, Wakayama City is draped in pink — with cherry blossoms blooming along the streets and parks. One of the best spots to enjoy the seasonal beauty is Wakayama Castle Park, where the sakura trees line the walkways and create a dreamlike landscape that draws visitors from all over. 🏯 Wakayama Castle: Where History Meets Nature Wakayama Castle is the city’s iconic landmark. Built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hidenaga (brother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi), the castle sits atop a small hill, offering sweeping views of the city and surrounding nature. During cherry blossom season, the area around the castle transforms into a picturesque scene perfect for leisurely strolls and photos. #naturalwonders