A Zen Journey Through Mountain-Sea Mysteries, Ancient Temples, and Kishu Plum Fragrance!

## 🏯【4 Days & 3 Nights】Wakayama In-Depth Tour: Explore Kansai’s Hidden Gem for Just ¥30,000 per Person Want to experience a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trail, breathtaking Pacific coastlines, and Japan’s top plum-producing region all in one trip? Wakayama—Kansai’s underrated hidden gem—boasts the serene Mount Koya (quieter than Kyoto), adorable cat stationmasters, and fresh tuna feasts straight from the sea... This 4-day, 3-night guide covers Wakayama’s highlights while keeping your budget under ¥30,000, offering an experience that surpasses Osaka and Kyoto! **⛩️ Day 1: Spiritual Pilgrimage to Mount Koya** Take the Nankai Electric Railway from Osaka to **Mount Koya** (2 hours) in the morning and stay overnight at a century-old temple lodging (*shukubo*, ¥12,000/night including shojin ryori vegetarian cuisine). In the afternoon, stroll along the **Okunoin Cemetery** path (free), wandering among ancient cedar trees and 200,000 moss-covered tombstones. Join an evening **Ajikan meditation session** (¥1,000) at the temple, then visit the illuminated **Danjo Garan** complex (seasonal). **🐟 Day 2: Seafood Feast at Kuroshio Market** Head to **Nachi-Katsuura** (1.5 hours by JR Limited Express) in the morning to explore **Nachi Taisha Shrine** and the towering Nachi Falls (¥300 entrance). At noon, watch a **tuna-cutting show** at **Kuroshio Market** (¥1,500/serving)—fresh sashimi here costs half the price of Tokyo! Relax in the afternoon at **Urashima Onsen** (¥800), soaking in a cave bath while listening to ocean waves. Stay overnight at a Shirahama hot spring ryokan (¥10,000/night with breakfast). **🚂 Day 3: Cat Stationmaster & Kishu Plum Groves** Visit the famous feline stationmaster at **Kishi Station** (free) in the morning, then take the strawberry-themed train to **Kimii-dera Temple** (¥600). For lunch, try the local specialty **Kishu Nanko Plum Bento** (¥1,200). In the afternoon, wander through **Nankai Plum Grove** (free during February–March bloom) and try making your own pickled plums (¥1,500). Before heading back, don’t forget to bring home **Kishu plum wine** and **binchotan charcoal** as souvenirs. **💡 Local Insider Tips:** 1️⃣ **Transport Hack**: Save 30% on travel with the *Kansai Wide Area Pass*. 2️⃣ **Hidden Eats**: Try Mount Koya’s tofu cuisine or Katsuura Morning Market’s seafood bowls. 3️⃣ **Best Seasons**: April (cherry blossoms) or November (autumn leaves + citrus harvest). 4️⃣ **Photo Spots**: Capture the iconic view of Seiganto-ji Pagoda with Nachi Falls at Kumano Kodo. As morning temple bells echo through Mount Koya’s forests and the first sunlight touches the Kumano Kodo trail, Wakayama weaves its own tale of Zen serenity and warm hospitality—Japan’s most captivating blend of mountain and sea. Which part of Wakayama excites you the most? 👇 Tell me in the comments, and don’t forget to bookmark this guide (top right) for your trip!