Wakayama Japan Travel Guide: 14 BEST Things To Do In Wakayama Prefecture

This Wakayama travel guide shares the best things to do in Wakayama.

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How I traveled for 8 year straight (budget travel guide): https://travelforalmostfree.com/ref=taylorjordan2

Recommended Tours in Wakayama:

Koyasan Full-Day Private Tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Wakayama-Prefecture/Koyasan-Full-Day-Tour/d50174-85884P5?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Wakayama-desc

The Best of Wakayama City Private Tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Wakayama/Wakayama-Castle-Town-Walking-Tour/d4668-85884P1?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Wakayama-desc

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicl: https://www.viator.com/tours/Wakayama-Prefecture/Kumano-Kodo-Pilgrimage-All-Must-Sees-Private-Chauffeur-Tour-with-a-Driver/d50174-92136P172?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Wakayama-desc
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Welcome to our video on the top things to do in Wakayama, Japan. Wakayama, located on the Kii Peninsula, offers a mix of beautiful natural landscapes, historic sites, and cultural experiences. Here are some of the best places to visit and activities to enjoy in Wakayama.

Start your journey at Wakayama Castle, a historic and picturesque landmark situated on a hilltop in the city center. Explore the castle grounds, climb to the top of the main keep for panoramic views of the city, and stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens.

Visit the awe-inspiring Koyasan (Mount Koya), a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important spiritual centers in Japan. Founded by the monk Kukai, Koyasan is home to over 100 temples. Explore Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery, and visit Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism.

Relax at Shirahama, a popular coastal resort town known for its stunning white sand beach and hot springs (onsen). Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water activities at Shirarahama Beach, and unwind at one of the many onsen resorts offering sea views and therapeutic waters.

Explore Adventure World, a family-friendly theme park combining a zoo, aquarium, and amusement park. The park is famous for its panda exhibit, where you can see giant pandas up close. There are also safari tours, marine shows, and thrilling rides to enjoy.

Discover the beauty of Nachi Falls (Nachi no Taki), one of Japan’s tallest and most scenic waterfalls. The waterfall is part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and is located near the Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines. The area offers stunning natural beauty and a serene atmosphere.

Experience the Kumano Kodo, an ancient network of pilgrimage trails that have been used for over a thousand years. These trails traverse the Kii Peninsula and connect various sacred sites. Hiking along these historic paths offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and spirituality.

Visit the Wakayama Marina City, a resort complex featuring Porto Europa, a European-themed amusement park. Enjoy attractions like roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and themed shows. The complex also includes Kuroshio Market, where you can watch tuna cutting shows and sample fresh seafood.

Explore the picturesque coastal town of Kushimoto and visit Hashigui-iwa Rocks, a unique rock formation along the coast. The rocks are said to resemble bridge pillars, creating a striking natural landscape. It’s a great spot for photography and appreciating the power of nature.

Discover the historic Yuasa town, the birthplace of soy sauce. Stroll through the well-preserved streets, visit traditional soy sauce breweries, and learn about the history and production of this essential Japanese condiment.

Join us as we uncover the natural beauty, rich history, and cultural treasures of Wakayama, Japan. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel tips and guides. Thank you for watching!

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(PG Clean, Family Friendly For kids, No Swearing)

[Music] so you want to know what are the best things to do in wakayama Japan great you’re in the right place in this video we’re going to discuss the top things to do in wakayama number 14 visit kosan koyasan invites you to explore its Rich spiritual Heritage at kabji Temple you’ll find Japan’s largest rock garden Banu this Temple Town founded by Monk Kobo daishi in 816 ad offers a glimpse into ancient Buddhist practices and a Serene experience like no other imagine stepping into a space where every stone and sand pattern in the ban rout Rock Garden tells a story of Zen philosophy as you wander further into coosan you’ll encounter okuno in the holiest site in these sacred grounds a 2 km path lined with over 500,000 tombstones leads you through a blend of history and spirituality under towering cedar trees walking this path Feels Like A Journey Through Time revealing Buddhist traditions and the lives of monks resting here you can enhance your experience by staying at Temple lodgings where meditation Sutra copying and traditional Buddhist Cuisine complete your spiritual journey at this UNESCO world heritage site number 13 yunomi anen Village visit Yom anen Village and experience subu anen the only hot spring in the world recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site the sunsense water changes colors throughout the day adding to its unique charm each visit is limited to 30 minutes ensuring everyone gets their moment of Tranquility the village of yuno becomes more memorable with a special souvenir certificate from subu onen marking your visit to this rare natural wonder this Serene Village steeped in centuries old Japanese onen culture offers a unique journey into tradition and Nature’s wonders number 12 wakayama castle wakayama castle is a pinnacle of Japanese architecture and History built in 1585 by toyami hioshi This Magnificent Castle sits on top of a hill offering breathtaking panoramic views the castle was restored after its destruction during the Pacific War with both the keep and Dao Garden showcasing Japan’s resilience and dedication to preserving its cultural Treasures stroll through Nish maruan Garden for a Serene experience that takes you back to feudal Japan where Samurai Lords once entertained their guests next visit wakayama Castle Park Zoo or unwind in madani gardens Embrace where every turn reveals carefully designed Landscapes crafted over centuries these attractions offer intimate encounters with Nature’s Beauty and Rich Heritage making wakayama Castle a must visit National Treasure number 11 meet Ultra station Master Tama Ultra station Master Tama the cat station master of Kishi station became famous for enchanting commuters and visitors appointed in 2007 Tama significantly increased commuter ridership attracting 55,000 more Riders to the kigawa line that year after her passing in 2015 she was memorialized with a shrine at kishi’s platform her Legacy continues through nitama her former Apprentice now the current station Master at Kishi station and Yama who assists at idiso station number 10 kumoh hongu Taisha otori witness the impressive kumoh hongu Taisha otori the largest Tory gate in Japan This Magnificent structure stands 111 ft tall and 137 ft wide symbolizing reverence and spirituality crafted from steel and erected in 2000 this Grand Gateway invites visitors to explore ancient Japanese Traditions as the head Shrine of over 3,000 Kumo shrines across Japan it is an integral part of the Kumo Coto pilgrimage routs number nine live with koan’s monks experience the peaceful lifestyle of kisan’s monks by staying at a temple lodging immerse yourself in Buddhist culture meditation and monastic rituals Temple lodgings offer a unique cultural and spiritual rual Retreat providing insight into Monastery life and religious ceremonies participate in Zen meditation sessions and enjoy vegetarian monk Cuisine the temple provides traditional attire including slippers Yukata or cotton robe and tanzen or cotton coat kisan’s okono Cemetery with over 200,000 gravestones offers a Serene Ambiance for reflection staying at a temple lodging offers an authentic experience and ins sites into this renowned destination number eight eat fresh seafood at katsura fishing port visit katsura fishing port for a feast of fresh seafood especially mouthwatering Sashimi the port is renowned for its tuna caught using the Longline fishing method and sold fresh don’t miss the famous tuna auctions at katsura market and explore the adjacent Nigi Market offering various tuna dishes and local Specialties experience firsthand why katsura remains one of Japan’s leading tuna ports boasting the largest catch of raw tuna in the country thanks to its prime location on nachi katsura Town’s stunning Coastline by the way check the links in the description for the ultimate guide on saving money while you travel plus recommended tour operators in wakayama number seven visit Nai waterfall Nai waterfall Japan’s tallest waterfall with a 440 ft Cascade is located in a primeval Forest and is considered the dwelling place of a Shinto deity it is part of the Sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the key mountain range a UNESCO world heritage site at the base of the falls you can visit an observation deck for unobstructed views and taste pure waterf water for an extra fee adding to its charm hero Shrine stands proudly at the foot of these Majestic Falls number six hike the Kumo Coto pilgrimage Trail hiking the Kumo Coto pilgrimage Trail lets you experience a sacred and ancient route of worship this UNESCO world heritage site features shrines like kumano hongu Taisha kumano hayama Taisha and kumano nachi Taisha the trail is adorned with stone statues prayer flags and a well-designed pathway along the way you’ll encounter the diamond zaka path lined with ancient cedar trees offering a truly authentic experience rich in history and spirituality this journey presents a Gateway into Japan’s ancient traditions and natural beauty revealing stunning Landscapes and the religious complexities of this Heritage Trail number five Kimera Temple Kimera Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple and an important stop along Japan’s oldest pilgrimage route it features a 40t tall 11-f faac Canon bodhisatwa golden statue that weighs 30 tons this masterpiece is crafted from multiple pieces of wood and adorned with lacquer Gold Leaf making it one of Japan’s largest statues of its kind visitors are drawn to its picturesque surroundings especially during Autumn foliage and cherry blossom Seasons which offer a Serene backdrop to this Historic Landmark number four wakayama Marina City’s koshio market experience the exciting displays of tuna cutting at wakayama Marina City’s koshio Market this bustling seafood market on a man-made resort island offers a variety of freshly caught Seafood enjoy fresh tuna and an assortment of wakayama fruits like Mandarin oranges Persimmons strawberries peaches plums and grapes watch large Tunas being swiftly dissected and take advantage of bargain prices on these prized catches in this Seaside fish market number three relax at sharama beach sharama beach is perfect for relaxation with its over 600 M of white sand during July and August the peak swimming season visitors can enjoy the clear waters and nearby amenities a highlight is the rotenburo shirasuna open air bath where visitors can relax with Coastal views nearby attractions include sand and Becky Cliffs sand and Becky cave and sanoji rock Plateau the area is also popular for surfing making it ideal for both relaxation and water sports Adventures number two Adventure World in Porto Europa Adventure World is a large amusement park focusing on wildlife and marine life it features a safari experience where visitors can observe animals in environments similar to their natural habitats using Safari carts to explore the grounds and encounter creatures like giraffes and hippopotamuses the park also has a zoo with close-up encounters with various animals captivating dolphin and sea lion shows and penguin and sea otter feeding experiences alternatively Porto Europa is a Europe themed Leisure Park with familyfriendly attractions including theme park rides for all ages it also offers unique experiences such as go-kart racing and picturesque surroundings number one cono Buji danjo garan immerse yourself in the Serene and spiritual Ambiance of Congo buuji danjo garan where Japan’s esoteric Buddhist studies began founded by Kobo Dai this Historic Site marks the Genesis of Mount Coya and offers a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation the central Hall condo rebuilt in 1932 serves as a spiritual focal point the two storied pagota compon Dao and Kobo dai’s Training hall provide glimpses into ancient practices at R hoken Museum explore a collection of holy relics to complete your journey through this Treasure Trove of esoteric Buddhism click here to watch this video