2025 Tanabe Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

It is a small shrine built on a rock along the Miyagawa River next to Miyamae Bridge. The walkway to the shrine, Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, is simply decorated. Akiba Shrine was built to pray for fire prevention and safety in Takayama City. During the Takayama Festival held in autumn, a procession is held around Takayama City. #tripพาบินเที่ยวจีน

Kumano Kodo Nakabe Road is one of the longest and oldest ancient roads in the Kumano area of ​​Japan. It is about 64 kilometers long and has a long history and rich culture. This route connects the three major shrines of Kumano: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and is a path of religious and cultural significance. The trail was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The Kumano Kodo Nakabe Road has a variety of natural and cultural landscapes, passing through dense forests, passing many canyons, waterfalls, streams and mountains, and through ancient stone steps and stone paths. This route offers breathtaking views and the depth of Japan's traditional culture and religion. The Kumano Kodo Nakabe Road is divided into three areas: the Kumano Hongu community, the Kumano Hayatama community, and the Nakabe Road area. Each area has its own unique style and attractions, such as the "Twelve Shrines" in the Kumano Hongu community, the "Nachi Taki" in the Kumano Hayatama community, and the "Tengukurayama" in the Nakabeji area. The Kumano Kodo Nakabe Road is a beautiful and sacred road that allows people to experience not only the rich history and culture of Japan, but also the beauty of nature and the sacred atmosphere. This is a place worth visiting. For those who love nature and culture, Kumano Kodo Nakabe Road is definitely a tourist destination not to be missed. #JapanAttractions #KumanoKodoNakabeji #JapanTravel #WorldHeritage #NaturalBeauty #JapaneseTraditionalTradition #Explore

Visited in March 2023 *Hotel Harvest Nanki Tanabe Although it is old, all rooms have an ocean view, and you can see the beautiful sea and sunset😊 The hot springs were also very pleasant with their thick water♨️ Nanki Shirahama Airport and Adventure World are nearby, so it's perfect for sightseeing in Wakayama✨ #AccommodationReview#WakayamaTrip #NankiTanabe #Harvest

Japan is not big or small, but in rural areas, it often takes a long drive to move from one tourist attraction to another. As a driver, you need to find a place to rest along the way, get off the car and relax, so that you can have the energy to continue the journey. On the way to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine along National Highway 311, we saw a restaurant called "Morinosato" standing alone on the riverside, so we got off the car and took a break. 📍 5-3 Otsuga, Hongu-cho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama Prefecture 🍽 Japanese set meals and udon, etc. 🛖 Decorated as a cozy log cabin, there are also children's play facilities inside, and some small items and sundries for purchase are arranged, creating a fun atmosphere. The dining area has large windows, so you can enjoy your meal while looking out at the scenery. I ordered a grilled bear and bison set meal and a cheeseburger set meal. The salad, appetizer, white rice, soup and main course were all super delicious. The fatty Bear Bison is soft and not tough, while the cheese beef burger is full of gravy and topped with cheese, making every bite very satisfying. Coupled with the good atmosphere and the picturesque scenery, I felt relaxed and leisurely. #seetheearthinthemoment #overseastravel #japan #wakayama #countrysideseries #food #bunanouniu #selfdrivingtravelinjapan #foodie #japan #wakayama

●Name Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri ●Access ①Free shuttle bus available from JR Shirahama Station ②About 2 hours by bus to Hongu Taisha from JR Kii-Tanabe Station ●Points Good access to Kumano Hongu Taisha, convenient for visiting Kumano The large open-air bath, one of the largest in western Japan, is a specialty of Watarase Onsen♨️ Day trip bathing is also possible, and you can enjoy the high-quality water, which is famous for its beauty baths, in an open environment Day trip 900 yen per person #QuintessaCampaign　#Wakayama #Onsen

●Name Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri ●Access ①Free shuttle bus available from JR Shirahama Station ②From JR Kii-Tanabe Station, take the bus to Hongu Taisha for about 2 hours ●Points A large inn that stands alone in the middle of nature Cross the suspension bridge and enjoy a different atmosphere The selling point here is the largest open-air bath in western Japan♨️ The baking soda spring, which is said to be a beauty bath Guests can also rent a private bath for free, which is larger than the private baths at most inns and allows families to relax The food is country-style, but it is plentiful and of good quality, so I was satisfied There are also two towels, so it is an inn for enjoying the hot springs😊 #QuintessaCampaign #Wakayama #HotSpring

Daimonzaka is one of the most picturesque sections of the Kumano Kodo, preserving the historic atmosphere beautifully. It features a 640-meter-long stone-paved path leading to the sacred Nachi Mountain. 💦💦 Surrounded by moss-covered stone steps and ancient cedar trees over 800 years old, this historic trail offers many highlights, such as the "Meoto Sugi" (Married Cedars), the "Juichimon Sekiato" (site where tolls were collected), and the "Furigase Bridge," which marked the boundary between the sacred and the secular worlds and served as the entrance to the spiritual realm. Visitors can also experience wearing Heian-era costumes, which gives a feeling of stepping back in time when you see others dressed up. ✨ While it requires some physical stamina, this is a highly recommended spot for an unforgettable experience! 🌳

7 days and 6 nights First time traveling abroad with only backpacks and no suitcases 4 people and 4 backpacks Climbing and walking with our backs all the way Changed 4 hotels in 7 days I really like this trip💕 Kumano is really beautiful You can feel the history and faith of Japan in the sacred atmosphere and lush nature, which is full of unique charm. Because in summer, we chose a simple 7K to "Kumano Hongu Taisha" on the first morning and then went to "Kumano Hayatama Taisha" for pilgrimage in the afternoon On the second day, we went to Nachi Falls & Seigantoji Temple to feel the magnificence and grandeur of the waterfalls. You can also imagine the ancient royal nobles or ordinary people trekking through mountains and rivers to make pilgrimages. This time, I collected the stamp of Kumano Kodo, and next time I can plan the pilgrimage route to Spain😊😊😊

#summervacay We started our day with a leisurely wake-up before heading to the Shirahama Beer Brewery. It was quite small, but we managed to pick up some local brews to enjoy later. 🍻 Next, we made our way to Tore Tore Market for lunch. However, I have to give you a heads-up about the Tore Tore seafood BBQ there – it was a bit of a letdown. You actually have to buy basic condiments like soy sauce and salt separately, which felt a bit stingy. 😠 In contrast, the Kuroshio Market we visited a couple of days prior was fantastic; every table had soy sauce and salt readily available, and the staff there were incredibly friendly. The older staff member at Tore Tore Market, on the other hand, was quite rude! 😤 After lunch, we drove towards Kumano. Along the way, we stumbled upon a rest stop marked as "Honshu's Southernmost Station". This turned out to be a really cool spot with impressive giant rocks formed by the ocean's powerful waves. If you're passing by, it's definitely worth a quick stop to check out! 🌊 #Wakayama #KumanoKodo #JapanTravel #SummerVibes #Shirahama #ToreToreMarket #TravelJapan #HiddenGems #RoadTrip 🇯🇵

#summervacay In the pouring rain of June, I embarked on a five-day journey along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. With deep forests and heavy mist, walking a path trodden by emperors centuries ago, I couldn't help but smile. They had palanquins; I only had two legs, yet I still felt a sense of timeless ritual as I traversed the trail. To be honest, the Nakahechi route is not a "casual stroll." It's steep, rocky, and slippery. For the first two days, six hours daily of rugged mountain paths, combined with humid, hot weather, left me drenched in sweat. One young woman even got lost for three hours in the dark on the very first day, walking three times the distance! Despite bleeding toes, she just laughed and said, "It's a small case, I still have another foot!" In comparison, though I've run half-marathons, I had to admit: I underestimated the impact of mountain trails on my knees. Fortunately, the evenings brought soothing onsen (hot springs) and ice-cold beer, washing away the fatigue and restoring my energy. The upside of going with a tour group was having someone to guide the way and share laughs. The downside, however, was a lack of freedom to increase the challenge – wanting to climb an extra mountain required group approval, which proved even harder than the climb itself! #KumanoKodo #JapanTravel #Pilgrimage #Hiking #NakahechiRoute #Onsen #TravelJapan #MountainHiking #Adventure

Sabo Chinchoan Hongu Branch @chinchoan.s.26 📍1110 Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama ☎0735-42-1648 ・Kumano Moude Mochi and Matcha Set ・Kumano Mizumude and Matcha Set Being greedy, I got a set that lets me eat both✨ "Kumano Moude Mochi" is made of mochi wrapped in bean paste and topped with brown rice flour, and "Kumano Mizumude" is smooth and easy to swallow, like kudzu mochi. It was a hot day, so it went perfectly with the cold matcha🍃 ⛩️Kumano Hongu Taisha Located in Hongu-cho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama, this is the head shrine of the Kumano Shrines, which have about 3,000 shrines nationwide. It is one of the "Kumano Sanzan" (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha), and has long been revered as a "sacred place of resurrection." The deities enshrined are Susanoo-no-Mikoto and four others. Since the Heian period, many people have made pilgrimages to Kumano, including successive warlords and aristocrats such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Emperor Goshirakawa. It was once enshrined on an island in the Kumano River, Oyunohara, but was moved to its current location after a major flood in 1889. Even now, Japan's largest torii gate stands in Oyunohara, and people continue to visit the original shrine. It remains a spiritual anchor for many people as a "place to revive their lives." #WakayamaCafe #WakayamaSweets #KumanoHonguTaisha #ChinchoanSabo #KumanoMoudeMochi #KumanoMizuMoude #HonguGourmet #JapaneseSweets #MatchaSet #TanabeCityCafe #WakayamaTourism #GourmetTrip #SweetTooth #JapaneseSweetsLover #JapaneseSnacks#KumanoHonguTaisha

【Opening】: Wakayama🌊🏯 - Kansai's backyard garden where mountain and sea merge in perfect harmony! ✅ Sacred Realm: Hike the mossy stone steps of Kumano Kodo, witness Nachi Falls plunging 133 meters ✅ Coastal Wonders: Feel Pacific waves crash at Sandanbeki, stroll on Shirahama's platinum sands ✅ Unique Experiences: Meet the feline stationmaster at Kishi Station, watch tuna cutting show at Kuroshio Market ✅ Culinary Delights: Savor Nanko plum's tangy sweetness, slurp Japan's No.1 soy sauce ramen 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Wakayama City & Shirahama Coast ⛩️ Morning: Wakayama Castle & Kishi Electric Train Wakayama Castle: Ascend the keep for city views, explore replicas of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's fortress and weapon exhibits. Cat Stationmaster: Ride strawberry/toy-themed trains (30min from Wakayama Station), meet second-generation stationmaster "Nitama". 🦐 Noon: Kuroshio Market Enjoy fresh seafood bowls, don't miss tuna cutting shows (3 daily), relax at adjacent foot baths. 🌊 Afternoon: Shirahama Coast Sandanbeki: Explore sea caves, feel Pacific waves beneath 50m cliffs. Senjojiki & Engetsu Island: Photograph layered rock formations📸, capture "sunset through the hole" at Engetsu Island🌅. ♨️ Evening: Stay at Shirahama hot spring ryokan Day 2: Kumano Kodo & Nachikatsuura 🚶 Morning: Kumano Kodo (Daimonzaka section) Walk moss-covered steps through ancient cedar forests on this accessible UNESCO trail. ⛩️ Noon: Nachi Falls Pay JPY300 to approach Japan's tallest waterfall (133m), drink longevity spring water. 🏯 Afternoon: Nachi Taisha & Seigantoji Temple, return to Osaka/Nagoya Nachi Taisha: 10-min walk, pray for worldly troubles at this distinctive Kumano-style shrine. Seigantoji: First stop on Saigoku pilgrimage, national treasure temple rebuilt by Hideyoshi. 🚄 Return: Take JR Kuroshio Limited Express from Nachi Station ⛺【Must-See】: 1. Kumano Kodo🌟 UNESCO trail with 1000-year history, mossy steps through primal forest 2. Nachi Falls & Hirou Shrine🌟 Japan's tallest cascade with vermilion shrine at its base 3. Sandanbeki🌟 Explore 50m cliffs and samurai-era caves with roaring Pacific waves 4. Kishi Station Cat🌟 Ride strawberry trains to meet the famous feline stationmaster 5. Kuroshio Market🌟 Tuna cutting shows + fresh seafood BBQ, paired with Kishu plum wine 🍩【Must-Eat】: 1. Ide Shoten: Founded 1953, awarded "Japan's best ramen". Signature pork-soy broth simmered 10+ hours with thin noodles and melt-in-your-mouth chashu. Address: 4-84 Tanaka-cho, Wakayama (Closed Thu) 2. Kuroshio Market: Daily 12:30 tuna show, ultra-fresh sashimi bowls, onsite seafood BBQ available. Address: 1527 Miumi, Wakayama (Open till 17:00) 🏨【Accommodation】: 1. Shirahama for hot spring ryokans, convenient for next day travel 2. Temple lodgings (shukubo) for unique cultural experience 🚌【Transport】: 1. Most flexible: Rent car/private driver (1.5hr Shirahama-Nachi drive) 2. Public option: From Osaka use JR Wide Pass with Kisei Line + Kumano buses (a) Recommended: Nankai All Line 2-day Pass Covers: KIX⇋Namba⇋Wakayama⇋Koyasan⇋Kada Line (includes festive sea bream trains) Perks: Unlimited rides (non-consecutive days valid), supplement for limited express. Ideal for direct airport-Wakayama transfer plus Koyasan/Kada exploration. (b) Wakayama Bus Free Pass: Unlimited city bus rides covering Wakayama Castle, Kuroshio Market etc. 🧡【Tips】: 1. Check cable car schedules/bus timetables in advance 2. Steep slopes at Wakayama Castle/long Kumano Kodo hikes - assess fitness level 3. Avoid midday heat for outdoor activities, carry sun/rain protection and water 4. Wear comfortable clothes with sun hat and hiking shoes

Deep within the Kii Peninsula, a stone path, soaked in moss and time, winds through the mountains. The Kumano Nakahechi Route—a pilgrimage trail connecting the three Kumano shrines (Hongu, Hayatama, Nachi)—has been a sacred ground for both nobles and commoners since the Heian period. Unlike the grandeur of Spain’s Camino de Santiago or the rugged history of China’s Ancient Tea Horse Road, the Kumano Nakahechi Route embodies a uniquely Japanese aesthetic of "yūgen," creating a spiritual homeland in the Japanese style. Moss-covered stone steps appear faintly through the morning mist, evoking the "mono no aware" atmosphere described in The Tale of Genji. Imperial courtiers once traveled here in palanquins, surrounded by attendants, their waka poems filled with laments on impermanence. Murasaki Shikibu may have paused here, weaving fallen maple leaves and pilgrims’ emotions into eternal words. Sleeves dampened by dew symbolize both the hardships of reality and literary metaphor. The travel hardships recorded by Ki no Tsurayuki in the Tosa Diary resonate with the blisters on today’s hikers’ feet—after a thousand years, the frailty of the human body remains unchanged. Hidden deep in the dense forests of the Nakahechi Route lies the code of Japanese aesthetics. Nachi Waterfall cascades like a white ribbon, forming the sacred scene of the "Three Shrines of the Waterfall." The blue-tiled roofs of Nachi Taisha, with their weathered vermilion paint, harmonize with the surrounding primeval forest. This fusion of human craftsmanship and nature embodies Japan’s unique aesthetic of "sabi"—not a tension of opposition, but a rhythm of coexistence. If the Edo-period haiku master Matsuo Bashō had passed this way, he would surely have composed about Nachi Waterfall: "The sound of the waterfall / has long ceased / yet still lingers in the ear." Nature along the Nakahechi Route has never been an object to conquer but a manifestation of the divine and a place for spiritual practice. The "Oji" shrine ruins along the way resemble stage sets forgotten by time. These former resting places for nobles now remain only as weathered stone pillars and moss-covered bases. Each of the ninety-nine Oji witnessed different eras of faith: the devotion of the Heian period, the turmoil of the medieval age, and the vitality of Edo commoners. In his "Kumano Kodo" suite, Minoru Miki reconstructs the memories of these stones through modern music—the sobbing shakuhachi mimics mountain winds through ruins, while the plucked strings of the shamisen echo the footsteps of past pilgrims. Here, art becomes a medium that transcends time and space. Contemporary hikers carry gear vastly different from that of ancient travelers, yet their reverence for nature remains the same. Haruki Murakami describes his experience walking the Kumano Kodo in the afterword of Norwegian Wood: "On this path, the measure of modern time loses its meaning." In the dense forest where cell signals flicker, people rediscover the rhythm of their bodies and the cadence of their breath. French philosopher Frédéric Gros writes in The Philosophy of Walking: "True walking is a meditative state." Every step on the Nakahechi Route is a gentle rebellion against the modern civilization’s worship of speed. On the night of Nachi’s Fire Festival, the mikoshi (portable shrines) sway like waves among the crowd, sparks flying. This millennia-old ritual magically stitches mythic time with the present moment. Photographer Naruki Nagashima captured a moment during the festival: an elderly man’s deeply wrinkled face illuminated by firelight, his eyes reflecting both worldly joy and transcendent calm. This complex expression may be the core of Kumano faith—a coexistence of joy in life and acceptance of death. The Shikoku forests depicted in Kenzaburō Ōe’s "Burning Green Tree" trilogy share a similar spiritual temperament with Kumano’s sacred mountains: a boundary between this world and the other, an image of the "other world" in the Japanese collective unconscious. As dusk falls, the cedar forests lining the Nakahechi Route turn into silhouettes, and mountain mist slowly rises from the valley floor. At this moment, modern hikers and Heian pilgrims see the same scenery. The "dim and subtle" beauty praised by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki in In Praise of Shadows finds its perfect expression here. The Kumano Nakahechi Route is not merely a hiking trail but a literary corridor through time and space—every moss-covered stone may have been paused upon by the monk Saigyō, every turn might appear in an unknown painter’s folding screen. Walking this path, we are both explorers of geography and travelers through time. The Kumano Nakahechi Route, with its unique yūgen aesthetic, gently dissolves the rigid concepts of time and space in modern minds, making pilgrimage an eternal present experience. When the last stone step is climbed and the path behind is looked back upon, one realizes that the so-called end is merely the beginning of the next cycle—perhaps this is the deepest revelation of Kumano faith.

🗻Tired of Tokyo and Osaka? Let's go for some niche customs! Wakayama is a great place with natural scenery and delicious food🩷❣️ ✈️There is no direct flight from Hong Kong to Wakayama, but you can depart from Osaka Kansai Airport and quickly reach Wakayama Prefecture whether you drive 🚙 or stay on JR🚉. 🗓️The following editors recommend must-see and must-eat attractions in Wakayama: 🗻. Wakayama Yacht City Europa Port Address-〒641-0014 Wakayama Prefecture Wakayama City Maomi 1527 Features-There are European-style buildings to check in, very photogenic, free admission, and free mobile phone holders are placed at the photo booth for tourists to take photos📷. Rating - 🩷🩷🩷 (full score 5🩷) 🗻.Tenjinzaki Beach Address - 〒646-0000 Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture Features - The mirror of the sky where the goddess of beauty descends🪞. It is highly recommended to bring a flashlight to take photos at dusk, but please note⚠️The lane to the rock beach is narrow. Rating - 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 (full score 5🩷) 🗻. Ikuishi Plateau Address - 〒640-1114 Wakayama Prefecture, Kimino-cho, Nakata 899-29 Features - There are a lot of silver grass in autumn, full of autumn atmosphere, a good place for picnics Rating - 🩷🩷🩷🩷 (full score 5🩷) 🍔. Thick slice pork cutlet Yoshihei Inari Address - 〒646-0051 28-21, Inari-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture Features: Japanese-style deep-fried pork cutlet is soft and delicious, and the addition of freshly ground sesame and pork chop sauce is a delicacy on earth Rating: 🩷🩷🩷🩷 (full score 5🩷) 🗻. Senjojiki Address: 〒649-2211 2927-72, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture Features: Rock wonders, it is highly recommended to come at dusk🌆, the rocks are reflected in golden light, very photogenic Rating - 🩷🩷🩷🩷 (full score 5🩷) 🗻. Entsuki Island Overlook Pod Address - Shirahama, Nishimuro District, Wakayama, Japan Features - You can take a full picture of Entsuki Island, and free parking is very convenient for self-driving friends. Rating - 🩷🩷🩷🩷 (full score 5🩷) 🍔. SHIRAHAMA KEY NOODLE だきしめ鯨 Address - 〒649-2211 Wakayama Prefecture Nishimuro District Shirahama-cho 1779-10 Features - The milky white sea bream soup and the textured noodles are a must-try food in Wakayama. Rating - 🩷🩷🩷🩷 (full score 5🩷) 🗻.Shio Cape Address - 〒649-3502 2706-26, Shio Cape, Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro County, Wakayama Prefecture Features - The southernmost location of Honshu, Japan, where you can enjoy the unbeatable sea view, and you can also buy a visit certificate at the observation tower as a souvenir. Rating - 🩷🩷🩷🩷 (full score 5🩷) It is very convenient to go to Wakayama from Osaka. When you travel to Kansai, you may want to arrange a schedule to go to Wakayama for an in-depth tour. There are a lot of surprises waiting for you to discover❣️❣️ #和歌山観光 #日本深度遊 #天空之镜

✨ About This Place: Kumano Kodo, alongside Spain's Camino de Santiago, is a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route. This thousand-year-old trail reveals Japan's most pristine landscapes—moss-covered stone steps, ancient cedar trees, and waterfall shrines—every step feels like entering a Ghibli film world. 🚶 Hiking Route Experiences: ▫️Nakahechi Route (Classic Section) Approx. 7km from "Hosshinmon-oji" to "Kumano Hongu Taisha", beginner-friendly Passes through tea fields, streams, and villages, ending at Japan's largest torii gate ▫️Nachisan (Scenic Highlights) Must-see Nachi Falls (Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall) The three-storied pagoda of Seiganto-ji framed with the waterfall makes perfect photo spot 🏠 Accommodation Experiences: ・Yunomine Onsen: A 1,800-year-old hot spring village featuring unique "tsubo-yu" cave baths ・Kawayu Onsen: Riverside open-air onsens, perfect for firefly viewing in summer and autumn foliage 🍵 Local Delicacies: ・Kishu Nanko-ume plum rice balls with sweet-sour flavor ・Kumano's specialty "Jofuku dango" (soft sticky rice dumplings) ・Fresh mountain vegetable dishes from local farms 📌 Practical Tips: ・Get the "Kumano Kodo Stamp Book" to collect seals at shrines along the way ・May-June for fireflies, November for peak autumn colors ・Some slippery sections—wear proper hiking shoes

Tenshinzaki is located in Kii-Tanabe, Wakayama. It’s a hidden gem with stunning scenery and fewer crowds. With the right angle, you can capture the breathtaking "sky mirror" effect. It’s also a fantastic spot to enjoy the sunset 🌄. To achieve the "sky mirror" effect, the tide level needs to be between 140-150. The official website provides daily tide heights and the best shooting days for each month. Why not take a short trip during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday and explore this beautiful place?

## 🏯【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!

What a fantastic experience to walk on kumano kodo the world heritage pilgrimage in Japan. I’ve walked kohechi route 70km starting from famous Koya San (koya mountain). Since I’ve walked on camino de Santiago the sister pilgrimage in Spain November 2024, I’ve got dual certification and a special golden shell 😊 now I’m on the way back to camino de Santiago with 2 shells on my backpack.

Nachikatsuura Town in Wakayama Prefecture is home to the World Heritage Site "Nachi Falls". Did you know that there are many hidden tourist spots? I stayed there for about a month working at a resort, and I'd like to introduce three must-see tourist spots. ⛩️【Kumano Nachi Taisha】 Address: 1 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture 649-5301 Nachi Taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan, is about 30 minutes by bus from Kii-Katsuura Station. For those who want to explore the area, we recommend the pilgrimage course from "Daimonzaka to Nachi Taisha". (40 minutes on foot, stone steps available) Nachi Falls, located within the grounds, is registered as a World Heritage Site, and you can enjoy the spectacular view. 🐟 [Tuna Sanmai Nachi] Address: 2-3-10 Tsukiji, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5335 If you want to taste Katsuura's specialties, "tuna" and "whale," we recommend this restaurant. This restaurant is so popular that people line up before the restaurant opens, and is loved by local residents. Each piece of tuna is thick and lightly fatty, and it's very satisfying. ♨️ [Large Cave Hot Spring, Bōkidō] 1165-2 Katsuura, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5334 Bōkidō, a super public bathhouse that is very popular in the town, is, as its name suggests, a hot spring located inside a cave. You can relax in the bathtub while looking at the sea up close. It's located inside the hotel, so you can enjoy a meal and some drinks after your bath. Why not stretch your legs here before wrapping up your trip?

#cherryblossom25 On our way to Takahara Kumano Shrine, the quiet street unfolded into a scene of breathtaking beauty. Sakura trees lined both sides of the road, their branches heavy with soft pink blossoms swaying gently in the breeze. The petals danced through the air like delicate confetti, some resting on our shoulders as we walked. The peacefulness of the countryside added to the charm—no bustling crowds, just the rustling of leaves and the occasional bird call. Sunlight filtered through the blossoms, casting dappled shadows on the path. We paused often, captivated by the serene beauty of spring in full bloom. It felt like a secret moment gifted to us by nature.

🏖️Atmosphere: Heading south on an old road that runs parallel to the prefectural road, we crossed the pass on the Wakayama side, where the Kinokawa River💦 and the Nagamine mountains spread out before us. After visiting the various Oji shrines around the Kinokawa River and crossing the river, we arrived in the eastern part of Wakayama City. After crossing the Kinokawa River, the old road entered a rural area, visiting the scattered Oji shrines and crossing the Yata Pass, and then arriving at "Itagiso Shrine", which enshrines the god of trees. From there, we followed the prefectural road to the south and entered Kainan City. 💞Reasons why we recommend it: The weather was cloudy and overcast☁️, but we climbed what seemed to be a mountain twice. The wind was a little strong on the mountain, and there were several wind turbines running, probably because it was a place where the wind blew often🌪️. Along the way, many citrus fruits were ripening and blooming everywhere. I bought some mandarin oranges🍊 at an unmanned fruit stand. It was very impressive that the cherry blossoms🌸 were in full bloom and beautiful. 🗓️Itinerary management: 🚉Kiimiyahara Station → Kumano Kodo Fureai Hiroba⛲️ → Fushihara Tomb🪦 → Yamaguchi Oji🪦 → Tsumesho Jizo🪦 → Kabusaka Toshita Oji🪦 → Haino Toge → Ichino Oji🪦 → Tokorozaka Oji🪦 → Tachibanamoto Oji🪦 → Fujishiro Oji🪦 → Suzuki Residence → Haraido Oji🪦 → Kumano Ichino Torii Site⛩️ → Bodaibo Oji🪦 → Matsushiro Oji🪦 → 🚉Kainan Station #Kumano Kodo #Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range #World Heritage Sites #Domestic Travel Strategy #World Cultural Heritage

#cherryblossom25 Beautiful cherry blossom along the way to Ryujin Onsen and Wakayama Nachi Taisha. Stayed at Kirari ryujin ryokan. Very serene and peaceful surrounding with river view.

#aprilblooms It was founded during the reign of the 10th Emperor of Japan, Emperor Sujin, with the main deity. In 2004, it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Since ancient times, it has attracted faith not only from the upper class but also from samurai and the common people, and it is said that it can be compared to "Kumano pilgrimage of ants" from the way worshippers are aiming for this place from all over the country and moving forward in a large number of people. In the precincts, a magnificent shrine with cypress roofs that enshrines Fusumi no Okami and Hayatama no Okami, including Ietsu Miko Okami, will welcome you. It is worth mentioning that traffic safety, great fishing satisfaction, family harmony, marital harmony and spiritual swordsmanship, and the depth of the embrace that accepts everyone regardless of status, young and old.

Torisoba Shimojibashi is a ramen restaurant located in Ukegawa, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, and opened on August 1, 2021. It is located about a 5-minute drive from Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, and is close to hot spring resorts such as Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen, and Watase Onsen. They offer salt tori soba, duck soy sauce tori soba, and miso tori soba. The most popular salt tori soba has a light yet rich soup, with the delicious flavor of locally produced chicken and an exquisite saltiness. The chicken ham used instead of char siu is healthy and tender, making it popular with women too! • Shio chicken soba: 900 yen • Duck soy sauce chicken soba: 1,000 yen  • Miso chicken soba: 950 yen • Chicken salt bowl: 380 yen  • Homemade salted koji fried chicken (2 pieces): 200 yen If you visit Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine or the surrounding hot springs, be sure to stop by! #Spring0yentrip

Kumano Kodo, which spans across Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic pilgrimage route that has been walked by many worshippers since ancient times. It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the stone-paved paths and moss-covered torii gates in the deep forest create an atmosphere that feels like a time slip to ancient Japan. The representative routes include 'Nakahechi' and 'Kohechi', offering various courses for beginners to advanced hikers. Along the way, you can visit the three grand shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, each offering a sense of history and mythology. Access is somewhat inconvenient, but you can take a bus from Kii-Tanabe Station or Shingu Station. There are also hot springs along the route, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate during your pilgrimage.

This was the last day of our trip to the Kii Peninsula. After breakfast and checking out, we returned to Yuasa Station. I knew there was a Yuasa Tourism Exchange Center next to the station, on the first floor of Yuasa Ekikura. To make the most of our time in Yuasa, I picked up some information there and inquired about new tourist attractions. I rented a bicycle to explore Yuasa when I first came here a few years ago. So this time, I suggested that we rent bicycles 🚲 again. My friends happily agreed. I didn't expect that there would be new changes to the bicycle rental service. Now, there is a service that allows you to rent a coffee camping ⛺️ set at the same time. After listening to the staff's introduction, we decided to use their service called "Odekakaffe Cycling" (Outing Coffee Cycling). This service includes bicycle rental, a choice of three kinds of coffee beans, a bottle of natural water, and a souvenir coffee cup. See Figure 18 for prices. It's a great deal. We rode our bicycles through the ancient streets of Yuasa, along the river, and after a pleasant ride, we arrived at Sakiwara Beach, one of the best places to view the sunset. While enjoying the sea view, we took a break and used the rented camping coffee maker to brew a cup of fragrant coffee ☕️ for each person. We all felt that this was a great travel experience and would sincerely recommend it to everyone. In addition, the old Yuasa Station has also changed. Inside, you can enjoy local specialties and desserts, and you can sit on the former platform and watch the trains come and go while drinking coffee. Yuasa Town, Arida District

Save this post! If you had to choose the most mystical and spiritual place in Japan, ⛩it would have to be the Kumano Kodo. 📍The Kumano Kodo isn't one specific trail, but a collective term for the many pilgrimage routes between the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha/Kumano Hayatama Taisha/Kumano Nachi Taisha). . 🚩6 Traditional Hiking Routes🚩 🚏Nakahechi Route: From Tanabe to the Kumano Sanzan, this route is relatively flat and the most popular. It's the official route used by emperors and nobles since the Heian period, and passes by the ruins of a group of shrines known as the Ninety-Nine Princes. There are plenty of places to resupply along the way, and you can also choose to hike shorter sections of the main route. 🚏Ohechi Route: From Kii-Tanabe to Nachikatsuura, this route follows the coastline and offers beautiful scenery. 🚏Kohechi Route: From Mount Koya to Kumano Hongu Taisha, this 70km route crosses three high mountains and is very challenging. 🚏Iseji Route: From Ise Grand Shrine to the Kumano Sanzan, this route is 170km long. 🚏Kii Route: From Osaka to Tanabe, this route doesn't reach the Kumano Sanzan and is rarely hiked. 🚏Omine Okugakemichi Route: From Yoshino to Kumano Hongu Taisha, this 170km route is the most difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers. . 🚩Recommended Routes for Beginners🚩 Completing any of the above routes takes at least 4–5 days, which can be difficult for most people. So, here are a few shorter routes that capture the essence of the Kumano Kodo. 📍These are generally half-day trips, suitable for those who prefer a lighter hike: 📍Hosshinmon-oji - Kumano Hongu Taisha ✅This section is about 7km long and takes 2–3 hours to hike. It's the most scenic part of the Nakahechi Route. ✅The path is flat and winds through beautiful mountain scenery, making it a classic route for beginners. It's also one of the routes that qualifies for pilgrim certification. . 📍Koyanasaka - Shingu Sannomiya ✅This route is about 7km long and takes about 2–3 hours. ✅Starting from Kumano Hayatama Taisha near Shingu Station, it passes by Kamikura Jinja and Asuka Jinja, following the coastline to Koyanasaka. Hike along to the sound of the waves and see black sand beaches similar to those in Iceland. . 📍Daimonzaka - Kumano Nachi Taisha - Nachi Falls ✅This route is only 1km long, but it's entirely made up of moss-covered stone steps, making it quite tiring. It takes at least an hour to walk. ✅At the entrance to Daimonzaka are the famous Meoto Sugi (Husband and Wife Cedar Trees). The towering ancient trees along the way make you feel like you've traveled back to the Heian period. You can even rent Heian period costumes for photos.