Wakayama Hidden Gems
The spiritual Kii Peninsula — a mountaintop monastic town, pilgrimage trails through cedar forest, and hot springs on a warm Pacific coast.
5 spots
Climate & Best Season
One of Japan's wettest areas; warm and humid, with mild winters on the coast and cold nights on Koyasan. Spring and autumn suit hiking.
Famous For (Food)
- Mikan oranges
- Umeboshi
- Wakayama ramen
- Maguro (Katsuura tuna)
Signature Sights
- Koyasan temple lodgings
- Kumano Kodo (UNESCO)
- Nachi Falls
- Shirahama beach & onsen
Wakayama Ramen — Tonkotsu Shoyu Style
Wakayama ramen (和歌山ラーメン, also called chuka soba in local dialect) is a distinct regional ramen style featuring rich tonk…
Yuasa Soy Sauce Town — Birthplace of Shoyu
Yuasa (湯浅) is a small coastal town credited as the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce (shoyu, 醤油), where Buddhist monks in…
Shojin Ryori — Buddhist Vegetarian Temple Cuisine
Shojin ryori is what Buddhist monks eat: no meat, no fish, no eggs, no onions or garlic (they're thought to stir up desi…
Wakayama Mikan & Umeboshi — Citrus Orchards & Pickled Plums
Wakayama Prefecture is Japan's largest producer of mikan oranges (温州みかん, unshu mikan) and umeboshi pickled plums (梅干し),…
Katsuura Tuna Market — Honmaguro Auction & Sashimi
Katsuura Fishing Port (勝浦漁港) in Nachikatsuura Town is one of Japan's premier tuna landing ports, especially famous for h…