和歌山県 · Kinki Region
Wakayama Hidden Gems
The spiritual Kii Peninsula — a mountaintop monastic town, pilgrimage trails through cedar forest, and hot springs on a warm Pacific coast.
2 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· Tanabe
Kumano Hongu Taisha — Grand Shrine at Sacred Rivers' Confluence
Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社) is the head shrine of the Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines) and spiritual terminus of the…
Kumano Hongu TaishaKumano SanzanOyunohara+2
Updated Jul 2026
Wakayama· Tanabe
Takijiri-oji Shrine — Gateway to Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
Takijiri-oji (滝尻王子) is the starting point of the Nakahechi Trail, the most popular Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, and his…
Takijiri-ojiKumano Kodopilgrimage start+2
Updated Jul 2026