Wakayama Hidden Gems
The spiritual Kii Peninsula — a mountaintop monastic town, pilgrimage trails through cedar forest, and hot springs on a warm Pacific coast.
4 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
Shirahama White Beach Resort — Onsen & Panda Paradise
Shirahama (白浜, 'white beach') is Wakayama's premier beach resort town, famous for its 600-meter crescent of white quartz…
Senjojiki & Sandanbeki Cliffs — Dramatic Coastal Formations
Senjojiki (千畳敷, 'thousand tatami mats') is a massive wave-cut limestone platform extending into the Pacific Ocean, its s…
Engetsu Island — Sunset Through the Natural Arch
Engetsu Island (円月島, 'full moon island') is a small uninhabited island in Shirahama Bay, famous for its natural rock arc…
Shirahama Onsen — Seaside Rotenburo Hot Springs
Shirahama Onsen (白浜温泉) is one of Japan's three oldest hot spring resorts (along with Arima and Dogo), with a recorded hi…