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
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…
Wakayama Castle — Tiger's Den Fortress & Ninja House
Wakayama Castle (和歌山城) is a hilltop fortress built in 1585 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's brother, later ruled by the powerful…
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),…
Kimii-dera Temple — Hydrangea Hillside & Cherry Blossoms
Kimii-dera (紀三井寺, 'Temple of Three Wells of Kii Province') is a hilltop temple complex founded in 770 AD, famous for its…