A World Heritage Site that inspires deep respect for nature
Wakayama Prefecture is located in the southern part of Japan’s Kinki region, on the western side of Honshu Island’s Kii Peninsula, the largest peninsula in Japan. Approximately 80% of the prefecture is covered by the vast mountainous terrain of the Kii Mountains, with the highest peaks reaching 1,000 m. Numerous rivers flow from the mountain ranges, providing Wakayama Prefecture with abundant water resources. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, south, and west, Wakayama boasts a 650 km rias coastline that includes towering, oddly shaped rocks along the southern part of the coastline that were formed with the help of the Kuroshio Current.
Wakayama City and the surrounding areas in the northern part of Wakayama feature many historic sites, including Wakayama Castle, the former capital of the Kishu domain (one of the three branches of the Tokugawa clan), and Negoroji Temple. More recently, Kishi Station on the Wakayama Electric Railway’s Kishigawa Line has become popular for its cat stationmaster. Wakayama’s Koyasan area is a sacred site in Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, which has been practiced for more than 1,200 years since its founding by the famous Japanese Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi). This area is home to 117 temples, including the Shingon head temple of Kongobuji Temple, many with lodgings available to visitors. Those looking for a peaceful, solemn atmosphere need look no further than the Kyosan area.
The Arida and Hidaka area located in central Wakayama offers scenic seaside vistas as well as majestic mountain views. Wakayama’s rich natural environments are the source of the prefecture’s various specialty products, including Arida satsuma oranges, Yuasa soy sauce, kue (longtooth grouper), and Nanko plums. For those looking to enjoy Wakayama’s natural sites, the Shirahama and Kushimoto area in the southern part of the prefecture offers numerous scenic destinations, including Shirarahama Beach with its pure-white, sandy beaches. This area is also one of the Kansai region’s leading resort areas, with many historic hot springs.
Located in the Kumano area, Kumano Sanzan is considered to be a special place where gods dwell. This sacred site is one of the three Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (a registered World Heritage Site). Kumano Sanzan is also part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, which offers a wide variety of cultural and natural landscapes that have taken shape over long periods of history. With its rich charm, magnificent natural environments—including seaside areas, impressive mountains, and clear rivers—and deep roots in culture and history, Wakayama has plenty to offer!
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Wakayama Prefecture is located in the southern part of Japan’s Kinki region, on the western side of Honshu Island’s Kii Peninsula, the largest peninsula in Japan. Approximately 80% of the prefecture is covered by the vast mountainous terrain of the Kii Mountains, with the highest peaks reaching 1,000 m. Numerous rivers flow from the mountain ranges, providing Wakayama Prefecture with abundant water resources. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, south, and west, Wakayama boasts a 650 km rias coastline that includes towering, oddly shaped rocks along the southern part of the coastline that were formed with the help of the Kuroshio Current.
Wakayama City and the surrounding areas in the northern part of Wakayama feature many historic sites, including Wakayama Castle, the former capital of the Kishu domain (one of the three branches of the Tokugawa clan), and Negoroji Temple. More recently, Kishi Station on the Wakayama Electric Railway’s Kishigawa Line has become popular for its cat stationmaster. Wakayama’s Koyasan area is a sacred site in Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, which has been practiced for more than 1,200 years since its founding by the famous Japanese Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi). This area is home to 117 temples, including the Shingon head temple of Kongobuji Temple, many with lodgings available to visitors. Those looking for a peaceful, solemn atmosphere need look no further than the Kyosan area.
The Arida and Hidaka area located in central Wakayama offers scenic seaside vistas as well as majestic mountain views. Wakayama’s rich natural environments are the source of the prefecture’s various specialty products, including Arida satsuma oranges, Yuasa soy sauce, kue (longtooth grouper), and Nanko plums. For those looking to enjoy Wakayama’s natural sites, the Shirahama and Kushimoto area in the southern part of the prefecture offers numerous scenic destinations, including Shirarahama Beach with its pure-white, sandy beaches. This area is also one of the Kansai region’s leading resort areas, with many historic hot springs.
Located in the Kumano area, Kumano Sanzan is considered to be a special place where gods dwell. This sacred site is one of the three Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (a registered World Heritage Site). Kumano Sanzan is also part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, which offers a wide variety of cultural and natural landscapes that have taken shape over long periods of history. With its rich charm, magnificent natural environments—including seaside areas, impressive mountains, and clear rivers—and deep roots in culture and history, Wakayama has plenty to offer!
