Wakayama Hidden Gems
9 spots
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…
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…
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),…
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…
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…
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…
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails — UNESCO Sacred Walking Routes
The Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes crossing the Kii Peninsula mountains, connecting Kyoto…
Nachi Falls & Kumano Nachi Taisha — Japan's Tallest Waterfall
Nachi Falls (那智滝, Nachi-no-Taki) is Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall, plunging 133 meters from a sheer cliff into a…
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…