Wakayama prefecture has sacred and traditional worlds that do not exist in urban areas such as Osaka and Kyoto. There are many mountains in this prefecture. Places to train such as Buddhism have been established and maintained in those areas. For example, if you go to Koyasan, you will be able to meet a very majestic world in rich nature. On this page, we will guide you through your Wakayama trip, including the attractions of Wakayama, places to visit, and things to do.
Table of Contents
Outline of Wakayama
A view from Fushiogamioji observatory (Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes), Wakayama prefecture, japan = shutterstock
Map of Wakayama
Wakayama prefecture is located on the west side of the Kii peninsula in central Honshu. In the southern part of Wakayama prefecture there is a vast mountainous area spreading.
Wakayama prefecture is delayed in development than other Kansai prefectures. That is why old historic buildings and Pilgrimage Routes are protected here and rich nature is also left. Once you know the charm of Wakayama prefecture, you may want to go here again and again.
There are several passes available for efficient travel in Wakayama. >>Click here for details.
Climate and weather in Wakayama prefecture
When introducing about Wakayama prefecture, I need to clarify the climate of Wakayama Prefecture.
If you go to the southern part of Wakayama prefecture, it is better to prepare for the trip taking into consideration that there is much rain.
In the southern part of Wakayama prefecture, annual rainfall amounts to over 2000 mm. Especially in the mountainous areas and around Nachikatsura Town, the rainfall is large and annual rainfall is more than 3,000 mm. Recently, heavy rains and typhoons may cause recordable heavy rain, so please listen to the latest weather forecast.
Koyasan
Buddhist monks walking past temple in Koyasan, Mt Koya, Japan during autumn = shutterstock
More than a thousand years ago, the court of Kyoto encouraged Buddhism and accepted the opening of two large sacred sites. One is Hieizai Enryakuji Temple on the east side of Kyoto. Training of monks was held in mountains called Hieizan. And the other is Koyasan in northern part of Wakayama Prefecture.
Koyasan is located in a basin with an altitude of 900 meters. This place is far from Kyoto so it is much more quiet. You can go to Koyasan by cable car or bus. There is a very sacred atmosphere. As for Koyasan, I have already introduced in another article.
>> For details of Koyasan please refer to this article
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route
“Kumano Kodo” (Old pilgrimage road in Kumano district of Japan) = shutterstock
IAbout Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route, I have already introduced another article. Sorry to trouble you, but I would appreciate it if you drop in on the following article. If you click it, the article will be displayed on a separate page.
>> Please see this article for details of Kumano Kodo
If a Japanese were asked about “Kumano Kodo”, in the past most people would not have answered well. Kumano Kodo has two distant elements. First, there was a very far image in Kumano. Second, Kodo (Pilgrimage Route) was almost unrelated to contemporary Japanese.
In a word, Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route was a forgotten existence for many Japanese of today. However, recently Kumano Kodo has gained rapid attention. Kumano Kodo was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2004. With this, more and more people are interested in Kumano Kodo, travelers are on the rise. In the Pilgrimage Route, which even almost Japanese have forgotten, amazing other world is spreading.
Adventure World
panda-love _Adventure World
Adventure World is a large-scale complex theme park that integrates a zoo, an aquarium, and an amusement park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. The vast grounds offer a wide variety of programs, such as a safari tour where you can see nature in a special vehicle, and a tour where you can feed herbivorous animals such as African elephants and giraffes.
There is also an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and go-karts. There is so much variety of content here that it would be impossible to cover it all in one day.
3 hours 30 minutes by express bus from Osaka, 2 hours 30 minutes by train and bus. From Tokyo (Haneda Airport), it takes 70 minutes by plane to Nanki Shirahama Airport, and then about 5 minutes by bus. Although far away, it is a popular spot for family vacation destinations.
>>Please check the Adventure World information on Trip Advisor!
Shirarahama Beach
Shirarahama Beach_Shirahama-Cho_Wakayama
Shirarahama Beach is a white sandy beach that extends for about 620m. It is one of the beautiful beaches representing western Japan. There is an open-air bath on the beach where you can enter with your swimsuit on. A precious spot where you can enjoy the hot water of Shirahama Onsen, which is known as a famous hot spring, while looking at the beautiful coast. It is also known for having the earliest sea opening on Honshu in early May.
In the summer, colorful parasols are in full bloom, and palm leaves line the arcing beach, adding to the tropical mood. Honolulu, Hawaii “Waikiki Beach” is said to be a sister beach.
>>Please check the Shirarahama Beach information on Trip Advisor!
Thank you for reading to the end.
If you want to check the tour menu and deals for the entire Wakayama prefecture, click here.
Now, let’s plan to make your vacation in Japan the best experience ever!
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