Wakayama Prefecture - 和歌山県
Wakayama Prefecture is situated on the west side of the Kii peninsula, the largest peninsula in Japan, and is within easy access of Osaka and Nagoya. The prefecture has beautiful mountain ranges and stunning beaches making it an ideal all-year round sightseeing destination.
The most famous landmark in the prefecture is Mt Koya, also referred to as “Koya San”, home of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism and where Kobo Daishi, the revered Buddhist priest and founder of Shingon Buddhism is enshrined. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, Mt Koya attracts up to 15 million visitors annually.
On the south coast of Wakayama is the beautiful town of Shirahama, famous for its white-sand beaches and hot spring resort. Kitayama River in north Wakayama is the only location in Japan where you can experience traditional log rafting. These exhilarating rides are available between May and September and bookings must be made in advance.
Another popular tourist spot is the picturesque town of Kushimoto, which is well known as a divers' paradise and where visitors can enjoy whale watching, canoeing or just relax in one of the beautiful spa resorts.
For more information about Wakayama prefecture, see their official tourism website.
How to get there
Air - The closest airport to Wakayama City is Kansai International Airport which can be reached in around 40 minutes by Limousine Bus. Click here for its English website.
Rail - The journey time from Tokyo to Wakayama Station via Shin-Osaka is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Kitayama River is the only river in Japan where you can experience the traditional form of whitewater rafting.
Mt. Koya is the home of Shingon Buddhism and a great place to experience firsthand the life of a buddhist priest.
Shirahama Beach is famous for its long white sandy beach and as the site of one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan.
Whale watching boat tours operate off the coast of Wakayama between April and October.
Weather in Wakayama
Average daily temperature (oC)