Leisure / Outdoors Spots in Wakayama Area

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Wakayama
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Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Leisure / Outdoors

Taiji Whale Museum

4.0

149 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Higashimuroguntaijichou Taiji 2934-2

A museum in Taiji, Taiji Town, Higashimuro County. Through various displays visitors can learn about the more than 400 year old relationship Taiji Town has had with whaling, as well as traditional whaling techniques, and the ecology of whales. Visitors can also watch the whales in action in dolphin and whale shows like the short-finned pilot whale show held in the natural pool built in the sea. The full scale skeleton of the world's largest animal, the blue whale, exhibited outdoors, is an impressive sight.

Please do not patronize this cruel and inhuman “museum” the beautiful albino dolphin named Angel swims in circles in a filthy small tank. Horrible.
Adventure World

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou Katata 2399

This entertainment complex opened in 1978 focusing on the theme of interaction between people, animals, and nature includes a theme park, aquarium, and zoo. The zoo has succeeded in breading a total of 12 pandas, the greatest number outside China itself. In the popular Panda Love exhibit, daily backyard tours are held (advance reservation required). In the Safari World, visitors can view the animals up close in environments close to their natural habitats from vehicles such as a special bus. There are also walkable areas to stroll through. During the summer break period, the park remains open in the evening as well.
Shirasaki Kaiyokoen

4.0

75 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Hidaka-gun Yuracho Obiki 960-1

You can enjoy significant view of the combination of blue sea and white rock, which is like the Aegian Sea. You can also enjoy various marine sports like fising or scuba-dybing.
Shirahama Aquarium, Kyoto University

4.0

127 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou 459

This aquarium is annexed to the Kyoto University marine laboratory, and it’s open to the public for a fee. There are four different exhibits, with sharks, rays, large migratory fish, species from the neighboring waters, freshwater fish, and more on display. It also has one of the country’s best collections of invertebrates, including sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and more. There’s a 250-ton tank as well, making this a popular tourist spot. It’s also great for academic study.

This is an aquarium located in the marine station of Kyoto University. Its small, but highly educational. Professors take time to curate maybe during weekdays. Entrance fee is only 600¥, free for...
Ueno Park

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Aridashi Miyazakichou 1166-1

A public municipal park located across the Arida River from Minoshima Station on the Kii Main Line. The park was created in 1950 by Toyomatsu Norioka to honor the souls of all the innocent, non-military persons who died during the battles of the Pacific War. In 1967, it was gifted to the city and turned into a public park. Numerous cherries, azaleas, and other attractive trees and plants grow on the park’s 5,186 square meter grounds. Today, the park is renowned in spring for its beautiful blossoming cherry trees, known locally as the “Muen-san no Sakura” (“Cherry Trees of the Innocent”). The top of the park’s mountain commands a view of the mouth of the Arida River and the beach of Hatsushima, famous Shikoku destinations. Buddhist memorial services are held in the park in spring and summer which attract many visitors.
Shirahama Energy Land

3.5

112 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou 3083

Come experience this mystery filled theme park centered around ''People and Natural Energy!'' Try a variety challenges to overcome including The Maze, or Solar Town where you can learn all about renewable energy. Check out the mysterious pictures that fool your eyes with optical illusions in the Trick Art House. With these and many more there are a lot of ways to have fun while learning!

It is a little old now, however, if you have kids between 6 and 14, I think it is a must in Shirahama.
Wakayama Marina City

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Wakayamashi Kemi 1527

An artificial island floating in Wakayama Bay in Wakayama City, Wakayama which was completed in 1994 in line with the World Resort Exhibition. The island hosts a variety of leisure facilities, including Porto Europe, a theme park modeled after a European port town; a resort hotel; a marina; market; fishing park; day trip hot spring bath facility; and activity-oriented pavilions which present the appeals of Wakayama. The Kuroshio Market sells everything from offshore catches to international seafood, and here you can enjoy watching a tuna butchering show, various events, and seafood barbecuing.
Kudoyama Sanada Museum

4.0

54 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Itogunkudoyamachou Kudoyama 1452-4

A museum located in Kudoyama, Ito County, Wakayama Prefecture which opened in 2016 and which is dedicated to presenting the history of the Warring States period samurai Sanada Masayuki, his son Sanada Yukimura, and grandson Sanada Daisuke. Informational panels and videos present the life of Yukimura during his time in Kudoyama, the area where he spent the majority of his life. The museum also displays paintings and calligraphy by the three men as well as a folding screen which depicts Yukimura fighting in the summer campaign of the Siege of Osaka. In addition to a standing exhibition, the museum also holds special exhibitions irregularly.

A nice arrangements of displays, mostly of information and illustrations on the wall with some artifacts from the past. No English brochure available but they had many of the wall displays with...
Wakayama Castle Park Zoo

3.5

83 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Wakayama-shi Ichibancho 3

"This zoo is approximately ten minutes on foot from Nankai Wakayamashi Station and 15 minutes by car from Wakayama Interchange. Located on the premises of Wakayama Castle, it is one of Japan's unusual zoos. Built in 1915, it mainly consisted of the Deer, Monkey, and Waterfowl Breeding Center. It closed for a time due to the influence of World War ll and resumed operations in 1970. Today they breed 30 kinds of animals, including 13 mammal and 17 bird species. In addition to its ""Bear Hut"" populated by moon bears, the zoo's sectioned into a Fairy Tale Garden and a Waterfowl Garden where you can take a stroll and try feeding some of the animals."

Terrible place. Needs to be shut down. We walked through here to get to the castle. Had already read bad reviews but thought it cant possibly be that bad. Well it was. Animals are in tiny, concrete...
Fisherman’s Wharf Shirahama

4.0

49 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou 1667-22

This leisure and resort area in Shirahama Town, Nishimuro County of Wakayama Prefecture has a fresh seafood market operated by local fishers, a restaurant, and a diving base. Visitors enjoy eating the freshly caught fish and shellfish, displayed on the stalls, right there on the spot. One can enjoy Japanese food, Italian, or seafood barbecue from the four restaurant shops on the wharf. Divers can choose from various course levels; from a easy diving encounter, up to boat diving for more experienced divers. Even beginners can safely try diving here at the Nanki Shirahama waters.

This spot is next to the beach and relatively easy to find. It serves good seafood dons. So if you are around, it is a good lunch spot. Seafood was fresh and reasonable price.
Jofuku Park

3.5

63 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Jofuku 1-4-24

This spot is said to be where the sorcerer Jofuku arrived in Japan seeking the elixir of eternal youth at the behest of Emperor Qin of China, in third century BC. It was established as a park in 1994. The tomb of Jofuku, surrounded by the trees from which the tendaiu elixir was made, is here, as well as his epitaph and the Nanatsuka memorial to Jofuku’s seven vassals. At the shop one can buy tea that contains the tendaiuyaku (miraculous medicinal plant), as well as rent bicycles and Chinese style costumes.

So Jofuku is really a court shaman from China and it was really interesting to learn more about him. I dont know if the elixir of life plant works for health, but you can buy some products .ade...
The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama

4.0

39 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Wakayamashi Fukiage 1-4-14

This modern art museum was built on the Wakayama Castle site and features a refined, contemporary design. The collections and exhibitions focus on fine art from the Meiji period to present times. In addition to works by Wakayama artists, there are over 10,000 items in total, including 13 oil paintings by Yuzo Saeki and works by Picasso, woodblock prints by Munch, and more. There are planned exhibitions and collection items on display, as well as temporary exhibitions.

Very nice museum and great exhibition. Interesting beautiful modern building and nice exhibition inside. They have a restaurant too, but nothing was in English at the menu outside, so I skip it.
Aquarium of Crab and Shrimp

4.0

33 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunsusamichou Esumi 808-1

"This aquarium is about eight minutes on foot from Esumi Station. Re-purposing the former Esumi Junior High School, it's home to about 150 varieties of crustaceans, including shrimp and crabs. Their ""Seafloor Exploration Sub"" is a tank with small shrimp and crabs modeled on a submarine. They also have unusual varieties like the Tasmanian Giant Crab, one of the largest in the world. The Susami Ocean Tank has a reproduction of the Guinness World Record holding mail box on the ocean floor, and their Marine Environment Learning Center conducts seasonal experiments with the creatures there."

We are glad to have visited this aquarium which mainly habitats shrimp and crabs. Its small but interesting since a lot of these species of crustaceans I had never seen before. I particularly like...
Shirarahama Beach

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou

A beautiful swimming beach considered one of the best of the Kinki region whose white sands stretch for 640 meters. Generally opened to the public around May 3 each year, the earliest on the main island of Honshu, the beach is popular for its equatorial beach resort-like atmosphere. In addition, Shirasuna, a large, pool-like mixed sex open-air bath (bathing suit required) is open year-round and can be used as a foot bath in winter.
Yosuien

4.0

40 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Wakayamashi Nishihama 1164

The 10th lord of the Kishu domain, Tokugawa Harutomi, constructed this Daimyo garden located in Nishihama, Wakayama Prefecture. It’s a circuit-style garden, rare in Japan, with a pond that drew in water from the ocean. You’ll find pine trees and various seasonal trees scattered about, and the garden layout across the straight Mitsuhashi Bridge that utilizes the natural scenery of Mt. Tenjin and Mt. Takozushi is enchanting. Be sure to visit the Yosuitei teahouse, the Omotesenke tea ceremony room, and the relocated Tokugawa residence “Minatogoten.” This garden has also been designated one of Japan’s Places of Scenic Beauty.

Yosuien is government-designated beauty spot. This is a great and healing garden created by Wakayama daimyo (feudal lord). This place is quiet and you can enjoy nice view which consists of beautiful...
Akizuno Garten

4.5

33 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Tanabeshi Kamiakidu 4558-8

This hands-on sightseeing facility located in Kamiakizu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture used to be wooden elementary school building. There’s a farm restaurant with a buffet offering locally produced food, a farmers’ market, a workshop where you can make sweets using locally produced oranges and such, an archive about oranges, and more. The classrooms and hallways exude a Showa-period school atmosphere. There’s also a lodging facility.

We spent 1 night at this wonderful place before embarking on the Kumano Kudo hike. We booked the accommodation through Oku Japan (self-guided walking tours) and as part of that booking, we were able...
Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History

4.0

17 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Kainanshi Funo 370-1

The Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History in Funoo, Kainan City, has two exhibition spaces. The first is an aquarium and the second is dedicated to animals and plants, geology, fossils and diorama exhibits. Events inside the museum as well as outdoor events such as nature observation tours and excavation trips are held from time to time making it a great place to learn about the rich and diverse wildlife and nature around Wakayama.

即位礼正殿の儀の慶祝行事として、入館料が無料となっていました。全滅となったと報道されていた大水槽も復旧していました。早く、以前のように、多く、大きな魚が、泳ぎ回る姿を見たいものです。
Grampus Inn Shirahama

3.0

36 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou Senjojiki 2953-3

This complex is a one-minute walk from the Senjo-guchi bus stop. It features a sweeping view of the Pacific and ample facilities to help you enjoy it including a barbecue area, futsal court, spa, camp sites, and more. There is also plenty of accommodation to choose from, like their Pao cabins resembling nomadic tents, trailers, and mountain lodge-like cabins. They also have a laundromat and can accommodate long-term stays.

We have 2nd night move to here from Wakayama and you can park your car next to the trailer. Most Japanese families around you will do BBQ as there is a shop sell everything or you can dine in around...
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Leisure / Hobbies

Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture other

This ancient pilgrimage route, also called the Kumano Sankeido, visits the Three Head Kumano Shrines—the Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. Starting in ancient times, the Kumano faith grew strong throughout the centuries, and countless people of all classes, from emperors and nobles to samurai and commoners have traveled this pilgrimage route. Due to the heavy rains in the area, the route’s stone paving still remains exposed in some areas, such as Daimon-zaka. A nationally designated Historic Site, a portion is also registered a World Heritage Site as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
Shikinosato Park

3.5

10 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Wakayamashi Myououji 85

This park with its natural and agricultural themes is about 15 minutes by car from Wakayama Interchange. It consists of two areas: The Nature Observation Forest and the Ryokka Kaju-en Orchard. Kids learn about the natural world at both the Nature Center and the Entrance Plaza with their ample playground equipment and reading materials. The park's many hands-on workshops let parents, kids, and their friends get in touch with nature year-round. Visitors also enjoy viewing their rose conservatory with nearly 800 bushes, as well as the roughly 900 bushes in their rose garden.

公園内を散歩してみました。広い園内に、バーベキューコーナー、バラ園、遊具施設などがあります。維持管理が大変だろうなと思いました。

Wakayama

Wakayama City Suburbs Mt. Koya / Ryujin Onsen / Kudoyama Kainan / Arita / Minabe / Tanabe Shirahama Kumano Kodo / Hongu Kushimoto / Koza / Susami Nachikatsuura / Taiji / Shingu

Leisure / Hobbies Leisure / Outdoors

Amusement Park / Theme Park Pool Beach Park / Green Space Aquarium Museum / Science Museum Zoo Orchard Art Museum Art Gallery / Gallery Botanical Garden Event Complex Facility / Commercial Facility Camping / Auto Camping Hiking / Walking Boat Pier Fishing / Fishing Pond / Managed Fishing Ground Fishing Equipment / Fishing Bait Shop Other Leisure Facility / Other Outdoors Facility

Wakayama Areas

Wakayama prefecture unites pilgrims, food lovers, and culture buffs in a tranquil corner of Japan at the base of the Kii Peninsula. The setting for many a Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, Wakayama invites those in search of spirituality from one side of the prefecture to the other, from the 100-plus Buddhist temples of the sacred Mount Koya in the west to the inspiring temples of the Kumano Sanzan set among breathtaking nature in the east. Once the grueling hike is complete, make a beeline for Wakayama city to savor some of the country's most delicious ramen noodles.