Leisure / Outdoors Spots in Wakayama Area

  • Adventure World
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    4.0
    23 Reviews
    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.

    リブロースステーキセット、あらびきハンバーグセット、ライオンポテト、生ビール(大)コーラ、で¥6500ほどでした。ファミレスで言うならロイホっぽい価格帯。味は悪くなくごはんの炊き具合も良かったです。 テーブルクロスが塗り絵になっているのですが、色鉛筆が尖っていないタイプなので色鉛筆を持ち込むとよりお子さんも喜ぶと思います。

  • Taiji Whale Museum
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    4.0
    151 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.

  • 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 Aquarium, Kyoto University
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    4.0
    129 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...

  • Shirahama Energy Land
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    3.5
    113 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!

    以前から気にはなってましたので、行程の都合上パンダの前に寄ってみました。 中はエンタメに振ってる行政がやってそうな科学館みたいな感じですが、入場料は行政ぽくありません(汗) 子供はミステリーハウスではしゃいでました。小学生くらいの家族連れは結構見ましたが、子供はみんな楽しそうでした。大人はめまいする…とか言ってる人もいました。 うちの子供は360°立体シアターの方を気に入って2種類見てました。ロ...

  • 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.
  • Wakayama Castle Park Zoo
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    3.5
    84 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...

  • Kudoyama Sanada Museum
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    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.

    南海九度山駅から徒歩10分の静かな住宅街にある真田親子に関するミュージアム。昌幸の武田家臣から親子の九度山蟄居を挟み幸村の夏の陣までがパネルや映像を使って展示されている。蟄居中の屋敷内をイメージした展示では薄暗い中で囲炉裏に座る真田親子の等身大人形がある。伊達家家臣の片倉重綱に子息と息女を託した記述があった事は東北人には有難い。企画展としつ別室で真田の忍びに関する展示があり、大河ドラマで登場した出...

  • Fisherman’s Wharf Shirahama
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    4.0
    51 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
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    3.5
    64 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...

  • Aquarium of Crab and Shrimp
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    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."

    小規模ながらエビとカニに特化した珍しい水族館です。駅の待合室の観賞用水槽をルーツに廃校の校舎を使い、町おこし感が伝わってきます。オオグソクムシからタカアシガニまでバラエティ豊かで、エイやサメに触れられるコーナーもあり誰でも楽しめると思います。

  • Yosuien
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    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...

  • 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.
  • The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama
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    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.

  • Akizuno Garten
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    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...

  • Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Center
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    3.5
    10 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Wakayama Pref. Tanabeshi Nakahechichoukurisugawa 1222-1
    This free rest area is located in Nakahechi Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture and serves as the tourist information facility for both the 12 “Grand Shrines” and the Kumano Kodo road. The 12-side building based on these shrines serves as a landmark. There’s a video introducing Nakahechi and materials related to Kumano Kodo, as well as articles from Takijirioji Shrine on display. There’s also an area where you can take photos dressed in kimono, as well as works by a local pottery group and other goods for sale.

    熊野古道中辺路の案内と歴史紹介を兼ねた情報拠点となる施設。 熊野懐紙や滝尻王子社の所蔵品の展示をはじめ、中辺路のDVD紹介、熊野古道に関する資料や中辺路の観光情報などを発信している。 町内の12の王子社にちなんだ12角形の建物。滝尻王子の向かいにあります。 平安時代の衣装を借りて、写真撮影できます。 お土産も少ないですが、あります。

  • Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History
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    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。

  • Porto Europa
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Wakayama Pref. Wakayamashi Kemi 1527
    These theme park, located on the manmade island “Wakayama Marina City” in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture is modeled after a European port town. It is comprised of two zones: The “Porto Europa” and the “Park Pacific” amusement park. The Porto Europa zone features a French and Italian port town, buildings modeled after old Spanish castles, and other exotic elements. The amusement park has a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, water slide, and more. Entry is free.
  • 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.
  • Kainan Wanpaku Park
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    4.0
    12 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Wakayama Pref. Kainanshi Ononaka 995-2
    A nature park located not far from the Kainan-higashi Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway. The Kaze no Ko-kan hall just past the main gate has a giant net playground and ball pool for younger children, ensuring that kids can play here even on rainy days. The hall also has an aquarium exhibit with fish from Kainan City’s Kame River, a picture book corner, and a workshop where creative classes are held. In addition, there’s a playground in the plaza outside the hall as well as facilities and locations where visitors can enjoy natural beauty like the “Water Lily Valley” garden planted with water lilies and azaleas. Further, the park has a restaurant and café corner, providing spaces for both children and adults to relax and have fun together.

    山沿いにある公園です。広い広場がありそれぞれ譲りあってサッカーやキャッチボールなどできます。館内は冷暖房完備で中央が吹き抜けの大きなネットを張り巡らせた遊具になっています。スリル満点な感じですが安全に造られています。周りはスロープになっているので見守りも大丈夫です。小さい子供たちにもボールプールもあったり、読書コーナーがあったり、駄菓子などの売店もあります。土日には子供たちが楽しめるイベントが開催...

Wakayama Areas

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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.

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