Nature Spots in Wakayama Area

  • Kishu Ishigami Tanabe Bairin Ume Orchard (Ume Blossom)
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Pref. Tanabeshi Kamihaya Ishimin
    Boasting the plum grove located at the highest elevation (300 meters) in the Kinki region, this expansive plum grove is one of the main groves of Tanabe City, the home of plums. During peak blossoming season, one is surrounded by soft white blossoms and enveloped in a sweet scent. The plum grove paths lead to an observatory and Kishu Tenmangu Shrine. The view of the plum groves from the observatory is extolled as a spectacle of 300,000 plum trees.
  • Kuroshima Island
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunkushimotochou Koza
    "Located approximately one kilometer off the coastal mouth of the Kozagawa River, this island covered with Machilus thunbergii trees of the laurel family. It is said that this island was once a hub for the Kumano Navy that fought in the Genpei battles. In recent years, the Obon season draws beach swimmers and canoeing and kayaking visitors. It is also known as the site for shooting the variety show Ikinari! Ogon Densetsu, where the television character Yoiko lived on this uninhabited island. This island is one of the cultural properties which compose ""Living with whales"", designated as Japan Heritage by Agency of Cultural Affairs."
  • Hyakkenzan-keikoku Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Pref. Tanabeshi Iya
    Along three kilometers of this valley, there are many nature spots to visit. Out of the 20 Scenic Sites in Kii, Hyakkenzan-keikoku Valley has been voted the No. 1 favorite sight to see. In additional to the various large and small waterfalls, there is a natural tunnel formation in the original growth forest. It is a nature location that one never tires of visiting. There are 2 hiking courses, suited to your stamina level, affording one a choice. In May, Koinobori carp windsocks are flow across valley, along with a fishing tournament and many other events.
  • Senri Beach
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Pref. Hidakagunminabechou Yamauchi
    1.3 kilometer in length, this is the only walkable sandy shore area along the Ancient Kumano Kodo Route. Also called one of the White-sand and Lush-pine beaches, this portion was once part of the Kumano pilgrimage routed. Renowned as one of the few spawning grounds for loggerhead turtles on Honshu (spawning, usually in May, can only be viewed by permission of the Minabe municipality); it is also selected as one of Wakayama’s Top 100 Scenic Sunrise and Sunset Spots. Mentioned in the ancient literature of Ise Monogatari stories and Makura no soshi, this shore was named a Historic Site of Wakayama in 1964.
  • Mt. Gomadanzan
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Pref. Tanabeshi Ryujinmuraryujin
    Mt. Gomadan is located on the border between Wakayama and Nara prefectures. Called the roof of Kii region, legend holds that Koremori of the Taira clan, defeated at the Genpei battle at Yashima, offered goma sticks to invoke good fortune for the Taira clan on this peak. Standing at 1,300-meter elevation, this spot provide exquisite scenic views of fresh verdure in the spring and vibrant autumn colors of yellow and red in the autumn. In winter, the snowscape and frost covered trees may be enjoyed. Chosen as one of Wakayama’s top 100 sites for scenic sunrises and sunsets, the expansive view from the Roadside Station Gomasan Skytower is a sight to see.
  • Nishihiro Coast
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Pref. Aridagunhirogawachou Nishihiro
    Approximately a 7-minute drive from the Hirokawa Interchange, this is a shoal beach area which is a part of the Wakayama Prefecture Nishiarita Nature Park. It is equipped with toilets, showers, and coin lockers and draws approximately 16,000 visitors a year. The beach opens every year on the first Sunday in July, and such fun events as treasure hunts are held after the opening ceremony, and one can enjoy clam digging during low tide. With a beautiful backdrop of mountain greenery and rocky outcroppings on both sides, this beach is one of Wakayama’s Top 100 Sites for Scenic Sunrises and Sunsets.
  • Kada Coast
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Pref. Wakayamashi Kada
    Facing the Kitan Channel, the attraction of this beach is its beautiful shoreline. Located facing the Kada Bay, this coast features a natural sandy beach not formed by landfill. In the summer, the coast is used as a shoal beach for swimmers, and on a clear day Awajishima Island can be seen. Camping and barbecue pits are allowed here, with one of its attractions being that tents and other rentals including reservations for meals can be made so one can enjoy camping without all the preparation. There are many other sites to visit nearby, including the Awashima-jinja Shrine where the deities are enshrined for marriage and safe baby delivery, and other hot spring facilities.
  • Kashima
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Hidaka-gun Minabecho
  • Takinohai
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Higashimuro-gun Kozagawa Cho Kogawa
    This place is located approximately a 30-minute drive from the JR Koza Station. It is situated in a stream that is a tributary of Koza River, and the ground, pocked with holes of varying sizes extends for around 200 meters. The holes were formed by flowing water and small stones, and there is a waterfall in the middle. Although it is not a very high waterfall, the water glides along the sharp edges of the rocks, giving it power and momentum. A few patterns of the Takinohaitarou folktale remain, and every year in July, Bouzuhaze goby and Yoshinobori goby fish can be seen swimming up the rocks. The basin of the waterfall is a popular spot for fishermen who are looking to catch sweetfish.
  • Hidakagawa Town Gengo Fireflies
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Hidaka-gun Hidakagawacho Gengo
    Fireflies can be seen in the Genko district on the west side of Hidakagawa Town. The fireflies can primarily be seen around the Hidaka River, as well as around small streams and irrigation channels in the district. The fireflies appear in most years from late May to around mid-June. The Genko district is famous for its abundance of fireflies, and it holds firefly watching events in late May in the evenings. During the events, visitors can also listen to traditional music performances played on the koto and shamisen.
  • Jinoshima Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Wakayama Arida-shi Hatsushimacho Chisaki
    This swimming beach is located on an uninhabited island in the Kii Channel. The island can be reached via a ferry which leaves from Hatsushima Fishing Port. The beach is 500-meters-long and its waters are extremely clear. The beach has toilets and showers are available from inns near the fishing port. Also, rare for a beach, barbecuing and camping are allowed on the shore. Equipment rentals are available, meaning you don't even have to bring anything yourself. You can also rent fishing gear and the beach is a place where you can experience and out-of-the-ordinary time surrounded by natural beauty.
  • Mt.Koya
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Ito-gun Koyacho Koyasan
  • Mt.Takao
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Tanabe-shi
  • Shirarahama Beach
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Nishimuro-gun Shirahamacho
  • Mt.Nachisan
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama
  • Koyasan Sennen no Mori
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Ito-gun Koyacho Koyasan 636
  • Nanairo Dam
    Travel / Tourism
    Mie Kumano-shi Kamikawacho Konoue
  • Kimi Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Hashimoto-shi Hashiramoto
  • Nunobikinotaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Shingu-shi Takata
  • Rai no Taki
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Higashimuro-gun Kitayama Mura Shimoi

Wakayama Areas

around-area-map

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.

Wakayama Photo Album

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