Events in Wakayama
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Wakayama Prefecture is an attractive area with beautiful coastlines, hot springs, and UNESCO World Heritage sacred sites.
One of the highlights is Koyasan, a sacred place of Japanese Buddhism founded by the famous monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Okunoin cemetery and experience staying at a temple lodging (shukubo), which offers a unique cultural experience. Another great spot is Nanki-Shirahama, a resort town on the Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning white-sand beaches and hot springs.
If you’re a fan of hot springs, a visit to Toretore Market is a must. You can enjoy fresh seafood while soaking in an outdoor bath, which is the perfect way to unwind. Additionally, in the Kumano region, you can explore the ancient pilgrimage route known as the Kumano Kodo, walking through mysterious forests as you visit the three sacred Kumano shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha.
Why not experience the grandeur of Wakayama’s nature and history, and embark on a refreshing journey that will rejuvenate both body and soul?
PickUp Wakayama Events
Nachi Fire Festival
The “Nachi Osen Festival” is said to have started during Emperor Jimmu’s eastern expedition and is held every year on July 14th. It is also known as the “Nachi Fire Festival” and is a sacred ritual where the gods return to the Nachi Great Waterfall. Twelve deities ride on sacred “fan palanquins” (Ogi Mikoshi) while being led by shrine members carrying torches. This ritual, known as “Mihon Gyōji,” involves holding massive torches weighing around 50kg to purify the sacred path with the power of fire. The grand fire procession, which is the highlight of the festival, is both dramatic and creates an almost mystical atmosphere. At the end of the festival, the palanquins return to the Nachi Taisha Shrine, marking the conclusion of the sacred event. Every year, many visitors come to witness this awe-inspiring and sacred spectacle.
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A musical tour exploring Wakayama through songs.
Discover and Enjoy Wakayama! A Guide to Must-Visit Spots & Topics.
Kumano Kodo (Wakayama Prefecture)
The “Kumano Kodo” refers to a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the three Kumano Shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha) located in Wakayama Prefecture. These routes are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since the Heian period, the pilgrimage has been an important spiritual journey for both the royal family and common people, with many travelers making the trip in groups—so much so that it’s sometimes called the “Ant-like Kumano Pilgrimage.” The main routes include the Nakahechi, Iseji, Kohechi, Ohechi, and Kii paths, each offering a unique experience of nature and historical heritage.
Mount Koya
Koyasan, located in the northern part of Wakayama Prefecture, is a sacred site of the Shingon Buddhism, believed to have been established around 1,200 years ago by the famous monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai). In 2004, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” The area is home to numerous temples and cultural treasures. Key highlights include the Danjo Garan, Kongobuji Temple, and Okunoin. Visitors can also experience staying at a shukubo (temple lodging) and enjoy traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, making it a popular destination for those seeking a unique cultural experience.
Nachi Falls
Nachi Falls” is a famous waterfall located in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, and it boasts the tallest drop in Japan, standing at an impressive 133 meters. It has been a sacred site for centuries. In the surrounding area, you’ll find historical temples and shrines like Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji, with stunning views of the waterfall and the three-story pagoda that continue to captivate visitors. Additionally, Nachi Falls is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
Shirahama Town
Shirahama Town is famous for its historic “Shirahama Onsen,” which has been around for over 1,300 years. It’s also home to the stunning white sand beach of “Shirarahama” and the popular “Adventure World,” known for its pandas. In addition to these attractions, the town offers beautiful natural scenery, like the “Senjojiki” and “Sandanbeki” cliffs formed by sea erosion, and “Engetsu Island,” where you can catch a breathtaking sunset.
Yuasa Town
Yuasa Town is known as the birthplace of soy sauce in Japan, with a history of soy sauce brewing that dates back to the Edo period. The town has preserved traditional soy sauce breweries and old townscapes, allowing visitors to tour the breweries and purchase soy sauce.
Tore Tore Market
The “Toretore Market” in Shirahama Town is one of the largest seafood markets in western Japan, offering a wide variety of fresh seafood. You can enjoy a seafood barbecue with the items you purchase right on the spot, and there are also restaurants where you can savor seafood bowls, sashimi, and more.
Hashigui-iwa Rocks
Located in Kushimoto Town, ‘Hashigui-iwa’ features a mysterious landscape where over 40 rock pillars of various sizes line up in a straight line, stretching about 850 meters from the shore toward Oshima Island. In November, the area is illuminated, creating a stunning and magical atmosphere.
Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle is located in the heart of Wakayama City and is a symbol of the city. From the castle’s main keep, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Kii Channel. Inside the castle grounds, you’ll find the Okaguchi Gate and the Nishinomaru Garden (also known as the Kōyōke Garden), where you can experience the beauty of nature and history throughout the seasons.
Arida City
Arita City is a beautiful region surrounded by both the sea and mountains, and it’s famous for its production of Arita mandarin oranges. Popular natural attractions include the uninhabited Chinojima Beach and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
Tomogashima Islands
Tomo Island is an uninhabited island located in the Kitan Strait, known for its rich natural beauty and the remnants of old Japanese military fortifications. The island has become a popular spot, especially for its scenery that evokes the feel of Hayao Miyazaki’s film ‘Castle in the Sky’.
List of Inbound-Friendly Taxi Companies in Wakayama
Wakayama Daiichi Kotsu
As a member of the Daiichi Kotsu Sangyo Group, Wakayama Daiichi Kotsu offers a multilingual interpretation service to assist passengers. Using a dedicated interpretation center, drivers can communicate with passengers in multiple languages directly from the taxi.
For more details, visit: Multilingual Interpretation Service | Taxi | Daiichi Kotsu Sangyo.
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