Best around Kumano Kodo, Shingu, Shirahama Spot List

Full of moving experiences; the most pandas in one place out of all Japan

Introduces Kumano’s world heritage sites

The serene atmosphere and space provide a leisurely onsen experience for travelers

The head Kumano shrine where various Kumano deities are worshiped

The remains of Kumano Taisha Shrine, the birthplace of the Kumano faith

Located in a town famous for its tuna, this hotel specializes in preparing some of the country’s best tuna

The first of 33 temples on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, Seiganto-ji is an ever-popular destination for worshipers

The spectacular views of the enormous rocks will impress you

Hirou Shrine’s object of worship is famous for the large volume of water and for having the country’s highest drop off

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Mount Nachi

Soak in the hot springs while looking out through the pine forest at Shirahama Beach

Handmade cuisine prepared by the proprietress. Reservations are required for the highly popular Kodo Bento lunch boxes

Formerly Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, this shrine is located on the grounds where Kumano’s three deities descended

A cozy accommodation with its own hot spring

The beloved traditional tubs have long been a symbol of Yunomine

Enjoy a meal with brown rice in an traditional Japanese-style home

Exquisite hamburg steak made from domestic boar

This observation deck lies at the southern tip of Shionomisaki. The seventh and eighth floors, which are 100 meters above sea level, are observation galleries, commanding a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. On a fine day, the vista even takes in the distant Mt. Nachi. On entering the deck, you'll receive a certificate for visiting the southernmost point of Japan's main island as proof of your visit to Shionomisaki. The grasslands at the tip of the cape, called “Boro no Shiba,” stretch out over 100,000 square meters. A restaurant there serves a variety of dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

Located in the Nanki Katsuura hot-spring area, guests at Hotel Urashima can enjoy natural Bokido cave hot-spring baths. The hotel offers 4 other public hot-spring baths. The property offers free shuttle service by car or ferry for limited hours per day, both a 10-minute ride from JR Kii Katsuura Station. Free WiFi is available in the public areas. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. A TV, fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each. Rooms come with a private toilet but bathrooms are shared. An outdoor swimming pool is open during the summer and a coin launderette is provided for guests to use. Local gifts can be purchased at the souvenir shop and a karaoke room is available as well. A breakfast and dinner buffet are served at the hotel’s dining room. Urashima Hotel is a 15-minute walk from Katsuura Fishing Port and a 20-minute drive from Taiji Whale Museum.

Boasting a spacious garden overlooking the Kumano-Nada Sea and the gentle mountains along the coast, Yado Kayuu features hot-spring baths, a summertime outdoor pool, tennis courts and Japanese rooms with sea views. Traditional Kaiseki Japanese cuisine is available for dinner. Guests at Hana Irodori no Yado Kayuu sleep in futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Each air-conditioned room has an en suite bathroom and an electric kettle. Slippers are also provided. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from JR Kii-Katsuura Train Station on the Kisei Line, and a free shuttle is offered. It is a 10-minute walk to the Taijicho Whale Museum and Taiji Kujirahama Park.