This temple guesthouse is home to national treasures
A huge offering of fresh seafood. Perfect for meals and souvenir-hunting
A school that embodies the dreams of Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi
Adventure islands
Famous for its early blossoming cherry trees, which signify the coming of spring
Koyasan, a treasury of esoteric Buddhism art
The nation’s head Koyasan Shingon-shu temple
Castle remains of the Kishu Tokugawa family made up of 555,000 stones
A grand temple complex established on Mount Koya some 900 years ago
A fishing park where everyone can enjoy themselves, from beginners to experienced fishermen
Introducing Ekoin, a popular shukubo (temple lodging) at Mt. Koya (Koyasan) that has gained great popularity among LIVE JAPAN readers. Due to its high demand, it is recommended to make reservations about 4 months in advance. Staying here provides an opportunity to enjoy quiet time and traditional cultural experiences, and is sure to refresh both mind and body.
A spiritual area surrounding Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum
The leading domestic collection of modern art prints
One of the last temples to prohibit entry to women
Admire the early-blooming cherry trees at Kimii-dera Temple and enjoy an onsen that contains highly concentrated mineral
Spend your time comfortably in the visitor's lodging at a first-class ryokan
An oceanside hot springs resort with beautiful sunset views of Wakanoura
Located within Wakayama Marina City complex surrounded by the ocean, Wakayama Marina City Hotel is resort-style accommodation with chic European designs. A hot spring bath, a fishing pond and a theme park are all within the complex. Free WiFi is provided in the lobby. Featuring natural colours and sea views, each room is fitted with free wired internet and a fridge. Guests can watch satellite channels on a flat-screen TV, and make green tea using electric kettle and tea bags. The en suite bathroom comes with a bath tub and toiletries. Marina City Wakayama Hotel provides free-use outdoor swimming pool during summer. Laundry service can be requested. A gift shop is available on site. Porto Europa theme park is a 3-minute walk away, and Kuroshio Fish Market is a 10-minute walk from the property. Guests can also make a 5-minute walk to the nearby hot spring facility. JR Kainan Station is a 15-minute drive from the property. Fresh Italian dishes can be savoured at the bright Caro e Cara restaurant, which features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the garden. Shikisai offers sophisticated Japanese meals, while Caterina Café and Bakery provides freshly baked bread and pastries.
Boasting ocean views and quick access to the beach, Shinwaka Lodge is located in Wakayama just an 8-minute drive from JR Kimiidera Train Station. It features free WiFi access and a hot spring bath. Each room is air conditioned and comes equipped with a TV. Free toiletries are provided, while bathrooms and toilets are shared with other guests. At Lodge Shinwaka you will find a garden, luggage storage and a vending machine. The property also offers free parking, a coin launderette and a library featuring over 2000 comic books. Breakfasts and dinners featuring fresh local seafood are served at the dining area. This ryokan is a 20-minute drive from JR Wakayama Train Station and a 15-minute drive from Wakayama Castle. Wakayama Marina City and Kuroshio Fish Market can both be accessed within a 15-minute drive from the property.
Founded by Kobo-Daishi Kukai, this is a sacred place of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, boasting a history of 1,200 years. Scattered across the mountain at approximately 900 meters above sea level are 117 temples, including Kongobu-ji Temple, forming a large religious town. With Danjogaran and Okuno-in at its core, this sacred territory has been visited by large number of Kukai's followers. Since the town is surrounded by forests, Mt. Koya is a great place to enjoy some hiking while visiting the temples.