Best around Wakayama Spot List

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

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

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Mount Nachi

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

The spectacular views of the enormous rocks will impress you

This temple guesthouse is home to national treasures

A school that embodies the dreams of Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi

Adventure islands

The sunsets here are particularly beautiful

The leading domestic collection of modern art prints

Exquisite hamburg steak made from domestic boar

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

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.

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.

Hotel Kirinosato Takahara features outdoor and indoor hot spring baths, only a 2-minute walk from the World Heritage Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property, a terrace and rooms with a Japanese interior and Western beds. Guests can go hiking through mountain paths or unwind in one of the hotel’s public hot spring baths. Kirinosato Takahara organizes charged activities such as walking the Kumano Kodo, dressing in Heian-era clothes or experience farming. Facilities include drinks vending machines, a shop and free parking. There are Spanish and Chinese speaking staff. Kirinosato Takahara is a 3-minute walk from both the Takijiri Oji Temple and the Kirinosato Takahara Kumano Jinja Shrine. JR Kii Tanabe Station is a 45-minute bus ride away. Upon reservation, the hotel offers a free shuttle to/from Gyubadoji Michinoeki Station, Takijiri and the Arisugawa bus stop. Air-conditioned rooms have a tatami (woven-straw) floor, an LCD TV and a small fridge. Guests sleep in Western beds. All rooms come with an attached private toilet, while bathrooms are shared. A Japanese breakfast and dinner with local dishes are served at the dining room.

Meet the two famous cats that manage the station

A festival of fire unfolds at Nachi Falls

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.

Located right in front of Shirahama Beach, Shiraraso Grand Hotel offers both Japanese-style accommodations and Western rooms with a tatami area. Rooms come with ocean views and Japanese Yukata robes. Guest can relax in the indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths and request relaxing massages for an extra charge. The hotel is a 10-minute drive or bus ride from JR Shirahama Train Station. Free WiFi is available in all areas. In the room, guests can sit by the seating area with low tables and enjoy watching the TV. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. An outdoor swimming pool is open during the summer season and guests can purchase local products at the souvenir shop. Private reservable hot-spring baths can be requested and a game room is available as well. Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas. Guests can enjoy diving in the area throughout the year, and beach illumination lights attract tourists from December to February. A traditional multi-course dinner and a Japanese breakfast set are served at the dining room. Fresh local seafood dishes are offered at Isokaze restaurant. Hotel Grand Shiraraso is a 15-minute drive from Adventure World. The Sandanbeki Caves and Toretore Market are located a 10-minute drive away. Nanki Shirahama Airport is a 15-minute drive away.