A Scenic Highland in the Mountains of Wakayama Oishi Kogen Highlands is a beautiful highland area centered around Mount Oishigamine, which rises to approximately 870 meters above sea level. Located across Kimino Town and Aridagawa Town in Wakayama Prefecture, the highlands form part of the Nagamine Mountain Range. The summit area is covered by a vast field of Japanese pampas grass, known as susu...»
Negoroji Temple, also written as Negoro-ji, is the head temple of the Shingi Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism. Located in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, it is formally known as Ichijo-zan Dempobo Negoroji. The temple was founded by Kakuban (Kogyo Daishi), an influential Buddhist monk of the late Heian period. Throughout Japanese Buddhist history, Negoroji played an important role as a center...»
Kokawadera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kokawa, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is best known as the third temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist pilgrimage routes dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva associated with compassion. The temple belongs to the Kokawa Kannon Buddhist tradition and enshrines Senju Sen-gen Kanno...»
Kishi Station is the southern terminus of the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line, located in Kodo, Kishigawa-cho, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. The local railway connects Wakayama Station with Kishi Station over approximately 14.3 kilometers and is now famous both in Japan and overseas for its beloved cat stationmasters. Once a small, unstaffed station mainly used by local residents, ...»
Shunrinken, located in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic medical facility established by Hanaoka Seishu, one of Japan’s most renowned surgeons of the Edo period (1603–1868). It served as his home, clinic, and medical school, making it an important site in the history of Japanese medicine. Shunrinken was much more than a medical clinic. It was an advanced center where medical treat...»
Misato Observatory is an astronomical facility located at an elevation of approximately 430 meters in the mountainous area of Kimino Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Thanks to its location far from major sources of artificial light, the observatory is known as one of the finest places in the Kansai region for experiencing a spectacular night sky. On clear nights, especially around the new moon when the...»
Kokawa Ubusuna Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kokawa, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, it has served as the guardian shrine of the local community and remains closely associated with the famous Kokawadera Temple. The shrine stands within the grounds of Kokawadera Temple, the third temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, one of Japan's most famous Buddhist pilgrim...»
Mifune Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Momoyama-cho, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Kinokawa is home to many historic temples and shrines, but Mifune Shrine is particularly notable for its beautifully preserved architecture dating from the Momoyama period (late 16th to early 17th century). The shrine stands on a slightly elevated site surrounded by the peaceful countryside of M...»
Flower Hill Museum is the central cultural facility of Roadside Station Seishu no Sato in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. The museum was established to honor the remarkable achievements of Seishu Hanaoka, an Edo-period surgeon who made an important contribution to the history of medicine. Visitors can learn about Hanaoka's pioneering work in general anesthesia while also enjoying the area's b...»
Togenkyo, located in Momoyama Town in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous peach-growing areas. Stretching across the southern side of the Kinokawa River, the area is transformed every spring into a breathtaking landscape of soft pink peach blossoms. The name “Togenkyo” means a utopian paradise, a place far removed from the ordinary world. When the peach orchards are ...»
Wakayama Prefectural Botanical Park Ryokka Center is a beautiful nature park located in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by flowers and greenery, the park provides a peaceful place where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Since opening in 1979, the park has become one of the area's popular attractions. Today, visitors can enjoy the grounds free of charge, making it an e...»
Nagata Kannon Temple, officially known as Nyoizan Yakuyoke Kannonji, is a historic Buddhist temple in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the Shingon-shu Yamashina School of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism and has long been revered by local people as a sacred place for protection from misfortune. The temple is commonly called Nagata Kannon, Yakuyoke Kannon, or Yaku Kannon. The Japanese w...»
Roadside Station Seishu-no-Sato is a unique tourist destination in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can experience history, culture, local food, and nature in one location. Registered as a roadside station in 2015, the facility was developed in the birthplace of Hanaoka Seishu, a pioneering Japanese physician who successfully performed surgery under general anesthesia in the earl...»
Negoro Historical Hill Roadside Station is a popular tourist facility in Negoro, Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. Combining history, culture, local food, shopping, and tourist information, it serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. The roadside station is located along Wakayama Prefectural Route 63, connecting Izumisano and Iwade. Because of its location, it also serves as...»
Jusan Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine quietly nestled along the Kishi River in Kimino Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and the peaceful scenery of the countryside, the shrine has been a place of worship for local communities for centuries. One of its greatest attractions is its exceptional historical architecture. The main sanctuary and two subsidiary shrines, Niubu Shrine...»
Former Natejuku Honjin is a historic residence in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, offering a fascinating glimpse into transportation, local government, and daily life during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). Officially known as the Former Natejuku Honjin Imose Family Residence, the property is an important cultural heritage site. The main building, rice storehouse, and south storehouse are desi...»
Negoro lacquerware is one of Japan's distinctive traditional lacquerware techniques. It is characterized by applying vivid red lacquer over a base layer of black lacquer. As the surface naturally wears through years of use, the black layer beneath gradually appears, creating a unique and beautifully aged appearance. Unlike decorative patterns that are deliberately painted onto the surface, the ch...»
Kii Kokubunji Temple Ruins Historical Park in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a fascinating archaeological site where visitors can experience the history and culture of ancient Japan. The park preserves the remains of Kii Kokubunji, a major Buddhist temple established during the Nara period more than 1,300 years ago. Today, the site has been developed as a historical park, with reconstruct...»
Roadside Station Negoro Sakura-no-Sato is a popular roadside stop and tourism hub in Oshikawa, Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located close to the border with Osaka Prefecture along Wakayama Prefectural Route 63, it is affectionately known as one of the “gateways to Wakayama.” Originally opened in 2003, the facility underwent a major renewal and reopened in 2025, creating a more comfortable and...»
Ichijokaku, also known as the Former Wakayama Prefectural Assembly Hall, is a historic building located in Negoro, Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. Originally constructed as the meeting place of the Wakayama Prefectural Assembly, it is an exceptionally valuable example of early modern Japanese architecture. Built during the Meiji period (1868–1912), Ichijokaku is regarded as the oldest surviving ...»
Juzenritsu-in Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kokawa, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Anraku Ritsuin School of the Tendai Buddhist tradition, the temple stands within the grounds of the famous neighboring Kokawadera Temple. The temple's principal image is Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). Surrounded by a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, Juzenritsu-in offers vis...»
Kii Kokubunji Temple, located in Higashi-Kokubun, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic Buddhist temple belonging to the Shingon-shu New School tradition. The temple is also known as Hakkosan Iouin and enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing, who has long been worshipped as a protector of people's health and well-being. The temple continues the legacy of Kii Kokubunji, one of ...»
Hiraike Pond is a large irrigation pond located in Kishigawa Town, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Covering approximately 13 hectares and with a circumference of about 1.5 kilometers, it is one of the largest agricultural reservoirs in Wakayama Prefecture. Built during the medieval period to secure water for agriculture, the pond continues to play an important role as a source of irrigation w...»
Omiya Shrine, also known as Iwade Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine located in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, local residents have affectionately revered it as the “guardian deity of Iwade.” Surrounded by an extensive sacred forest, the shrine grounds offer a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. The quiet woodland and traditional buildings provide visitors with a relaxing setting...»
Masuda Family Residence is a historic traditional house in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Built in the mid-Edo period, the residence offers a valuable glimpse into the lifestyle, social status, and responsibilities of a prominent village headman of the time. With its well-preserved architecture and spacious grounds, the residence is ...»
Okuni-nushi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kuninushi, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known affectionately by local residents as “Okunissan,” the shrine stands at the foot of the forested Hinatayama mountain. Surrounded by ancient trees and rich natural scenery, the shrine is a peaceful sacred site where legends from Japanese mythology, centuries of religious devotion, and loca...»
Kimino Town, located in northern Wakayama Prefecture, is a peaceful mountain community where rich natural surroundings blend beautifully with a quiet rural way of life. The town is centered around the Kishigawa River, which flows from east to west after originating in the mountains of Mount Koya. Gentle hills, forests, and mountains stretch across the surrounding landscape. Although Kimino Town i...»
Iwade City is located in the Kihoku region of northern Wakayama Prefecture and offers an appealing combination of historic culture, beautiful nature, and modern convenience. The city is approximately 15 kilometers from central Wakayama City, 50 kilometers from central Osaka, and 30 kilometers from Kansai International Airport, making it an important gateway to Wakayama. Iwade borders Sennan City ...»
Nokami Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on elevated ground in Obata, Kimino Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Also known as Nokami Hachiman Shrine, it has long been an important place of worship for local residents and is a valuable cultural heritage site that preserves the history and religious traditions of the region. From the shrine grounds, visitors can look out over the town o...»
Kinokawa City is located in northern Wakayama Prefecture and is a charming destination blessed with abundant nature, a rich history, and some of the region's finest fruit-growing areas. The city borders Osaka Prefecture to the north, Wakayama City to the west, Katsuragi Town to the east, and Kainan City and Kimino Town to the south, making it conveniently accessible from the wider Kansai region. ...»
The Kinokawa City Museum of History and Folklore is a cultural facility in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, dedicated to introducing the history, archaeology, and traditional culture of the local area. Located directly beside the historic site of Kii Kokubunji Temple, the museum is an ideal place to visit before or after exploring the ruins, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of t...»
Arata Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Mori, Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. It has long been revered by the local community and is considered a shrine with an ancient and distinguished history. Arata Shrine is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a 10th-century record of important Shinto shrines compiled during the Heian period. It was once classified as a village shrine and served a...»
Iwade City Folklore Museum is a museum in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, introducing the history, culture, traditional industries, and everyday life of the local community. Located next to the historic Negoroji Temple, the museum is an excellent place to visit together with the area's many cultural and historical attractions. The museum provides an easy-to-understand introduction to how the reg...»
Jinzu Onsen is a tranquil hot spring facility located in the mountains of Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of the Kisen Mountain Range, this peaceful retreat offers visitors a chance to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One of the main attractions of Jinzu Onsen is its distinctive spring water, which is known for its highl...»
Kai-jinja Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Jinryo, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Despite being surrounded by mountains and forests, the shrine is dedicated primarily to deities associated with the sea and water. This unusual combination of a mountain setting and maritime worship gives the shrine a distinctive atmosphere and makes it an intriguing destination for travelers intere...»
Kozanji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Mogami, Momoyama Town, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism and is also known by its traditional mountain name, Anraku-zan, and temple name, Henjo-in. The temple's principal Buddhist image is Fudo Myoo, one of the most important guardian figures in Japanese esoteric Buddhism. Surrounded by th...»
Kishigawa Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kishigawa Town, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the shrine is a peaceful sacred site where ancient religious traditions and the natural landscape come together. What makes Kishigawa Hachimangu particularly fascinating is the presence of archaeological remains associated with ancient ritual ...»
Tomobuchi Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the peaceful mountain village of Naka-Tomobuchi, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the shrine has long been worshipped as the ujigami, or guardian deity, of the 16 villages of the former Tomobuchi Estate. With a history dating back many centuries, the shrine has served as an important spiritu...»
Maruyama Kofun is an important archaeological site located in Uenoyama, Kishigawa Town, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Dating from Japan's Kofun period, the burial mound provides valuable clues about the society, culture and political power of ancient Japan. The site is a Wakayama Prefecture-designated Historic Site and is preserved as an important part of the region's cultural heritage. Its...»
Highland Park Kokawa is a forest recreation facility located in Nakatsugawa, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Set amid the rich natural environment of the Izumi Mountains, near the border with Osaka Prefecture, the park is a popular outdoor destination where visitors can enjoy fresh mountain air, expansive views and the peaceful beauty of nature. Located in a highland area, Highland Park Kokaw...»
Arakawa Peaches, known in Japanese as Arakawa no Momo, are a famous regional brand of peaches produced mainly in Momoyama Town in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Grown in the warm climate and fertile natural surroundings of the Kinokawa River basin, these peaches are highly regarded throughout Japan for their sweetness, juiciness, beautiful appearance, and fragrant aroma. They are also popula...»