A Mystical Waterfall with a 133-Meter Drop Located in Nachikatsuura Town in Wakayama Prefecture, Nachi Falls is one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls and one of the country’s most impressive natural landmarks. The waterfall plunges approximately 133 meters from a sheer cliff, making it the highest single-drop waterfall in Japan. Its powerful flow and breathtaking surroundings create an unforgetta...»
A Unique Spiritual Sanctuary Surrounded by Nature Hiro Shrine is a sacred Shinto shrine located in Nachisan, Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The shrine has been revered for centuries as an important place of worship connected with the natural landscape of the Kumano region. What makes Hiro Shrine particularly unique is that it has no traditional main sanctuary or worship hall. Instead, ...»
A Sacred Path Preserving the Atmosphere of Japan’s Ancient Pilgrimage Routes Daimon-zaka Slope is one of the most famous sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, pilgrims have walked this historic path on their way to the sacred sites of the Kumano region. The approximately one-kilometer route is lined with moss-covered stone steps ...»
Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of Japan's most important sacred sites, located in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Together with Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, it forms the Kumano Sanzan, or Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. It is also regarded as the head shrine of the many Kumano shrines found throughout Japan, which are said to number more than 4,700. Kumano Hongu Taisha...»
Seiganto-ji Temple is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple located on Mount Nachi in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The temple's mountain name is Nachisan, and its principal Buddhist image is Nyoirin Kannon (Cintamani-cakra Avalokiteshvara), a form of Kannon, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion. Seiganto-ji is especially famous as the first temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, one...»
Kawayu Onsen is a unique hot spring destination in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the Oto River, a tributary of the Kumano River, this peaceful hot spring town is famous for an extraordinary natural phenomenon: hot spring water rises directly from the riverbed. Kawayu Onsen is located approximately 3 kilometers south of Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, making it a po...»
A Sacred Sanctuary Where Myth and Nature Meet Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine is one of the three major shrines of Kumano, located in the Nachisan area of Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Together with Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, it forms the Kumano Sanzan, or Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. For centuries, Kumano Nachi Taisha has attracted worshippers seeking spiritua...»
Taiji Whale Museum is one of Japan’s leading museums dedicated to whales and is located within Whale Beach Park in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Opened in 1969, the museum was established to preserve and pass on the history of whaling culture in Taiji, the ecology of whales and dolphins, and the long relationship between people and the sea. Taiji is widely known as the bi...»
A Mysterious Sacred Site Among the Rocks Kamikura Shrine, located in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the most sacred and historically significant sites associated with the Kumano faith. The shrine is a subsidiary shrine of Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three major Kumano shrines, but its origins are believed to be even older. According to local tradition, the gods of Kumano firs...»
Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, together with Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha. For centuries, these sacred sites have attracted pilgrims from throughout Japan and are among the country's most important centers of religious devotion. Kumano Hayatama Taisha is als...»
Tsuboyu is a historic hot spring located in Yunomine Onsen in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” What makes Tsuboyu particularly remarkable is that it is widely known as the only World Heritage site in the world where visitors can actually bathe. Yunomine Onsen is believed to have a history...»
A Sacred Hot Spring with 1,800 Years of History Nestled quietly in the mountains of Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, Yunomine Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot spring destinations, with a history believed to stretch back approximately 1,800 years. Surrounded by the forests and mountains of the Kumano region, this historic hot spring has long played an important role in the religious traditions ...»
Kitayamagawa River Rafting is a unique adventure experience in Kitayama Village, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can ride a traditional log raft down the Kitayama River. It is considered the only traditional log-raft river trip of its kind in Japan. The experience revives the traditional technique of ikada-nagashi, or log rafting, which was once an essential part of the forestry industry in K...»
Asuka Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, near the mouth of the Kumano River. Situated at the southern foot of Mount Horai, the shrine is closely connected with the ancient religious traditions of the Kumano region. Asuka Shrine is considered one of the important sacred sites associated with Kumano faith, a unique religious tradition that developed thro...»
Oyunohara, located in Hongu Town in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the most sacred places associated with the ancient Kumano faith. Situated a short distance from the present-day Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, Oyunohara is the former site where the shrine once stood. The sacred area lies on a sandbank where the Kumano River, Otonashi River, and Iwatagawa River meet. Since ancient times...»
Kuwanoki Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Kuwanoki Gorge, a quiet mountain valley along a tributary of the Takada River in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. With a height of approximately 21 meters, it is recognized as one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls and was selected as one of the “100 Best Waterfalls in Japan.” Surrounded by the deep forests of Kumano, the waterfall creates...»
Shingu Castle, also known as Tanzaku Castle or Okimi Castle, was once a major castle in what is now Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Built on Tanzaku Hill near the mouth of the Kumano River, the castle was a hilltop fortress strategically positioned to overlook both the river and the Pacific Ocean. Today, the site is preserved as the Shingu Castle Ruins and Mizuno Family Cemetery, which has been...»
Nanki-Katsuura Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring destinations in the Nanki region of Wakayama Prefecture, located in Nachikatsuura Town on the southeastern coast of the Kii Peninsula. Historically known simply as Katsuura Onsen, it is now widely recognized as Nanki-Katsuura Onsen, one of the region's premier hot spring resorts alongside Shirahama Onsen. Facing the Pacific Ocean, known he...»
Kujirahama Park is a seaside park in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located within the beautiful natural surroundings of Yoshino-Kumano National Park, the park offers visitors an opportunity to experience the region's ocean scenery as well as Taiji's long history and culture associated with whales. Taiji has been known for centuries as a “whale town”, and Kujirahama Park i...»
Located in Miwasaki, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, Kushima Island (also written as Kushima or Kushima Island) and Suzushima Island are scenic coastal destinations where the magnificent waters of the Kumano-nada Sea meet dramatic rock formations and lush vegetation. Located just beyond Miwasaki Fishing Port, these two small islands are the result of countless years of coastal erosion and geolog...»
The Kumano River Boat Ride, available in Kumano River Town in Shingu, Wakayama Prefecture, is a rare opportunity to experience one of the waterways that form part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Known as the “River Pilgrimage Route,” the Kumano River was once an important part of the pilgrimage journey to the three grand shrines of ...»
Marinarium Marine Aquarium, located in Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular attraction attached to the Taiji Whale Museum. The aquarium recreates the rich marine environment of the nearby Kumano Sea, offering visitors an immersive opportunity to observe dolphins and small whales at close range. One of the aquarium's greatest attractions is its large underwater tunnel tank. As visitors wa...»
Whale cuisine is one of the distinctive traditional foods of Taiji Town in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located on the Pacific coast of the Kumano-nada Sea, Taiji is widely known as one of Japan’s historic centers of whaling and as a place where traditional whaling culture has been passed down through generations. For centuries, the people of this coastal town developed a unique foo...»
Kishu-Katsuura fresh tuna is wild-caught tuna landed at Katsuura Fishing Port in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. The port has long been known as one of Japan’s leading destinations for tuna fishing, particularly for tuna caught using the traditional longline fishing method. Thanks to its deep-rooted tuna-fishing culture, Nachikatsuura is widely known as a “town of tuna.” One of the greatest a...»
Ukishima-no-Mori, or the Floating Forest, is a remarkably rare wetland ecosystem located in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Officially known as the Shingu Inosawa Ukishima Plant Community, this unique natural site was designated a National Natural Monument of Japan in 1927. The most fascinating feature of the forest is that it stands on a floating island made largely of peat. Over thousands of ...»
Taiji Town, located in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is widely known as the “Town of Whales.” Facing the beautiful waters of the Kumano Sea, Taiji has a long history and cultural connection with whales and dolphins. Today, visitors can not only learn about the town's maritime traditions but also take part in a variety of experiences that bring them close to these remarkable marine an...»
Okutoro, also known as Kitayama Gorge, is a spectacular mountain valley stretching across Kumano City in Mie Prefecture and Kitayama Village in Wakayama Prefecture. It forms the uppermost section of Doro Gorge, a scenic area designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty within Yoshino-Kumano National Park. Surrounded by deep mountains and the clear waters of the Kitayama River, Okutoro offers visitors an...»
Fudarakusanji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Tendai school located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated close to the coast of Kumano, the temple has been deeply connected with the region's distinctive tradition of Kumano faith for centuries. The name “Fudaraku” comes from the Sanskrit word Potalaka, which refers to the mythical paradise believed to be the sacred realm of K...»
Kino Matsushima is a breathtaking coastal landscape located around the entrance to Katsuura Bay in Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. More than 130 islands, rocky islets, and unusual rock formations are scattered across an approximately 17-kilometer stretch of sea, creating one of the most spectacular seascapes in southern Wakayama. Because of its exceptional beauty, t...»
Watarase Onsen, located in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the three major hot spring areas of the Kumano Hongu Onsenkyo. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of southern Wakayama, it offers visitors a peaceful place to relax while exploring the sacred landscapes of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. Among the attractions of Watarase...»
Kumano Sanzan refers to the three grand shrines of the Kumano region in southern Wakayama Prefecture: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. The sacred complex also has a close historical connection with Seiganto-ji Temple at Nachisan. For centuries, Kumano has been one of Japan's most important destinations for pilgrimage and spiritual practice. In 2004, the area w...»
Ubuta Shrine is a small but deeply revered Shinto shrine located in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is traditionally regarded as an auxiliary shrine of Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and has been an important place of worship for centuries. The shrine is located approximately 10 minutes on foot from Kumano Hongu Taisha, near the World Heritage Kumano Hongu Heritage Center. Although ...»
Kandorizaki Cape, located in Taiji Town in eastern Wakayama Prefecture, is a beautiful headland extending into the vast waters of the Kumano Sea. The area is part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and is also designated as a geosite within the Nanki-Kumano Geopark. It is a popular destination where visitors can experience the region's magnificent nature, maritime history, and unique cultural traditi...»
Roadside Station Taiji, located in Taiji Town in eastern Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular tourist facility welcoming visitors to the "Town of Whales." Situated along National Route 42 near the Moriura intersection, it is an ideal place to take a break during a road trip while discovering the food, history, nature, and unique culture of Taiji. Opened in 2017, the facility was developed around the...»
Roadside Station Okutoro is a roadside tourist facility located along National Route 169 in Shimooi, Kitayama Village, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the magnificent natural landscapes of Yoshino-Kumano National Park, it serves as one of the main tourism hubs for Kitayama Village. Kitayama is famous for being Japan's only village completely separated from the rest of its...»
The Nachi Fan Festival (Nachi no Ogi Matsuri), also widely known as the Nachi Fire Festival, is an annual traditional ceremony held at Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. It takes place every year on July 14 as the shrine's main annual festival. The formal name of the festival is Ogi Matsuri, or Ogiekishiki Hōe. It is one of the most spectacular religious cerem...»
Hotel Urashima, located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's most distinctive hot spring resorts. Set on a large peninsula extending into Katsuura Bay within Yoshino-Kumano National Park, the resort combines spectacular Pacific Ocean scenery with an extraordinary variety of natural hot springs. One of the most memorable features of a stay begins before you even reach the hotel...»
Kumano Sansho Omiwayashiro Grand Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It is also known locally as Hamanomiya Daijinja or Hamanomiya Oji, and has long been an important place of worship for pilgrims traveling to the sacred sites of Kumano. The shrine is particularly notable for enshrining deities associated with all three of t...»
Kamidoro Bridge is a suspension bridge located in Kitayama Village, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, about a five-minute walk from Roadside Station Okutoro. Stretching approximately 170 meters across a reservoir on the Kitayama River, the bridge connects Kitayama Village in Wakayama Prefecture with Kumano City in Mie Prefecture. One of the bridge's most interesting features is that visi...»
Ogumotori-goe is a historic pilgrimage route on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi trail, connecting the sacred area of Nachisan, home to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple, with the village of Koguchi in Kumano River Town, Shingu City. Known as one of the most challenging sections of the Kumano Kodo, the trail crosses a series of steep mountain passes through the remote forests of th...»
Kogumotori-goe is a historic mountain pilgrimage route on the Kumano Kodo, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” It connects Koguchi in Kumano River Town, Shingu City, with Ukegawa in Hongu Town, Tanabe City. Kogumotori-goe forms the second half of the historic “Kumotori-goe” mountain crossing between Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrin...»
Oji-ga-hama Beach is a beautiful gravel and pebble beach stretching along the coast of Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. It forms part of the famous Shichiri Mihama, a long coastal stretch extending toward Kumano City in Mie Prefecture. The coastline extends for approximately 4 kilometers, with the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route running alongside it. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of...»
Kujirahama Beach, located in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a unique seaside destination known as one of the very few beaches in Japan where visitors can experience being in the water with whales. Taiji has a long and distinctive connection with whale culture and the history of whaling in Japan. Taking advantage of this local heritage, Kujirahama Beach offers visitors a...»
Xu Fu Park is a historic park in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, dedicated to Xu Fu, a legendary Chinese figure who is said to have traveled from China to Japan more than 2,000 years ago. Located only about two minutes on foot from JR Shingu Station, the park is an especially convenient place to visit when exploring the Kumano region. Its colorful Chinese-style entrance gate, traditional garden...»
Katsuura Fishing Port Nigiwai Market is a popular sightseeing and food destination located beside Katsuura Fishing Port in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The port is one of Japan's leading bases for tuna fishing and is particularly famous for its large landings of fresh, never-frozen tuna. Nachikatsuura is surrounded by some of southern Wakayama's most famous attractions, including the ...»
Kandorizaki Lighthouse is located in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, and is known as one of the town’s most scenic destinations. The beautiful white lighthouse stands against the blue sky and the vast waters of the Kumano Sea, creating an impressive coastal landscape. Kandorizaki, the cape where the lighthouse stands, is located within a designated special area of the Yoshi...»
Tomyozaki is a historic cape located at the tip of Taiji Bay in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Overlooking the magnificent Kumano Sea, the cape is known not only for its beautiful coastal scenery but also for its important connection with the history of traditional Japanese whaling. During the Edo period, Taiji developed an organized form of traditional whaling known as Am...»
Roadside Station Dorokyo Kaido Kumano-gawa is located along National Route 168 in Kumano-gawa Town, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated roughly halfway between Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and central Shingu, it is a convenient and popular stop for travelers exploring the Kumano region. The station is surrounded by the deep mountains of Kumano, while the Kumano River, Kitayama River, a...»
Roadside Station Nachi is a popular roadside facility located in Hamanomiya, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along National Route 42 and directly connected to Nachi Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, it has the unusual distinction of being accessible both by car and by train. Because of its convenient location, Roadside Station Nachi is widely used by trave...»
Amidaji Temple is a temple of the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Together with Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Seigantoji Temple, it has long been regarded as an important sacred site associated with the spiritual traditions of Kumano. The temple is located on the slopes of Mount Myohosan, which rises to approximately 749 meters. Surrounded by...»
Taiji Town, located in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a coastal community facing the magnificent Pacific waters of the Kumano-nada Sea. Known throughout Japan as a “Whale Town,” Taiji has a long history connected with traditional whaling and is recognized as one of the places where Japan's ancient whaling culture developed. Located within Yoshino-Kumano National Park, the town is s...»
Bokido Cave Bath is one of the most famous hot springs in Nanki-Katsuura Onsen, a renowned hot spring resort in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located at Hotel Urashima, this extraordinary open-air bath is built inside a vast natural sea cave created by the forces of nature over countless years. The cave was carved naturally by the powerful waves and winds of the Pacific Ocean. Today, v...»
Nachi Primeval Forest is a remarkable natural forest covering the slopes of Nachisan in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located east of the famous Nachi Falls, the forest has been carefully protected for centuries as part of the sacred landscape of the Kumano region. With its dense greenery, towering trees, streams, and waterfalls, the forest retains much of its ancient appearance. It wa...»
World Heritage Kumano Hongu Heritage Center is a learning, cultural, and community facility located in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated directly across from Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, the center introduces visitors to the history of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, Kumano's unique religious traditions, and the culture and natural beauty of the surrounding region. Th...»
Nachi Kogen Park is a peaceful forest park located in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Covering approximately 9 hectares, the park spreads across a highland area behind Seiganto-ji Temple at Nachisan. Situated at an elevation of approximately 550 meters, the park is surrounded by the sacred atmosphere of the Nachi Mountains. Visitors can enjoy the changing beauty of nature throughout the ...»
Roadside Station Okukumano Kodo Hongu is a popular tourist and rest facility located in Fushigami, Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated in the heart of the Kumano Hongu area, it serves as a convenient base for travelers exploring the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The roadside station is located along National Route ...»
Shingu City is a historic city located at the mouth of the Kumano River in southern Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, it has developed as one of the spiritual centers of Kumano, a sacred region of Japan renowned for its ancient pilgrimage traditions. The city flourished as the temple and shrine town surrounding Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three major shrines of Kumano. Even ...»
The Whale-Bone Torii Gate and Ebisu Shrine are located in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Facing Taiji Fishing Port, this distinctive shrine offers visitors an opportunity to experience the history, traditions, and maritime culture of a town that has developed around fishing for centuries. The shrine has long been associated with prayers for safe voyages and abundant catche...»
Blue Beach Nachi, also known as Nachi Beach, is a large and scenic beach in Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Facing the Kumano Sea along the Pacific coast, the beach features approximately 800 meters of beautiful white sand. With its clear blue water, wide sandy shoreline, and open views of the ocean, Blue Beach Nachi is one of the most popular seaside destinations i...»
Kushima Itsukushima Shrine stands on Kushima Island, just offshore from Miwasaki in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Kushima is located beyond Miwasaki Fishing Port and is connected to the mainland, allowing visitors to reach the island on foot from the coast. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Kumano Sea, the shrine is a peaceful place where visitors can enjoy both a spiritual experience...»
The Sato Haruo Memorial Museum in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a literary museum dedicated to Sato Haruo, one of the leading poets and novelists of modern Japanese literature. The museum introduces visitors to his life, literary career, artistic interests, and connection with his hometown of Shingu. Born in Shingu, Sato Haruo was known for works such as Sanma no Uta (Ode to the Pacific Sa...»
The Nishimura Memorial Museum in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic Western-style residence associated with Isaku Nishimura, an influential educator, architect, and artist best known as the founder of Bunka Gakuin. Officially known as the Former Nishimura Family Residence (Nishimura Isaku Memorial Museum), the building is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is h...»
Katsuura Fishing Port, located in Nachikatsuura Town in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most famous fishing ports for fresh, never-frozen tuna. Nachikatsuura is also home to many renowned attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, Nachi Falls, and the Nanki-Kats...»
Wataze Onsen is a peaceful hot spring destination in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the three hot spring resorts that make up the Kumano Hongu Hot Spring Area, together with Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of the Kii Peninsula, Wataze Onsen is located near Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three major shrines of Kumano. The area has lo...»
Oto Matsuri is a traditional fire festival held every year on the night of February 6 at Kamikura Shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as a festival that heralds the arrival of spring in the Kumano region, it is famous for the spectacular sight of men dressed in white carrying blazing torches and racing down a steep stone staircase. Because of its powerful and dramatic character, Oto...»
Ojaura is a scenic coastal area stretching along Nachi Bay in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. With its unusual geological formations, rich natural environment, and long-standing religious traditions, it is a fascinating place where the forces of nature and local culture come together. Just offshore from the coast is Benten Island, recognizable by its striking vermilion torii gate. At low...»
Nachikatsuura Town, located in Higashimuro District in southern Wakayama Prefecture, is a beautiful destination surrounded by both mountains and the sea. Facing the Pacific Ocean's Kumano-nada coast, the town is known for its dramatic ria coastline, deep spiritual heritage, world-famous pilgrimage sites, fresh tuna, and relaxing hot springs. Nachikatsuura brings together four defining elements of...»
Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Festival is one of the most important annual ceremonies held at Kumano Hongu Taisha, a sacred shrine located in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of the three major shrines of the Kumano region, collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan, and is regarded as the head shrine of the many Kumano shrines found throughout Japan. The shrine is als...»
Benten Island is a small rocky island located in Nachi Bay in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Kii Peninsula, the island has long been valued not only for its scenic beauty but also as a place of spiritual significance. One of its most distinctive features is the bright red torii gate standing at the island's entrance. Set against the rugged rocks and ...»
Jabara is an exceptionally rare Japanese citrus fruit that originated in Kitayama Village, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the same citrus family as yuzu, daidai, and kabosu, but has a distinctive aroma, intense acidity, and a subtle bitterness that lingers after tasting. This unusual combination gives jabara a remarkably complex flavor. Often described as having a pleasantly “bitter yet delic...»
Wataze Onsen Center Otonashi-no-Sato is a popular outdoor leisure facility in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. The facility combines a hot spring, campsites, cottages, and a restaurant in one convenient location. It is situated close to the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route, and is approximately a 10-minute drive from Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, making it an excel...»
Surrounded by deep mountains in eastern Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, the Hongu Area is one of the most sacred regions associated with the World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” For centuries, people have traveled through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula along the Kumano Kodo, carrying their prayers with them. At the end of many of these long jou...»
Kitayama Village is a small mountain village in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Although it belongs administratively to Wakayama, its geographical location is highly unusual: it is the only municipality in Japan that does not share a border with any other municipality in its own prefecture. Surrounded by Nara and Mie prefectures, Kitayama is geographically separated from the rest of Wa...»
The Kumano Hayatama Festival is the annual grand festival of Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Held every year on October 15 and 16, this traditional festival has been passed down for generations and offers a remarkable glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the Kumano region. Kumano Hayatama Taisha is one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, and the festiv...»
Enmeiji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Ukui, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hoozan, and the temple stands quietly among the mountains and forests of the Kumano region. Surrounded by the mountains and sea of southern Wakayama, Enmeiji offers a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the busier tourist destinations around Nachisan. It is a place where visitor...»
Wada Family Rock Gate is a small natural rock tunnel in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Although it is now used as a local passageway, this unusual site preserves an important connection to the town's long history of traditional whaling. Taiji is widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of traditional Japanese whaling, and the Wada family played a particularly important ro...»
Nanakoshi-no-mine is a mountain approximately 262 meters high in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located east of Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, it stands at the southern end of the Omine Mountain Range and is one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Kumano region. From the summit and surrounding viewpoints, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Kumano Hongu Taisha, Oyunohara—the former...»
A Sacred Mountain Range at the Heart of Kumano Nachisan is the collective name for the mountainous area extending across the northeastern part of Nachikatsuura Town in Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, this sacred mountain region has been one of the most important centers of Kumano faith, attracting worshippers and pilgrims from throughout Japan. Nachisan is part of the UNESCO World Heritage S...»
Okutoro Onsen Yamanoyado is a hot spring accommodation facility located in Kitayama Village, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Kitayama is famous for being Japan's only village completely surrounded by other municipalities of a different prefecture, and the area is blessed with beautiful mountains, forests, and rivers. Surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the deep mountains, Yamanoyado ...»
Ichinono Oji Shrine is a historic shrine located in Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the Kumano Kujuku Oji, the many subsidiary shrines traditionally found along the pilgrimage routes leading to the sacred Kumano Sanzan, or Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Located along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route, Ichinono Oji was an important spiritual stop for pilgr...»
Takada Greenland and Kumotori Onsen is a nature-rich hot spring facility located beside the Takada River in the mountainous area of Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by deep green mountains, the facility offers visitors a peaceful escape where they can enjoy the sound of flowing water and birdsong while experiencing the natural beauty of Kumano. The facility lies roughly halfway betwee...»
Oga Hachiman Shrine is a quiet and atmospheric shrine located in Oga, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the deep mountains and clear streams of Kumano, the shrine stands in a secluded natural setting where visitors can experience an ancient form of Japanese spirituality closely connected with the natural world. The shrine is particularly striking for the enormous rock wall rising im...»
Shingu City Museum of History and Folklore is a local museum located within the grounds of Asuka Shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated near the mouth of the Kumano River at the foot of sacred Mount Horai, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore the long history, religious traditions, archaeology, and everyday life of the Kumano region. The museum displays a wide range ...»
Okutoro Onsen is a peaceful hot spring facility located in Kitayama Village, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by deep mountains and the clear waters of the Kitayama River, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of one of Japan's most remote mountain villages. Kitayama Village is famous for being the only municipal enclave in Japan. Although it belongs to W...»
Butsubutsu River, located in the Konoshiro district of Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is famous throughout Japan for its remarkably short length and unusual name. The river is only 13.5 meters long. Since it was officially designated as a Class 2 River on October 21, 2008, it has been recognized as the shortest legally designated river in Japan. At first glance, v...»
Tafuke-oji is one of the historic Kumano Kodo Oji shrines in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is traditionally regarded as the last Oji shrine along the Nakahechi route, one of the major pilgrimage routes leading to the sacred Kumano region. For pilgrims who had traveled long distances along the Kumano Kodo, Tafuke-oji was an important stopping point just before entering the sacred are...»
Whale Tatsuta-age is one of Wakayama Prefecture’s traditional local dishes and is particularly associated with Taiji Town, a community with a long history of whaling. Bite-sized pieces of whale meat are marinated in soy sauce and ginger, coated with potato starch, and then deep-fried until crisp and fragrant. The result is a dish with a crispy, savory exterior and a tender, juicy interior. Today,...»
The Wakayama World Heritage Center “Kii Spirit” is an educational and cultural facility located in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated directly across from Kumano Hongu Taisha, the center introduces visitors to the history, culture, spirituality, and natural environment of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” The center provi...»
Ikazuchi Falls (Ikazuchi-no-Taki) is a spectacular waterfall in Kitayama Village, Wakayama Prefecture, surrounded by the lush mountains of the Kii Peninsula. The waterfall drops approximately 20 meters in a single, powerful plunge, sending water crashing into the basin below. The tremendous sound of the falling water is said to resemble the rumble of thunder, which is believed to be the origin of...»
Myoshinji Temple is a historic Buddhist nunnery in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism, the temple has a deep connection with the history and religious traditions of Kumano. Located close to Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine and Kamikura Shrine, Myoshinji played an important role in supporting the religious culture of the region for centuries. ...»
Hamaoji Shrine is a historic shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, and is traditionally regarded as one of the Kumano Kujukyu Oji, or the “99 Oji Shrines,” located along the pilgrimage routes to Kumano. The Oji shrines were sacred places where pilgrims traveling toward the major shrines of Kumano stopped to pray and rest. They played an important role in the religious culture of the Kumano ...»
cafe Runta is a cozy café located in the Kumanogawa area of Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. The café occupies the renovated building of the former Kuju Elementary School, once a place where local children came to learn and grow. Today, the old school building has been transformed into a welcoming gathering place for local residents and travelers. While preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of the...»
Miwasaki is a historic port district in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, facing the Kumano Sea on the southern Kii Peninsula. Blessed with a mild climate and abundant marine resources, the area has long developed as a community closely connected with fishing and the sea. Fishing boats can still be seen gathered at Miwasaki Fishing Port, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of a coas...»
Miwasaki Youth Hall is a historic community building in Miwasaki, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the coast of the Kumano Sea, Miwasaki has long been known as a port town whose history and culture developed around fishing and traditional whaling. Built in 1927, the Miwasaki Youth Hall has been an important gathering place for local residents for generations. Its distinctive Wester...»
The Former Chapman Residence is a valuable historic Western-style house in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Built in 1926, the final year of the Taisho era, it retains the atmosphere of a period when new ideas about architecture and everyday life were emerging in Japan. The house was originally built as the residence of E. N. Chapman, an American Presbyterian missionary. Its architect was Isaku ...»
Dorokyo Gorge Riverboat Cruise offers a peaceful and memorable way to experience one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the Kumano region. Departing from Kumanogawa-cho in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, the riverboat travels through the dramatic scenery of Dorokyo Gorge, allowing visitors to experience the mountains, cliffs, deep pools, and clear waters of the Yoshino-Kumano National...»
Taiji Town Ishigaki Memorial Hall is an art museum and cultural facility in Taiji, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It is dedicated to Eitaro Ishigaki, a Western-style painter who was born in Taiji and went on to build an artistic career in the United States. Located in a peaceful natural setting overlooking the Kumano-nada Sea, the museum offers a quiet environment where art, history, ...»
Shimosato Tumulus is an ancient burial mound located in Shimosato, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. It is a keyhole-shaped burial mound, known in Japanese as a zenpo-koen-fun, and is considered the southernmost example of this distinctive type on Japan's main island of Honshu. The tomb is believed to have been constructed between the late 4th and early 5th centuries, during the middle of Japan...»
Tamanoura Beach is a tranquil seaside destination in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, known for its calm atmosphere and beautiful sandy shore. Facing the Kumano-nada Sea, the beach has relatively shallow waters and gentle waves, making it a pleasant place for families with young children as well as travelers looking for a relaxing seaside escape. The beautiful coastline is said to have been ap...»
The Wakayama Prefecture Sediment Disaster Awareness Center is a disaster-prevention learning facility located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. It was established following the devastating Kii Peninsula Flood Disaster of 2011, which caused extensive damage throughout Nachikatsuura and other parts of the Kii Peninsula. The center serves as an important base for research, education, and public...»
Inyo Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, and is traditionally counted among the 48 Waterfalls of Nachikatsuura. Located in the eastern valley of the area, the waterfall is also known as Nakago Falls. The waterfall is approximately 10 meters high. Water flows down the rock face in two separate streams, creating an atmospheric and almost mystical scene surrounded b...»
Nachisan Observation Deck is a spectacular viewpoint located along the Nachisan Skyline, a mountain road that runs from the approach to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. Situated at an elevation of approximately 397 meters, the observation deck offers sweeping views of the deep forests of Kumano, the town of Katsuura, and the vast Kumano-nada Sea. On clear days, visitors may even be able to see a...»
Katsuura Marine Products Center is a specialty shop for seafood, local foods, and souvenirs located directly in front of JR Kii-Katsuura Station in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Its exceptionally convenient location—just a few seconds' walk from the station—makes it an easy stop for both tourists and local residents. The shop carries approximately 400 to 500 different products, including fr...»
Kiyomon-no-Yu is a historic day-use hot spring facility located in the quiet Yukawa Onsen area of Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. The name comes from the former prestigious hot spring inn Kiyomon-ya, and the facility continues the traditional atmosphere and bathing culture that have long been associated with this area. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of Kumano, Yukawa Onsen is said to...»
Yurinoyama Onsen is a charming hot spring in the Yukawa Onsen area of Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful nature and a long history, this peaceful bathing spot is located beside Yukashi Lagoon, a scenic brackish lake named by the renowned local poet Haruo Sato. Unlike large and modern hot spring resorts, Yurinoyama Onsen retains the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese toj...»
Aoki Shima no Yado Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima is a unique hot spring resort located on the entire island of Nakanoshima, floating at the entrance to Katsuura Bay in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as a special island resort surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Kumano-nada Sea, the property operates as an entire-island, single-inn retreat. The only way to reach the island is by the i...»
In the waters around Ukui in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, visitors can take part in exciting whale-watching cruises and observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. From spring through summer, these magnificent marine animals travel through the waters of the Kumano-nada Sea, offering travelers a memorable experience unique to the Pacific coast of southern Wakayama. Whale-watching ...»
Yukawa Onsen is a historic hot spring destination in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Located in a peaceful area near the Kumano-nada Sea, it has been cherished for centuries as a place where travelers visiting the sacred Kumano region could rest, purify themselves, and recover from their journeys. The hot spring area is also located beside the beautiful Yukashi Lagoon, creating a tranquil lan...»
Hotel Nagisaya is one of the well-known hot spring accommodations in the Nanki-Katsuura area of Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Set in a quiet location overlooking a sheltered bay, the hotel offers guests the opportunity to enjoy both the rich natural beauty of southern Wakayama and high-quality natural hot spring water. The hotel's signature attraction is its spectacular open-air bath, Shiom...»
Kishu Chomon-no-Yu is the signature open-air hot spring bath at Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima, located on Nakanoshima Island just off the coast of Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima is one of Japan's rare “one island, one ryokan” accommodations, where the entire island is part of a single traditional Japanese inn. Surrounded by the sea, the property offers a remarkable sett...»
Marusho Vinegar Brewery is a historic vinegar brewery in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Founded in 1879, the brewery has preserved its traditional vinegar-making methods for more than 140 years. Surrounded by the rich natural environment and spiritual heritage of Kumano, Marusho Vinegar Brewery produces vinegar using spring water from the Nachi Mountains and traditional Kumano cedar wooden b...»
Asuka Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Long cherished by local residents as “Miya-sama”, the shrine serves as the guardian shrine of the community. Although it stands quietly in this small coastal town, Asuka Shrine has deep connections with the history, culture, and traditional way of life of Taiji. In particular, it provides an importa...»
Nachiguro is a traditional Japanese black candy produced and sold by Nachiguro Sohonpo Co., Ltd., a confectionery company based in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Long enjoyed as a souvenir from the Kumano region, Nachiguro is widely available not only throughout Wakayama but also at major travel hubs such as Shin-Osaka Station and Kansai International Airport. For generat...»
Honnoji Manju is a traditional Japanese sweet preserved by Sohonke Surugaya, one of Wakayama's historic confectionery shops. Its distinctive flavor combines a subtle sake-like aroma, a soft and pleasantly chewy dough, and an elegant sweet red bean paste filling. With a history stretching back more than 560 years, Honnoji Manju is deeply connected with the culinary culture and history of Wakayama....»