Top things to do in Wakayama according to TripAdvisor

Below are the top things to do in Wakayama prefecture according to TripAdvisor.
Wakayama is especially famous internationally for the World Heritage sites of Kumano Kodo Path and Mt. Koya, the center of Shingon sect Buddhism. Within Japan, it’s also known for its zoo, Adventure World, which has the largest number of Giant Pandas (and baby pandas too) throughout the nation.

 Okunoin Temple
Okunoin Temple
The sanctuary Okunoin Temple has been a place of comfort and support not only for the common people, but also for samurai warriors from 200 years ago. The road to the temple is 2 km long, surrounded by a mystic grove of Japanese cedar trees, which leaves you with a lasting impression. It is a power spot that cleanses your soul.
read more
Engetsu Island
Engetsu Island
The setting sun seems to sink through the hole at the center of Engetsu Island in Wakayama prefecture. It is a breathtaking view selected as one of The Top 100 sunsets.
read more
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Nachi Taisha is one of the red lacquer-painted temples that glisten among the trees. It appears out of the forest along the beautiful stone steps of the Kumano Kodo route. Here, close to Nachi Falls, you will experience the impressive nature of Kumano.
read more
Shirarahama Beach
Shirarahama Beach
Many colorful parasols pop up everywhere in the summer, along the 640-meter Shirarahama Beach with its beautiful white sands. Shirahama is a sister beach to Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.
read more
Kongobuji Temple
Kongobuji Temple
Kongobuji temple is the headquarters of Mount Koya Shingon Buddhism. This is the place to experience Japanese culture through your five senses. Encounter the beauty of Japan by walking through the great variety of rooms, listening to the Buddhist sermons given by the monks, and participating in a meditation session.
read more
Kumano Kodo Path
Kumano Kodo Path
During the medieval period of Japan, people used to walk the Kumano Kodo path to reach the sacred Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine. This gorgeous trail through the forest still retains the atmosphere of those days and has been listed as a World Heritage site. Hiking the Kumano Kodo path is a truly special experience.
read more
Mount Koya Danjo Garan
Mount Koya Danjo Garan
1,200 years have passed since the opening of Mount Koya. There are many highlights to see at Mount Koya Danjo Garan, including the Chumon Gate now being reconstructed and the special unveiling of Buddhist relics.
read more
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Kumano Hongu Taisha is a gracious shrine with “hinoki” (Japanese cypress) bark thatching. The shrine possesses the largest “torii” gate in Japan. Located near the shrine is a hot springs area listed as a World Heritage site and a hot springs bath in the river, one of Japan’s largest open air baths.
read more
Koyasan Reihokan Museum
Koyasan Reihokan Museum
Mount Koya is known as the origin of the teachings of Esoteric Shingon Buddhism. An enormous amount of religious art including Buddhist statues and images from the mountains are preserved in this museum and have even been registered as World Heritage cultural assets.
read more
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Kumano Hayatama Taisha is one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines, and the head shrine of the many thousands of Kumano shrines throughout the country. The highlights include the massive evergreen trees and the sacred National Treasures. We also recommend visiting Kamikura Jinja, a detached precinct of the main temple, located on a steep cliff.
read more
Adventure World
Adventure World
The theme of this facility is a natural environment where humans and animals can get to know each other. It is a place where you can meet many kinds of animals, including Giant Pandas that were born in the zoo, something that is very rare.
read more
Koyasan Shukubo
Koyasan Shukubo
Do you know that you can lodge at historic temples? In Koyasan, there are countless lodging facilities, called “Shukubo”, in temples where they offer a valuable opportunity to spend time with monks.
read more
Nachi Falls
Nachi Falls
The nature surrounding Kumano Kodo and Nachi is carefully protected as an object of worship. Nachi Falls is registered as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
read more
Daimonzaka Tea House
Daimonzaka Tea House
Try wear clothing of the Heian period and imagine going on the Kumano pilgrimage said to have started in the 10th century. There are 2 courses; the Model Course in which you can enjoy taking photos while in costume and the Experience Course where you can go to Nachi Grand Shrine. *Participants can take their own photos (there is no photographer provided).
read more
Kawayu Onsen
Kawayu Onsen
You can create your own “onsen” by mixing the hot water that bubbles up from the river bottom with the river water to make the temperature just right.. This is a hot springs spot where you can enjoy an open air bath surrounded by nature, under a clear blue or starry sky.
read more
Daimonzaka Slope
Daimonzaka Slope
An ancient road beautifully preserved in its original state. Daimonzaka is a series of stone steps leading to the holy mountain of Nachi, extending over a distance of 600m and 100m vertically within a mystical cedar forest.
read more
The Former Site of Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine at Ōyunohara
The Former Site of Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine at Ōyunohara
Until its partial destruction in 1889 from floods, Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine was located in Ōyunohara. The area has retained its mysterious atmosphere and is also a popular tourist spot for seeing cherry blossoms.
read more
Tsubo-yu
Tsubo-yu
Tsubo-yu is a famous mountain hot springs spot and Japan’s oldest “onsen”. The natural hot springs’ small rock bath can accommodate 2 or 3 people. The water will gradually change from one color to the next, showing 7 colors in just one day.
read more
Tafukeoji Shrine
Tafukeoji Shrine
One of the many subsidiary Oji shrines remaining in Kumano, it is said to be the last such shrine. When visiting Kumano Grand Shrine, the small Tafukeoji Shrine located alongside the road was the place to pray or give thanks for safety during travel in the area.
read more
Nishinomaru Garden (Momijidani Garden)
Nishinomaru Garden (Momijidani Garden)
This is a valuable Edo Era “daimyo” (feudal lord) garden because it one of the few remaining gardens created on the grounds of a castle. The autumn leaves are at their best in late November. It is from the beauty of the autumn foliage that the garden has been nicknamed “Momijidani Garden” (Autumn Leaf Valley Garden). At Koshouan, an adjacent teahouse, you can admire the garden and rest while having some “matcha” tea and Japanese sweets.
read more
Daimon
Daimon
Daimon is the main gate for Mount Koya located west of the mountain. The bright crimson gate has a height of 25 m. It was reconstructed for good in 1705 after being burned down time and time again. There are statues of fierce guardian gods enshrined to the left and right.
read more
Nachi Seiganto-ji Temple
Nachi Seiganto-ji Temple
Seiganto-ji Temple has been registered as a World Heritage site as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. From the temple grounds, you can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery of the bright vermillion three-floor pagoda soaring into the sky with Nachi Falls in the background.
read more
Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle was the residential castle for the Kii Tokugawa clan, one of the Tokugawa Gosanke (The Three Houses of Tokugawa) that was second in seniority to the Tokugawa shogunate family during the Edo Era. The entire area has been made into a park with a museum, a zoo and an Edo Era daimyo garden, Ninomaru Teien. Within the garden, ninja warriors pop up who provide directions and take commemorative photos while giving performances.
read more
Kuroshio Market
Kuroshio Market
Kuroshio Market is a maguro theme park where you can sample everything from the famous Wakayama maguro. In the shopping street reminiscent of 1950s Japan, things such as marine products and Wakayama-made sake are sold. You can enjoy sushi, seafood bowls and Wakayama ramen along with a BBQ corner for fresh seafood in the food court. Also very popular are the tuna cutting shows which are held three times a day.
read more
Ki-mii-dera Temple
Ki-mii-dera Temple
Established in 770, this is the ancient No. 2 temple along the pilgrimage of the Saigoku-Sanjūsansho (33 temples in the Kinki region). The 500 cherry trees within the temple grounds go into bloom earlier than anywhere else so that the temple has been called “the temple that beckons spring to the Kinki region”. Inside the new Buddha Hall is enshrined Japan’s largest gold-leafed Thousand-Armed Kannon with a height of 11m. At the top of the 231 steps leading to the temple, the view of Wakanoura Bay is stunning.
read more
Ki-mii-dera Temple Onsen: Hana-no-Yu
Ki-mii-dera Temple Onsen: Hana-no-Yu
Located close to Ki-mii-dera Temple, this is an onsen located at the Ki-mii-dera Garden Hotel. The waters that spring up from 1500m underground have a high amount of minerals which is good for the skin and exhaustion. Overnight stays and day trips are possible. You can enjoy an outdoor bath while admiring the Japanese garden.
read more

Plan your trip to wakayama

Chat with a local tour guide who can help organize your trip.

Request a Tour