Round-up of night tourism in Wakayama from romantic night views and light shows to delectable dining
Wakayama is awash with options for nighttime fun, such as stunning night view lookouts and night tours that showcase very different scenery from the daytime. If you turn in when the sun sets, you are leaving Wakayama without the full experience. Here we present the delights of Wakayama at night: local cuisine to sate your hunger after a big day of walking and romantic night views from a high vantage point. Make the most of the nighttime in Wakayama by taking in the tourist spots that come alive in the dark, Japan's finest premium produce and local sake.
Top 11 night views in Wakayama Prefecture
Catch a magic night view, the classic nighttime sight!
There is a great variety of night views around Wakayama Prefecture.
The outlooks never cease to amaze, whether it is illuminated structures full of tradition and history, a cityscape twinkling below as seen from a high vantage point, or the futuristic, ethereal look of a factory zone against the dark sky. They are all worth seeing!
- Koyaguchi Park
- From the Rosariun observation deck in Koyaguchi Park on Mt. Koshin, the view is sensational, a glittering townscape stretching out along Koyaguchi-ekimae Avenue and Kinokawa River. This is also a cherry blossom viewing hotspot, where the trees are lit up at night during the season. This is a special location offering two night views, city lights and a cherry blossom light-up spectacular.
- The Fruit Line
- Kinokawa Fruit Line, the nickname of one of Wakayama’s best driving roads, has little-known night view spots along the way. From Hashimoto City in the Koyasan foothills to Kinokawa City, there are views down to the city lights along the Kinokawa River. Do not miss this night drive with spectacular night views on one side.
- Saishogamine observation deck
- This viewing spot is the place for sweeping views from Iwade City around to Wakayama City. This is absolutely the most popular and well-known viewing point in the prefecture for its broad, panoramic views. The twilight view after sunset is especially dazzling as the silhouette of Ochayagotenyama mountain towers over the meandering Kinokawa River.
- Oishi Plateau
- The grasslands surrounding the 870m-high Mt. Oishigamine. It is a magnificent view of the Oishi Plateau from the summit across its renowned expanse of silver grass. The absence of light sources in the surrounding area also makes this a fabulous place for satellite and moon viewing. Looking out toward the city in the distance, where Wakayama Castle is lit up and the city of Wakayama is aglow, this is also a very romantic location.
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- Amenomori Park
- From here, take in the view over Wakayama City and Kainan City. The vividly-colored night view makes this a popular spot, thanks to the sweeping panorama, well-lit factories and the orange glow of the Hanwa Expressway. The setting of the sun across the cityscape is also stunning, so we recommend arriving before sunset to enjoy the changing view without any rush.
- Saikazaki
- A cape that juts out into Wakanoura Bay. This area is known as “Japan’s Amalfi” due to the houses jammed together on the cliffs, like the Amalfi coast of Italy. The evening and nighttime views in particular are reminiscent of exotic climes and a picturesque sight indeed.
- Heisogen lookout
- A night viewing spot in Nanki-Shirahama that is not to be missed. It is reached in five minutes from Shirarahama Beach via the Sky Road. From the height of 125 m, take in a view of Shirarahama Beach, Kogaura and Tanabe Bay. We might also recommend making the most of the activities of Shirarahama Beach by day, then making a romantic stop at the Heisogen lookout by night.
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- Kashinozaki Lighthouse
- Kashinozaki Lighthouse is located on a promontory looking out over the Pacific and if you look out to sea, there is no artificial light to be seen. Once your eyes adjust to the darkness, prepare to be stunned by a night sky full of stars. A statue of a horse becomes one with the starry sky, creating a romantic scene right out of a fairy tale.
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- Nishiyama Picnic Ryokuchi Park
- A nature park covering the slopes of a mountain reaching a summit of 328 m. With recreational trails and a lookout, the view on a clear day is a complete, 360-degree panorama from Enjugahama Beach around to the Koya mountains, Awaji Island, Naruto Bridge and Shikoku. Take a refreshing hike during the day, then lift your soul with the glittering night view.
- Mikan no Oka (“Mandarin hill”)
- A lookout spot from the hairpin bends on Mt. Senbayama, along the road south from Senba Fruit Park and Senba no Mori Park. As its name suggests, the hill is surrounded by Arida mandarin orange orchards, planted to take advantage of the sunny south-facing slopes. The views are superb by day, but this hidden gem of a night view is gaining popularity.
- Arida Mikan Kaido (Arida Mikan Seaside Road)
- This drive runs east-west through the southwest of Arida City. From your car, enjoy the night views of Arida City stretching out along the Arida River. The glow of the residential areas and the lights of cars crossing bridges create a surreal impression. Due to the industrial zone visible in the distance, photographers with long lenses can be seen in the area.
Top 7 illumination events in Wakayama Prefecture
Take in cityscapes and exotic structures that shimmer on a dark canvas.
Illumination events are integral to winter festivities such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day but in Wakayama, there are many events in every season to enjoy the lights.
Take, for example, Wakayama Castle in Wakayama City or Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex in Koyasan, which are lit up every night. The contrast to the daytime view is striking.
Check the latest information and take your family, friends or special someone to the light-up event of your choice.
- Night cherry blossom light-up: Heisogen Park
- The park at the top of a hill overlooking the city of Shirahama. Under the big skies of this park, Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura and Ukon cherry blossoms are in full bloom in late March and early April. The lights are up throughout the full bloom period, bringing an ethereal atmosphere to the park after sunset.
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- Night cherry blossom light-up: Kimii-dera Temple
- The trees are illuminated from sunset until 10 pm during the peak cherry blossom season in late March and early April. Over the top of the trees is a stunning view of Wakaura Bay. Known as the first place where the blossoms bloom in the Kansai region, this has been chosen as one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Japan.
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- Summer light-up: Adventure World Night Marine Live
- The popular theme park in Shirahama, Adventure World, holds the Night Marine Live event for a limited time between late July and late August. On a glittering stage, enjoy a spectacular show involving dolphins, whales and their trainers. Advance booking is recommended as all seats require reservation and ticket. Come down to Adventure World in the evening and experience something special.
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- Autumn foliage light-up: Momijidani Teien Garden
- A Japanese garden on the grounds of Wakayama Castle. As its name suggests, this is a famous spot for autumn foliage and a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty. Plenty of visitors come during the foliage season of late November and early December in search of the otherworldly scene created by the lights.
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- Autumn foliage light-up: Koyasan
- The autumn foliage is sublime at Koyasan and visited by countless visitors from Japan and around the world. The Jabaramichi temple road connecting Kongobuji Head Temple and Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex is an especially popular foliage viewing spot. The foliage along Jabaramichi is only lit up during the autumn foliage season of mid-October to mid-November! Do not miss this short-lived opportunity.
- Winter illumination: JR Wakayama Station area
- The lighting-up of the Wakayama Station area from late November to late February is a winter tradition. The area around the station takes on an ethereal glow, especially Keyaki Odori Street. Do not miss it – shops open at this time never seen in other seasons, and there are plenty of special events too.
- Winter illumination: Shirarahama Light Parade
- From the end of October to the end of February, the pure white sands of Shirarahama Beach are bathed in illumination by night. Plenty of events are held in this season and you can also enjoy a stroll along the multicolored beach.
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Festa Luce
When it comes to Wakayama light shows, the Festa Luce has become very popular in recent years and is not to be missed. It is held from early November to late February at the theme park Porto Europa in Wakayama Marina City. The Mediterranean-style buildings of the theme park are lit up, imparting an even more exotic atmosphere. On weekends and public holidays, the rides and attractions such as the merry-go-round are also illuminated. Come see this playground in a whole new light.
Recommended night walks
Rediscover Wakayama on a night walk
There are many pros to walking at night. Of course the views are different from the daytime, but you also avoid sunburn while enjoying all the health benefits. There is no doubt you will be impressed by the depth of Wakayama’s tourist destinations if you take part in a guided tour.
- Adventure World Night Safari
- This animal experience is available for a limited time from late July to late August and again from late December to late February. Walk around an area that is normally off-limits to meet the nocturnal animals. The live commentary by the safari guides has rave reviews too. As dusk approaches, seize your chance to explore Safari World.
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- Starry Cave Night Walk
- On certain dates between September and February only, there is a “Starry Cave Night Walk” to explore Sandanbeki Cave, Nanki-Shirahama. Using planetarium projectors, the cave is lit up in dazzling color, including 5 million stars projected onto the ceiling of the cave. The "Milky Way flowing into the sea" where outer space meets open water, is quite romantic.
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- Otaiya Night Walk
- On the 20th of every month, a nighttime tour of Koyasan takes place. Guests grab a lantern and walk from the Ichinohashi Bridge at Okunoin Temple to the Gobyo mausoleum, said to the most sacred place in the whole of Koyasan. Guided by the gentle flickering light, please listen to the Dharma talk given by the monk. This is an invaluable experience that allows you to absorb the quiet of Okunoin Temple in body and soul.
- Okunoin Cemetery Night Tour
- In the evening between dinner and bedtime, take a tour of Okunoin Cemetery with a resident Koyasan guide. Hear fascinating stories about Kobo Daishi, founder of Koyasan and the teachings of Shingon esoteric Buddhism as well as epic tales of Koyasan and its best hidden spots. This is a highly popular tour that runs almost nightly. Book online beforehand for peace of mind.
- Official website
Find nirvana in Wakayama’s best delicacies
Fill your belly and warm your heart with the fresh produce and unique dishes of Wakayama.
After a hard day’s touring, dinner is a high priority. Nothing says Wakayama like a smorgasbord of seafood! Indulge in a little luxury with fresh tuna, longtooth grouper, whale and other Wakayama treats rarely found elsewhere. Also find insider dining tips that should lead to your utmost satisfaction.
- Fresh tuna
- Nachikatsuura Town lands the highest volume of unfrozen tuna in the country on its docks. The tasty fresh tuna has lovely texture and a rich flavor profile renowned not just among Japanese but people from all over the world. There are few other places where outstandingly fresh tuna can be eaten, so do not miss your opportunity when in town. You are sure to be dazzled by the taste.
- Longtooth grouper
- The kue longtooth grouper caught around the coastline of Wakayama is premier gourmet seafood known as the "phantom fish". Hidaka Town in particular is known as the “town of wild-caught grouper”. The sweet, moist and delicate taste unique to wild-caught kue is worthy of the "phantom" descriptor and once you eat it, you too may be captivated. Many restaurants in the prefecture serve longtooth grouper, so why not take the chance to dine out on this exquisite fish?
- Whale
- Whale meat is not just a low-calorie, high-protein healthy food, it also offers a variety of flavors depending on the cut. There are the restaurants of Taiji, “the town that lives with whales”, but there are plenty of other eateries around Wakayama that serve delicious whalemeat. Try this traditional Japanese food right here in Wakayama where it is landed.
- Wakayama ramen
- Ramen, the OG noodles most commonly sought after by visitors to Japan. Of course, Wakayama has ramen too! The basic soup is made from pork bone and chicken frames with the addition of soy sauce. This ramen is typically eaten with pressed sushi, a rarity in Japan. It is also recommended to eat a bowl of ramen as a shime (post-alcohol meal) after enjoying local sake.
- Local sake
- Known as “Ki-no-kuni” (Land of Trees) in ancient times, Wakayama’s mountain ranges are the source of excellent water. Using this resource, the 15 sake breweries of the prefecture apply technical excellence to produce deeply flavorsome local sake. What could be better than reflecting at leisure on your tour of the region in an izakaya, enjoying some of that local sake?
Always room for dessert? Recommended late cafes of Wakayama City
So you like dessert after dinner, and you would rather go for sweets after party rather than more drinking? Here are the details you need.
Wakayama City has a lot of cafes with late closing times that offer excellent desserts. Pick your favorite and satisfy that sweet tooth!
Suhanefu 14-1 is a café with a model train running through it and a sweeping view over Saikazaki port. The colorful original mystery train ice-cream float is definitely worth posting!
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Order takeout dessert and find your evening time bliss.
Outside of Wakayama City, most cafes shut slightly earlier with most closed after dinner. For those of you who do like something sweet to finish off the day, ordering takeout ahead of time is recommended.
Cafe Alma, located in the Zuihouden on the grounds of Kumano Hongu Taisha, serves incredible castella cake made with a very rare local honey.
Meanwhile, Gluten-free Bakery & Café Musubi in Hashimoto City, in the foothills of Koyasan, has an impressive range of baked goods using rice flour.
Kawa Bread, which has a number of stores in Wakayama Prefecture as well as Osaka Prefecture, is so well stocked with pastries, puddings and cookies made of bread that you will have a hard time making a choice.
Find your favorite items and enjoy a wonderful dessert during your hotel stay!
Find accommodation information here
List of mentioned locations
- Koyaguchi Park
- Saishogamine observation deck
- Oishi Plateau
- Amenomori Park
- Saikazaki
- Heisogen lookout
- Kashinozaki Lighthouse
- Nishiyama Picnic Ryokuchi Park
- Mikan no Oka (“Mandarin hill”)
- Arida Mikan Kaido (Arida Mikan Seaside Road)
- Night cherry blossom light-up: Heisogen Park
- Night cherry blossom light-up: Kimii-dera Temple
- Summer light-up: Adventure World Night Marine Live
- Autumn foliage light-up: Momijidani Teien Garden
- Winter illumination: JR Wakayama Station area
- Winter illumination: Shirarahama Light Parade
- Adventure World Night Safari
- Starry Cave Night Walk
- Otaiya Night Walk
- Okunoin Cemetery Night Tour
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