Attractive experiences in Wakayama
Wakayama is full of outdoor activities that allow visitors to experience the grandeur of nature. There are many experiences that allow visitors to experience history and culture, including trekking along the Kumano Kodo and Koyasan Pilgrimage Routes, which are registered as World Heritage sites. Fruit picking and hot springs in each of the four seasons are also definitely worth enjoying. Here are some of the exciting experiences available.
Outdoor Activities
➀Play in the sea (Beaches, Diving, Scenic Spots, Whale Watching, Island Tours)
Located in the southwest of the Kii Peninsula, Wakayama is blessed with beautiful seas and a mild climate. The prefecture is dotted with beaches, and among them, the white sandy beaches are crowded with many people in summer. The Kuroshio Current keeps the water temperature as high as 21 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making Wakayama a mecca for diving with colorful tropical fish and coral.
Whale watching can also be enjoyed off the southern coast. Engetsuto Island and Hashigui-iwa Rock are also scenic spots on the sea.
②Play on the river (Canyoning, Rafting, Boating)
Wakayama, with its deep mountains centering on the Kii Mountain Range, has many beautiful clear streams and a wide variety of spots where river sports can be enjoyed. There are many types of river sports, such as canyoning, where you can go down the river with only your body, rafting on a traditional raft, and rafting on a special rubber boat. The Kumano-gawa River boat ride, which was once used by the royal family as a "river pilgrimage route" along the Kumano Kodo, can also be experienced only in Wakayama. You can fully enjoy the nature of the Kumano-gawa River on a Japanese-style boat operated by a boatman.
③Play in the mountains (Hiking, Cycling, Golf)
Koyasan, which is registered as a World Heritage site as "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," offers a number of hiking trails that allow visitors to enjoy sightseeing. There are several different levels of difficulty, such as the time required and the intensity of the ups and downs. Choose the course according to your itinerary and those accompanying you.
The "WAKAYAMA 800 - Cycling Kingdom Wakayama," a cycling route covering a total distance of approximately 800 km, allows visitors to enjoy cycling comfortably while admiring the beautiful coastline and mountains.
In Wakayama with its mild climate, there are many golf courses that are open year-round, and playing golf is also a recommended way to spend time. Why not visit a golf course with a view of the Kii mountains or a golf course overlooking the Pacific Ocean and play in the magnificent nature?
④Play in the sky (Paragliding, Stargazing)
If you want to experience something out of the ordinary, how about paragliding, an activity in the sky? It is an exhilarating experience to see the seasonal scenery from the sky, such as cherry blossoms in spring and fresh greenery in summer! Various programs are available for different levels of ability, so even first-time participants are welcome.
Misato Observatory, located in Kimino Town between Koya Town and Kainan City, is a popular stargazing spot where visitors can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. The observatory is equipped with a high-precision telescope, making full-scale astronomical observations possible. The Milky Way, for example, can be seen in summer or autumn when there is no light, Orion in winter, and Saturn and Jupiter at a certain time of the year.
Agricultural Experience / Fruit Picking
Wakayama is one of the leading "Fruit Kingdoms" in Japan. In addition to mikan (mandarin oranges), persimmons, and plums, for which it boasts the highest production volume in Japan, various other fruits such as peaches, grapes, and strawberries are actively produced in the region.
Visitors can enjoy fresh fruits throughout the year, as well as experience farming and fruit picking. The taste of freshly picked fruit is exceptional! You can also experience making juice from the fruits you have harvested.
Onsen
If you enjoy traveling around Japan, you should definitely visit an onsen. Wakayama Prefecture is home to a number of famous hot springs. Shirahama Onsen is one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, and Katsuura Onsen overlooks the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Ryujin Onsen is an ancient hot spring that is said to have been opened by Kobo Daishi (a great Buddhist priest) after he woke up from a dream, and is said to be one of the three hot springs of beauty in Japan.
Theme Park
Adventure World, known for its breeding of giant pandas, is a theme park that combines a zoo and an amusement park. Adults and children alike will be excited to see the cute panda family! In addition, there are about 20 kinds of attractions such as VR, rides, and a huge maze that make full use of the latest technology, so visitors can enjoy themselves all day long.
Porto Europe in Wakayama Marina City, a man-made island in Wakaura Bay, is full of photo opportunities. An ancient Spanish castle, an Italian port town, and a traditional French town have been recreated. The tuna cutting show at the adjacent Kuroshio Market is also a must-see.
Cultural Experience
Try out the Heian-period costume experience by walking along the Kumano Kodo path in a colorful costume. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine dressed in the same costumes as the pilgrims who once visited Kumano, and feel as if they have stepped back in time.
In Yuasa Town, the birthplace of soy sauce in Japan, visitors can learn about the traditional soy sauce making process and its history while touring a factory. A popular experience is to make your own soy sauce that you can bring back in PET bottles. Reservations are required, so be sure to inquire in advance.