Visit Wakayama The Official
Wakayama Travel Guide

A variety of bus lines/companies service Wakayama prefecture; from airport transfers, to regional bus lines and express/charter services between key areas such as Kii-Tanabe, the Shirahama Onsen area, the Kumano Kodo region, Koyasan, Shingu and Nara. From time to time, special passes are also available.

Local Buses

Wakayama City area is serviced by Wakayama Bus line. Passengers carrying a valid ‘Kansai Thru Pass’ can use this on local city buses. The bus line also offers day passes for unlimited rides. The system however is not geared for non-Japanese speakers, with signage and information typically only available in Japanese.

For travel in southern Wakayama, operators covering the stretch between the coastal Shirahama Onsen area and connecting through to the Kumano Kodo region via Wakayama's inland area, and then down to Kushimoto via Shingu include: Kumano Bus, Meiko Bus, Nara Kotsu. Between Kii-Tanabe and the northern area of Koyasan, the Ryujin and Nankai Rinkan bus lines operate, with the latter also providing local service in the Koyasan area.

It takes approximately 1 h 15 min on the Ryujin bus service from Kii-Tanabe to the onsen town of Ryujin, and a further 2 h 15 min to reach Koyasan on the Nankai Rinkan bus service. The Koyasan & Kumano Access Bus service on the Koya-Ryujin Skyline to destinations such as Gomadanzan enroute to the Kumano Kodo area is a handy way to get from Koyasan to the Kumano region without backtracking to Wakayama City or Kii-Tanabe. Although reservations are not required, they are recommended. Learn More

To access the Kumano Kodo area, from Kii-Tanabe to Kumano Hongu Taisha, travel time takes approximately 2 h on the Ryujin Bus service. Kumano Hongu Taisha is also accessible directly from the Shirahama Onsen area on the Meiko Bus line and takes approximately 1 h 10 min. This line also connects to the coastal city of Shingu, taking about 1 h 15 min. No reservations are required to ride the Meiko Bus rapid service between the Shirahama Onsen area and Shingu.

Nara Kotsu offers bus service which connects Shingu, Kumano Hongu Taisha and Gojo in Nara Prefecture, north of Wakayama. The service from Shingu to Kumano Taisha takes approximately 1 h 15 min, and the onward journey from there to Gojo is an additional 3h 50 min.

Riding Local Buses

Enter through the rear door and take a ticket. To request a stop, press one of the lit-up buttons located throughout the bus. Fares are calculated by distance traveled, so match the number on your ticket to the fare information displayed on the electronic chart at the front of the bus. If you have the exact change, you can put it directly into the box next to the driver, or you can use the change machine to change ¥1,000 bills where necessary. The driver will help you.

Express Bus Services

Various companies provide express highway bus service connecting Wakayama’s main cities (Wakayama City, Shirahama, Shingu) to Osaka, Tokyo and Nara. They offer a budget alternative for passengers who do not mind taking an overnight bus. Some lines and operators such as the Meiko Bus service between Osaka and Shirahama run several times a day.

Meiko Bus offers express service between Osaka and Shirahama, making several stops along the way including at Tanabe Station. Fares are very reasonably priced, and the journey takes about 3 h 40 mins depending on traffic. This bus line also provides service between Wakayama City and Shirahama, and can be accessed from both the JR Wakayama and Nankai Wakayama-shi Stations. Advance reservations are required, call ahead to book your seat then pay before you travel. Their call center operates in Japanese, however local tourist offices provide language assistance.

1. Enter buses from the back and take a numbered ticket if available.

2. Press the stop button when approaching your destination.

3. Fares are displayed on an electronic chart. Check the number of your ticket against it.

4. The exact amount must be paid into the fare box. Use the money changer if necessary.

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Access Map

Trekking all or part of the Nakahechi section of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route? Make use of this detailed bus map for easy and convenient access points. The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Access Map highlights all the relevant bus stops near the Nakahechi route as well as a How To Ride guide for stress-free travel.

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Access Map

In urban centers taxi ranks are typically found at hotels, train stations and airports but they can also be hailed from the street. Vacant taxis display the red-lit characters 空車 (kuusha or ""empty car"") in their front windscreen. In rural areas, taxis will have to be called in advance, as it is unlikely that you will find one on the street. Ask your hotel concierge to assist you in arranging a taxi.

Most drivers will only be able to speak in Japanese, so having the address of your destination written down with a telephone number is advisable, particularly when heading off the beaten path. In Japan taxis operate by meter, and carry up to 4 adult passengers. The left rear door opens and closes automatically for the passenger to enter and exit. Credit cards are accepted in major cities, but keep cash on hand for more remote areas. Tipping is not customary.

In places such as Wakayama City and Shirahama, some operators provide flat-rate and fixed time packages for travelers wishing to see the sites accompanied by a personal driver. This can be a convenient alternative to public transportation, where wait times for connections are likely. To find out if the city you are visiting has these types of packages, visit or contact the nearest tourist office. They will also be able to assist you in communicating with taxi operators who will likely only speak Japanese.

1. To hail a taxi, simply wave your hand. Taxis can often also be found outside stations.

2. Note that taxi doors in Japan are automatically operated.

3. Get in and tell the driver where you want to go. Use visual aids such as maps and guidebooks if necessary.

4. Once at your destination, pay the fare shown on the taximeter. Credit cards are sometimes accepted.

Bicycles are ubiquitous in Japan, and a common way for local residents to get around. You will notice that cyclists are allowed to share the sidewalk with pedestrians, and few cycle on roads. On a sunny day, the flat 45 min ride from Wakayama City center to Marina City is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, and an alternative way to discover the sites. Look out for battery-assisted and conventional bicycle rental services typically located near train stations and information centers. Some even offer recommended cycling routes. Remember to park your bicycle in the appropriate designated areas, to avoid having it moved or taken away. And do ask for a safety-seat if you are traveling with children.