Wakayama is Japan’s spiritual heartland. Mount Koya (Koyasan) — the center of Shingon Buddhism — has drawn pilgrims for 1,200 years. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And the prefecture’s dramatically beautiful coastline is among Japan’s finest.
Top Attractions
1. Koyasan (Mt. Koya)
Founded by the monk Kukai in 816, Koyasan is one of Japan’s most sacred and atmospheric destinations. Over 100 temples dot this mountain plateau, and Okunoin cemetery — where 200,000 graves of Japan’s greatest historical figures spread through an ancient cedar forest — is profoundly moving, especially at night by lantern light.
2. Kumano Kodo
Three sacred grand shrines (Kumano Sanzan) at the end of ancient pilgrimage routes through misty mountains — one of the world’s great walks, shared with the Camino de Santiago as a dual UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route.
3. Nachi Falls
Japan’s tallest waterfall (133 meters), framed by the three-storey red pagoda of Seiganto-ji Temple — one of Japan’s most iconic images.
Food & Drink
Wakayama is Japan’s top producer of Umeboshi (pickled plum) — the Tanabe area’s ume are considered the finest in the country. Kishu Mandarin oranges and fresh Pacific seafood from Kushimoto are also regional highlights.
Getting There
From Osaka, Wakayama City is about 1 hour by limited express. Koyasan is about 2 hours from Osaka via the Nankai Koya Line.
