Wakayama – Sacred Mountains, Pilgrimage Trails, and Coastal Hot Springs
Home to Mount Koya, Kumano Kodo, Shirahama Onsen, and spiritual landscapes.
About Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture is known for its sacred mountains, ancient pilgrimage routes, and
beautiful coastal scenery. Mount Koya is the center of Shingon Buddhism and offers temple
lodgings and serene forests. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails are a UNESCO World Heritage
site, attracting travelers seeking spiritual journeys. Along the coast, Shirahama Onsen
provides relaxing hot springs and beaches, making Wakayama a perfect blend of nature,
spirituality, and relaxation.
Top Attractions in Wakayama
Local Food
- Kue (Grouper): Premium fish served in hot pot dishes
- Meharizushi: Rice balls wrapped in pickled mustard leaves
- Koyasan Shojin Ryori: Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
- Plum Products: Wakayama is Japan’s top ume producer
How to Get There
Wakayama is accessible via the JR Hanwa Line and Nankai Line
from Osaka. Koyasan can be reached via the Nankai Koya Line and cable car. Shirahama is
accessible by limited express trains and flights to Nanki-Shirahama Airport.