Kii Katsuura

Staying in the picturesque fishing village of Katsuura is like staying on a movie set: everything is quaint and charming and a little faded. Our traditional ryokan had rooms overlooking the ocean - some with their own individual onsen. A twenty minute taxi ride away was Nachi Katsuura, a sacred temple and waterfall, part of the ancient pilgrimage route of the Kumano Kodo.

Local Attractions:

Nachi no Taki

Nachi Waterfall is the most spectacular in the country. At 133 metres tall it is a popular scenic spot in the Nachi Katsuura region. The water source for this fall is the primeval forest that has surrounded this region since ancient times. The monks who live in the mountains use the fall for their ascetic training.

Nachi Taisha

The Nachi Taisha is a Shinto shrine built 350 m above sea level on Nachi Mountain. It is part of the Kumano Sanzan which refers to the 3 Grand Shrines located in the Kii Mountain Range: they include the Kumano Hongu Taisha, the Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and the Kumano Nachi Taisha. An ancient tree growing beside the shrine is revered as a Kami.

Kumano Kodo

This part of Wakayama’s extensive Kumano Kodo trail system runs through the beautiful Kii Mountain Range. Regarded as the sister pilgrimage trail to the San Sebastian Pilgrimage Trail in Spain, the ancient Kumano Kodo has been traversed by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throughout the centuries. Recently, more foreigners walk it than locals as it has become more and more well known around the world. These walkers are wearing the traditional costume which pilgrims wear in this area.

Fishing Port

The Katsuura region is famous for its abundant fresh fish. In fact their Tuna Market boasts the highest catch of tuna in the whole of Japan. Make it a point to attend the tuna auction in the early morning - you can experience a traditional fish market in a rural setting without all the crowds of Tokyo’s popular Tsukiji Fish Market.

A fun and delicious lunch is stopping by one of the fish shops and choosing from the catch of the day - they will cook it according to your wishes.

Whale Watching Tours

Take a 55 minute cruise around Katsuura Bay and sail around the many scenic islands of the area - there are over 130 islands in total including Lion Island and Camel Island. Whale Watching Tours are offered from April to September with six sailings a day.

Kii Katsuura Shotenga

After lunch, walk around the tiny port and visit the large souvenir shop across from the Tourist Information Centre - some perfect souvenirs include the local sake, seaweed, dried sea products, and pickled vegetables.

The town has a covered arcade (shotengai) that dates back to the 1950s and fans out from the train and bus station. It’s fun to walk through the old arcade browsing the souvenir shops and eating at the restaurants, all offering tuna specialties and local fish dishes.

Accommodation:

Katsuura Gyoen

Pleasant hotel on Katsuura Bay offering rooms with private outdoor onsens (hot spring baths) overlooking the sea. Choose either Japanese style (futons) or Western style (twin bed) accommodation. Informal restaurant and bar with lovely sea views - ten minute walk from the train station.