Wakayama City

Although Wakayama City is somewhat typical of other seaside cities along the Japanese coastline, it is a unique link to the temples and mystical forests of Mt. Koya, the ancient pilgrimage route of the Kumano Kodo, the pristine beaches and hot springs of Shirahama, and the picture perfect fishing villages of Katsuura and Kushimoto along the coast.

Even though Wakayama City is increasing in size, it is still rural, so orange groves, daikon fields, and rice paddies can be seen wedged between neighbourhoods, temples and shopping centres.

With Wakayama City as your base, you can not only explore the city and the stunning coastal region, but also take memorable day trips to the ancient cities of Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe, Otsu, and Osaka - all easily accessible within a day by Japan Rail.

Local Attractions:

Wakayama Castle

Towering over the city, the castle is a well known symbol of Wakayama. Originally constructed in 1585 by the dynamic Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it was an important base during the Edo period. Indeed the castle was deemed a national treasure until it was burned down during World War 2. Restored in 1958, the castle just celebrated its sixtieth anniversary.

The view of the city from the top of the castle is spectacular and gives you a good idea of its layout.

The grounds around the castle are used during the day by walkers, joggers, and families having picnics. There are also seasonal festivals at the castle during the spring to celebrate the cherry blossoms, the fall to admire the autumn leaves and chrysanthemum exhibits, and other times of the year such as summer and new year’s.

Entrance Fee: Adults 410 yen, Children 200 yen

Hours: 9:00 - 17:30

How to get there: Twenty minute walk from either JR Wakayama station or Wakayamashi station

The Wakayama Museum of Modern Art

The museum has a lovely selection of modern and traditional works by Japanese artists.

There is a gift shop and a casual restaurant which overlooks the castle and serves a small selection of meals. It has both outside and indoor seating.

An entertaining morning or afternoon can be spent combining the castle, the museum, and the cafe!

Entrance Fee: Adults 340 yen, Children Free

Hours: 9:30-17:00

How to get there: Twenty minute walk from either JR Wakayama station or Wakayamashi station

Kimiidera Temple

Perched on the side of a mountain overlooking Wakayama City, historical Kimiidera was founded 1,250 years ago. Famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, it is also very beautiful in the Fall with its colourful leaves. It is the second pilgrimage site of the Saigon Kannon Pilgrimage which includes 33 temples and is the oldest pilgrimage route in Japan.

The view of Wakayama from the temple is stunning and worth the climb of over 200 steps. Many seniors use these steps as a daily stair master to keep up their physical and spiritual health.

The name Kimiidera means the Temple with Three Fountains. These fountains come from natural springs in the Wakayama mountains and have different functions: Kissyosui Fountain brings good luck; Shojosui Fountain purifies impurities; and Yoryusui Fountain cures bad health.

Entrance Fee: Adult: 200 yen, children or seniors 100 yen

Hours: 8:00-17:00

How to get there: Ten minute walk from Kimiidera Station

Wakaura/Tanoura/Saikazaki (Fishing Villages)

Three small scenic fishing villages lie along the coast of Wakayama City. If you like to walk, Wakaura Bay is a 25 minute stroll from Kimiidera Train Station; otherwise you can take a taxi to the area and then walk along the sea wall which connects the three villages. The name, Waka-no-ura, means “Poem Bay” and the area has been well loved throughout history.

Now, many of the houses are looking a bit faded and rundown, but there are renovations being done on some of the older resorts. Overall the area has an old fashioned charm to it and is well worth a walk. There are some unique cafes, coffee shops and restaurants in the area.

How to get there: Twenty-five minute stroll or ten minute taxi ride from Kimiidera Station. Can also take the bus from Wakayama JR Station.

Kada

Kada is a small port town with a great family beach and access to seaside activities like surfing, fishing, boating and swimming. It is a pleasant walk from the station through the back streets to the seaside with its nearby temple and port area.

A variety of hotels and inns in and near the town have hot springs and access to these activities. There are some fish restaurants along the seaside and stalls near the temple selling fresh fish and the area’s specialty: grilled Turban shellfish. Popular among the locals is a rice cake made from rice and yomogi leaves and filled with sweet red bean paste.

The port also has a quirky sightseeing spot otherwise known as Awashima-Jinja Shrine. This garish shrine is well known throughout Japan as a drop off centre for unwanted dolls and figurines. Many Japanese believe that there are spirits within the dolls which can be released at this shrine. Every year on March 3, during Girls’ Festival, Hina-Nagashi takes place during which time the dolls and figurines are placed on boats and set afloat on the sea in order that their spirits may be sent to God. Apart from this practise, the shrine is visited by women seeking relief for female related health conditions and for the healthy delivery of their babies.

The quiet port of Kada can be reached from Wakayamashi Station in Wakayama City where there are two different fish themed trains waiting to take you. The train ride is around 15 minutes.

Entrance Fee for Shrine: Adult 300 yen, Children 200 yen

Hours: 9:00 - 17:00

How to get there: Local train from Wakayamashi Station

Kishi

A ride on the Wakayama Electric Railway to Kishi Station is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours looking at the rural scenery of Wakayama’s countryside - rice paddies, daikon radish fields and other crops grow side by side residential areas, temples, graveyards, schools and shopping centres.

At the station you might be able to meet the stationmaster’s cat, Tama, who is quite a mascot for the locals.

According to the time of day, there is a selection of different trains to catch - the Strawberry train, the Toy train, and the Tama train….

At the end of the line - about a 20 minute ride - is Kishi station and the Tama Cafe where you can have a coffee and a “hot cat”, a hot dog variation which uses a sausage made of fish rather than pork!

How to get there: 20 minute train ride from Wakayama JR Station

Wakayama Marina City

Marina City is a resort island which contains the Marina City Hotel, Spa Kishu Kuroshio, Kuroshio Fish Market, Kinokuni Fruit Market, and Porto Europa Amusement Park.

Kuroshio Market

The market has an entertaining Tuna Show that is held three times a day (11:00, 12:30, and 3:00). The chef expertly slices a massive 100 kg tuna in front of spectators who can then sample and purchase the most delicious tuna they have ever eaten in their lives! Other delicacies to try are unagi (eel) and a variety of fresh sushi and shellfish. You can even choose whatever fresh fish you like and have it barbecued for you. There are BBQ facilities and tables to eat at outside with a stunning view of the sea. There is also a Fishing Park nearby where you can fish and then BBQ your catch. Fishing rods and other equipment are available for rental.

Kinokuni Fruit Market

Nearby is Kinokuni Fruit Market where you can purchase a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. As Wakayama is known as the “Fruit Kingdom”, the fruit is extremely fresh and succulent. According to season, these fruits include mikan (mandarin oranges), peaches, persimmons, grapes, plums, strawberries and apples. You can also purchase other food specialties and souvenirs including salad dressings, cakes, cookies, spices, and jams.

Beaches:

1. Hamanomiya Beach -

   Beautiful beach with blue tiled sidewalks and palm trees swaying in the breeze - close to the bridge leading to Marina City - paddle boarding available with lessons and paddle boards provided.

   How to get there: 10 minute walk from the Hamanomiya Bus Stop or a 20 minute walk from Kimiidera Station

2. Isonoura Beach -

   Wakayama’s surfing spot - surf shop nearby that offers lessons and provides surfboard rentals. Optimum surf time is between May and October.

   How to get there: quick walk from the Nankai Isonoura Station.

3. Kataonami Beach -

   Wakayama’s longest beach at 1200 m.

   How to get there: 10 minute walk from Furobashi Bus Stop

4. Kada Beach -

   Enjoyed by locals in the quiet port town of Kada - BBQ facilities are available.

   How to get there: 15 minute train ride from Wakayamashi Station and then a 15 minute walk to the Beach

Shopping:

1. Aeon Mall -

   Enormous sprawling mall on the hill next to Wakayama University outside the city. Take the 20 minute train ride from Wakayama shi station.

2. Kintetsu Department Store -

   Located next to Wakayama JR Station, Kintetsu has a wonderful basement food floor (Depa Chika). Next door is MIO, a small adjoining shopping mall.

3. Forte -

   A high end grocery store with a fantastic Spa and Hot Spring facility in the basement .

4. Buraku Richo -

   street level shopping arcade that covers a few city blocks - vendors include bakeries, drug stores, clothing stores and restaurants.

5. Second Street -

   Second-hand clothing store chain found in Wakayama City, Kyoto, and other cities... Lots of sweet deals on designer accessories, clothing, and shoes.

Hotels:

1. Diawa Royal Hotel -

   A business hotel with good view of castle - roughly located between the two rail stations: Wakayama JR station and Wakayamashi station

2. Granvia Hotel -

   A business hotel located next to Wakayama JR station - convenient of you’re doing a lot of train travel to other cities.

3. Marina City Hotel -

   located outside of downtown area - 20 mins from JR station - nearby Kuroshio Market

Getting To Wakayama:

1. Plane - Flight is one hour from Tokyo to Osaka (KIX) Airport/take the limousine bus from the Airport to Wakayama JR Train Station (45 minutes).

2. Train - Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka (4 hours)/Train to Wakayama JR station takes approx. 45 mins - one hour depending on train.

Day Trips:

Wakayama City is a convenient base for numerous day trips and activities along the scenic coast but also inland towards cities in central Kansai. The traditional temples and gardens of Kyoto are less than two hours by train, while the flashing neon lights of Osaka are only forty minutes away. The mystical forests and shrines of Koyasan are just an hour and a half hour train trip while the picturesque coastal towns of Yuasa, Shirahama or Nachikatsuura are also easily accessible by local trains along the coast.