Shrines, museums, parks, and the spots in between, with the access details worked out.
Mount Koya is a sacred temple complex where the entire mountain is treated as one unified holy domain dedicated to Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.
Koya · WakayamaA 620-metre beach of fine white quartz sand in Shirahama, Wakayama, and the first place on Honshu to open for swimming each year.
Shirahama · WakayamaThe innermost sanctuary of Koyasan, where a two-kilometre path through ancient cedars and 200,000 graves leads to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi.
Koya · WakayamaKumano Hongu Taisha, heart of the Kumano Sanzan, traces its origins to before Emperor Jinmu – where legend says three moons descended to found the shrine.
Tanabe · WakayamaIn Shingu, Wakayama, Kumano Hayatama Taisha stands as one of the three grand Kumano shrines – a "land of rebirth" where pilgrims have sought renewal for centuries.
Shingu · WakayamaOne of the three grand shrines of Kumano, beside Japan's tallest waterfall – and spiritual home of the Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow on Japan's football crest.
WakayamaSixteenth-century castle with traditional Japanese architecture, surrounded by moat and stone walls, featuring a museum and scenic garden.
WakayamaA 1,250-year-old Buddhist temple in Wakayama that holds the second position on Japan's oldest pilgrimage route dedicated to Kannon worship.
WakayamaA wildlife park in Shirahama featuring diverse animal experiences, though its longtime giant pandas departed in June 2025.
Shirahama · WakayamaA year-round zoo in Wakayama featuring animals from around the world, including petable farm animals, set within a natural habitat designed for educational observation.
WakayamaA seafood market in Wakayama City showcases fresh local catch with live fish-cutting demonstrations and restaurants serving local specialties.
WakayamaRailway terminus famous as the home of honorary station master cat Tama, who served 2007 to 2015 and brought the station regional prominence.
Kinokawa · Wakayama
