Wakayama
Kansai
Offers the sacred Koyasan mountain monastery and spectacular Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails.
Capital
Wakayama
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to May) for Koyasan's fresh mountain greenery and cherry blossoms; autumn (October to November) for foliage along Kumano Kodo trails.
Getting There
Nankai Railways from Osaka Namba to Gokurakubashi (1h 40min, ~¥1,400) then cable car to Koyasan. Trains and buses reach Kumano Kodo trailheads from Shingu.
Top Highlights
Koyasan (Mt. Koya)
UNESCO World Heritage mountain monastery town with 117 temples and the atmospheric Okunoin cemetery — the most sacred Buddhist site in Japan.
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
Ancient pilgrimage trails through Kii Peninsula cedar forests, leading to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano — walked by emperors and commoners for 1,000 years.
Nachi Falls
Japan's tallest waterfall (133m) paired with the orange torii of Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine — one of Japan's most photographed spots.
Shirahama Beach
Dramatic white sand beach on the Kii Peninsula with turquoise waters and spectacular volcanic rock formations.
Local Cuisine
Mehari-zushi
Rice balls wrapped in large, fermented takana mustard leaves — a simple, traditional food of Kumano Kodo pilgrims.
Kishu Umeboshi
Wakayama produces Japan's finest ume plums — Nanko-ume variety pickled into umeboshi with exceptional balance of salt and sourness.
Shojin Ryori
Buddhist vegetarian cuisine served at Koyasan temple lodgings (shukubo) — elaborate, nourishing, and spiritually grounded.
Stay Connected in Wakayama
Yesim eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Japan data plans from $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay overnight at a temple in Koyasan?+
Yes — shukubo temple lodgings are the quintessential Koyasan experience. About 52 temples offer overnight stays with morning prayers, meditation, and shojin ryori vegetarian meals included. Book well in advance, especially for weekends.
Things to Do in Wakayama
12 sustainable experiences
Koyasan Private Tour: Kongobuji & Danjo Garan with Spanish Guide
Discover the spiritual heart of Koyasan on a 3-hour private tour with local guide in Spanish. An experience designed so that you not only see temples, but also understand their meaning and connect with the essence of Japan. You will visit Kongo buji, the main temple, where you will learn that all o
From US$71.07
Wakayama: Learn & Taste Japan Tuna Culture in Nachikatsuura
Explore the deep connection between the Japanese people and their ocean through the lens of tuna in Nachikatsuura, Japan’s premier tuna port. This tour, guided by a local expert, unveils the evolution of tuna fishing and its cultural significance in Japanese cuisine. Start at the Tuna Museum’s obser
From US$77.53
Wakayama: Private Kumano Coast Izakaya Hopping
This private evening tour lets you experience southern Wakayama beyond its famous shrines, pilgrimage routes, hot springs, and coastal scenery. Choose Shingu, Kii-Katsuura, or Kushimoto depending on where you are staying, then explore two local izakayas or bars selected around your food, drink, and
From US$106.28
Wakayama: Explore Japan’s Seafood Culture at Toretore Market
Toretore Market in Wakayama is a vibrant seafood hub where you can dive into Japan's rich fish culture. Guided by a knowledgeable local expert, explore colorful stalls showcasing an incredible variety of marine life, from tuna to spiny lobster. Learn about traditional harvesting methods and culinary
From US$76.32
Koyasan Okunoin Night Tour Sacred Pilgrimage Experience
The Koyasan Okunoin Night Tour offers a unique pilgrimage through the serene and sacred grounds of Okunoin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided by a resident expert in traditional attire, this tour uncovers the rich history and mysteries surrounding Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Koyasan. Spanni
From US$58.02
Cuisine of Nachikatsuura and Kumano
Gastronomy: The Cuisine of Nachikatsuura and Kumano We carefully explain the eating habits and traditions related to the ingredients, as well as the deep history of this land, providing a unique dinner experience where you can engage with the food culture through one-on-one dialogue with our guests
From US$180
Locally Guided Kumano Kodo Kohechi Tour
This tour is not just a walk, it is an authentic pilgrimage experience. You will walk along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Kumano Kodo with a local guide who knows the area deeply, its history and spiritual significance. Unlike other tours, you’ll not only walk along the way, but also di
From US$32.31
Koyasan Must Visit Spots Self Guided Tour
Koyasan has been one of Japan’s most important spiritual centers for over 1,200 years. This 21-stop self-guided audio tour takes you through its sacred sites, from the entrance at Daimon Gate to the forested paths of Okunoin. Your guide is Hiroyuki, a local guide from Wakayama who shares the histor
From US$14.9
Kumanokodo 1 Day Walking Tour
The walk itself was an integral part of the pilgrimage process as they undertook rigorous religious rites of worship and purification. Walking the ancient Kumano Kodo is a fantastic way to experience the unique cultural landscape of Kumano’s spiritual countryside. Join our tour , Private guide will
From US$192.54
7 Hours Tour Enjoyment Light Plan in Koyasan
Keikoin,Koyasan Shukubo, is a historic temple located near Okuno-in Temple with easy access to the Danjo Temple complex. Visitors can fully enjoy morning services, goma prayer, ajikan experience, sutra copying, vegetarian cooking, and various other experiences that only a shukubo can offer. Please s
From US$161.53
Wakayama: Walk the Kumano Kodo to Kumano Hongu Taisha
Discover the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that embodies a sacred pilgrimage path through Japan's misty Kii Peninsula mountains. This guided walk from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while learning about the Kumano faith. Trave
From US$113.39
Koyasan: Must-See Okuno-in Cemetery 2-Hour Guided Tour
Discover the Okuno-in Cemetery, the largest in Japan, with a local guide. Learn about the history of the cemetery and the famous monk Kobo Daishi.
From US$83.99