Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
August 24, 2026
Wakayama Prefecture, located in the southwestern part of the Kii Peninsula, is a charming tourist destination where nature and history blend seamlessly, offering attractions such as Nanki Shirahama, a resort area, the World Heritage site "Kumano Kodo," the Kumano Sanzan shrines, and Nachi Falls. In the morning, you can visit historic temples in Koyasan, and in the afternoon, relax in a hot spring while gazing at the sea in Shirahama. Alternatively, you can walk through the cedar forests of the Kumano Kodo and spend a relaxing evening at a hot spring resort. This article will provide detailed information on tourist spots in different areas of Wakayama Prefecture, recommended accommodation areas, and even popular luxury glamping facilities in Shirahama.
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Wakayama Prefecture is large, so you can easily enjoy Wakayama City on a day trip. On the other hand, if you want to visit Nanki Shirahama, you should stay at least one night, and if you want to visit Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, and Nachi Falls, a 2-3 day stay is recommended.
| Area | Main Attractions | Estimated length of stay |
|---|---|---|
| Wakayama City | Wakayama Castle, Kuroshio Market, Wakayama Ramen | Half a day to one day |
| Koyasan | World Heritage Sites, Temples, Temple Lodgings, and Inner Sanctuaries | Day trip to overnight stay |
| The squirrel's nest | Shirahama Beach, Hot Springs, Senjojiki Rocks, Scenic Coast | 1-2 days |
| Kumano area | Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, and hot spring resorts. | 2 days or more |
| 那智勝浦 | Nachi Falls, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, and Seafood Cuisine | 1-2 days |
You can easily access Wakayama City from Osaka by JR or Nankai Electric Railway.
On the other hand, if you are heading to the Nanki Shirahama, Kii Katsuura, or Kumano areas, the JR Kisei Main Line's limited express "Kuroshio" is convenient. To get to Koyasan, use the Nankai Electric Railway Koya Line.
Osaka → Wakayama City (suitable for a day trip)
A recommended plan is to depart from Namba or Tennoji, enjoy Wakayama Castle, Kuroshio Market, and local cuisine, and return to Osaka in the evening.
Osaka → Nanki Shirahama (suitable for hot spring and resort trips)
Take the JR Limited Express "Kuroshio" train for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Shirahama Station. From there, you can access Shirahama Beach, Senjojiki, Sandanbeki Cliffs, and hot spring inns by local bus.
Kumano Kodo/Nachi Area
Because bus service is infrequent in this area, it is recommended to stay in the vicinity of Hongu Onsenkyo, Kii-Katsuura, or Shingu and explore the area by local bus or rental car.
© Nanki Shirahama Tourism Association
It is a representative resort area of Wakayama.
Shirahama Beach is a beautiful white sand beach approximately 640 meters long, popular for swimming in the summer and for strolling and photography during other seasons.
The surrounding area is lined with hot spring inns, open-air baths overlooking the sea, and stylish cafes, and Shirahama Onsen is also known as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs.
© Nanki Shirahama Tourism Association
This is a must-see scenic spot when visiting Shirahama.
Senjojiki is a massive rock formation created by years of wave erosion, and is famous as a spot to watch the sunset.
Sandanbeki is a series of cliffs approximately 50 meters high, and visitors can also explore sea caves.
Engetsu Island is an island with a natural hole in the center, and the sight of the setting sun aligning with the hole is one of Shirahama's most iconic and spectacular views.
Mount Koya is a sacred site that represents the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."
There are many sights to see, such as the Danjo Garan complex, Kongobu-ji Temple, and the Okunoin approach, and you can experience a sacred atmosphere enveloped in silence.
Staying at a temple lodging and enjoying vegetarian cuisine is also a popular option.
© Nanki Shirahama Tourism Association
The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2004.
For first-time visitors, we recommend the approximately 3.5km course that goes from Yunomine Onsen, via Dainichigoe, to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.
Walking along the ancient pilgrimage route before visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine allows you to experience the long-standing pilgrimage culture more deeply.
Nachi Falls, boasting a drop of approximately 133 meters, is one of Japan's most famous waterfalls and is revered as the sacred object of worship at Hiro Shrine.
The view of the waterfall seen through the vermilion three-story pagoda is a popular photo spot.
It is recommended to visit these places together, such as Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple.
Wakayama Castle is a magnificent castle located in the heart of the city, boasting beautiful stone walls, moats, and a magnificent keep.
It's also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
At Kuroshio Market, you can enjoy fresh tuna, sashimi, and seafood BBQ.
They also host an impressive tuna cutting show and offer tax-free services.
This is a popular luxury glamping facility located in the Shirahama area.
In addition to a dedicated BBQ area, you can also enjoy outdoor activities such as roasting marshmallows.
For dinner, you can enjoy luxurious local ingredients such as Kumano beef steak, pork dishes using plums from Wakayama Prefecture, and spiny lobster.
This glamping facility is surrounded by the rich natural beauty of Wakayama.
You can enjoy a variety of activities, including BBQ, camping experiences, interacting with animals, a private pool, a free campfire, and a nighttime illumination show.
The menu features hearty dishes such as beef tongue, sirloin, lean meat, and seafood ajillo.
If you're only visiting Shirahama, a 1-night, 2-day trip is recommended.
If you plan to visit the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and Nachi Falls, you'll need at least 2 nights and 3 days to enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace.
Yes.
Major tourist destinations such as Wakayama City, Nanki Shirahama, and Koyasan are accessible by JR express trains and local buses, so you can fully enjoy them even without a rental car.
The Shirahama area, in particular, is easily accessible for sightseeing using only public transportation.
Each of the four seasons has its own unique charm.
Summer: Swimming at Shirahama Beach
Autumn: Autumn foliage at Koyasan and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route
Winter: Fresh tuna and hot springs in Katsuura
Spring: Cherry blossoms at Wakayama Castle
Wakayama has many attractive tourist destinations.
If you want to enjoy the sea, Nanki Shirahama or Kushimoto are recommended. For hot springs, Shirahama, Katsuura, and Hongu Onsenkyo are great choices. If you want to experience history and culture, Koyasan or Kumano Sanzan are recommended.
Furthermore, there's a wide variety of local cuisine available, including Wakayama ramen, Kishu plums, and fresh seafood.
For your next trip to the Kansai region, why not extend your journey a little from Osaka and enjoy a trip to Wakayama, where you can savor nature, history, hot springs, and delicious food?
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
