７ Soothing Autumn Foliage Spots! A Journey through Wakayama Prefecture's Spectacular Autumn Colors

• [text_no_translate=Table of Contents]
• [Koyasan] Experience silence and history
• [Nyutsuhime Shrine] Harmony between nature and faith
• [Ryujin Skyline] A drive through the sky to see the autumn leaves
• [Kizetsukyo] A natural work of art created by a valley and a waterfall
• [Kumano Kodo Nakahechi] A thousand-year blessing in the autumn leaves
• [Kozagawa Monolith] The clear blue water reflects the spectacular autumn scenery
• [Dorokyo] Art corridor of nature
• Conclusion

[Koyasan] Experience silence and history

Best time to see: Late October to mid-November

Address: 152 Koyasan, Koyacho, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture

Mount Koya, a registered World Heritage Site, is enveloped in colorful autumn leaves in autumn. The maple and maple trees along the Okunoin approach in particular are vibrant in color, creating a fantastical atmosphere.

Mount Koya, where tranquility and history are alive, offers visitors the chance to enjoy a tour of beautiful temples. The scenery woven by the natural elements of the four seasons offers deep healing to visitors, making it the perfect place to calm your mind.

[Nyutsuhime Shrine] Harmony between nature and faith

Best time to see: Mid to late November

Address: 230 Kamitenano, Katsuragi-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture

Nyutsuhime Shrine, surrounded by the deep forests of the Kii Mountain Range, is registered as a World Heritage Site as one of the components of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."

From mid- to late November, the autumn leaves of the old trees lining the grounds reach their peak. This ancient shrine, dedicated to the water deity Niutsuhime-no-Okami, features an autumn scene of autumn leaves and the vermilion-painted shrine building that is a perfect example of the quintessential Japanese landscape, where nature and faith coexist in harmony.

[Ryujin Skyline] A drive through the sky to see the autumn leaves

Best time to see: Late October to mid-November

Address: Ryujin, Ryujin Village, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture

The Koya-Ryujin Skyline runs through the ridge of the Kii Mountains. This mountain road, which runs from the sacred Mount Koya to Ryujin Onsen, turns into a tunnel of vibrant autumn leaves in the fall.

During the autumn foliage season, the driveway, which runs at an altitude of about 1000 meters, is dyed crimson and gold, coloring the road like a corridor in the sky. From Goma Sky Tower, a magnificent panorama of the mountains dyed in autumn colors spreads out before you, and if you're lucky, you might be able to enjoy the sea of clouds and autumn leaves together!

[Kizetsukyo] A natural work of art created by a valley and a waterfall

・Best time to see: Mid-November to late November

Address: Kamiakizu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture

Kizetsukyo Gorge is a gorge located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is a work of art created by the Aizu River over many years. The impressive gorge and beautiful waterfalls make it a dream spot for nature lovers. It is perfect for hiking and photography, and the scenery is especially breathtaking in the autumn when the leaves change color.

[Kumano Kodo Nakahechi] A thousand-year blessing in the autumn leaves

・Best time to see: Mid-November to early December

Address: Fukusada, Nakaheji-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture

The Kumano Kodo, which has been walked by many pilgrims since ancient times, winds its way through the mountains of the Kii Mountain Range, and travelers are greeted by autumnal trees along the way. On the ancient mountain trails, the contrast of colors created by the red leaves of azaleas and yellow leaves of maples is beautiful, and the leaves that occasionally fall on the wind seem to bless the pilgrims.

On this road that has been handed down for over a thousand years, the autumn leaves quietly tell modern-day travelers a tale of autumn woven together by timeless history and nature.

[Kozagawa Monolith] The clear blue water reflects the spectacular autumn scenery

・Best time to see: late November to early December

Address: Aise, Kozagawa-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture

Located in Kozagawa Town, a hidden gem in Wakayama Prefecture, this monolith captivates visitors with its overwhelming presence, made up of a gigantic rock wall that is 100 meters high and 500 meters wide.

In autumn, colorful leaves create a gorgeous brocade against the backdrop of these majestic rock faces. The crimson and golden leaves of maples add color to the moss-covered rock walls, and when they are reflected in the blue waters of the clear Kozagawa River, it truly looks like a painting by nature.

[Dorokyo] Art corridor of nature

Best time to see: Late October to mid-November

Address: 8-1 Tamakiguchi, Kumanogawacho, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture

Characterized by crystal clear water and majestic rock formations, Doro Gorge offers kayaking and boating activities. Surrounded by lush greenery, this place is popular with families as a place to relax.
The river meandering through the mountains and the autumn foliage make this a scenic spot in Japan during the autumn foliage season.

Conclusion

Wakayama Prefecture's autumn foliage has a unique charm that combines natural beauty with historical charm. The best viewing time at each spot may vary depending on the weather, so please check the latest information before visiting. Enjoy a relaxing autumn foliage viewing experience in Wakayama.

Photo source: Wakayama Tourism Federation, Public Interest Incorporated Association