Wakayama Travel Itineraries: Enjoy Local Food and Scenic Landscapes

Spectacular Views and Fine Cuisine

Wakayama Prefecture is rich in nature, history, and fine food. Visitors can feel the mystic aura at Kumano Kodo and Mount Koya, both designated as World Heritage sites. Nanki Shirahama, with its beautiful beaches, and Katsuura Onsen, are perfect destinations for those who want to unwind.

This article is about itineraries to enjoy the appeals of Wakayama. There are three types, so do take a look.

Half-Day Course (Afternoon and Night)

Travelers will feel the natural powers of Wakayama, even during a short course. The following is the route for a half-day trip.

Half-Day (Afternoon and Night)
Engetsu Island → Shirara Beach → Senjojiki → Dinner (ToreTore Park)

Engetsu Island

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Engetsu Island is an atoll, located off the coast of Rinkai-ura. It is a symbol of the Nanki-Shirahama area, adored by the locals. Although the official name is Takashima, with a round opening in the middle, engetsu (full moon) became its nickname.

The opening was created by erosion, and the setting sun can be seen through it. The island has been chosen as one of the 100 best sunset-viewing spots in Japan, and those who have time should make a visit to enjoy the spectacle.

Engetsu Island
Address: Wakayama, Nishi-Muro, Shirahama
Open Hours: All day
There are no closed days.
Parking: Available (Toll parking for 30 cars.)
Official Site: Engetsu Island

Shirara Beach

Picture courtesy of Pixta

The attractive beach stretches for about 620 meters. It is a sister beach of Waikiki in Hawaii, and has an aura of a tropical resort. Shirara is a major swimming spot in the Kansai Region, drawing a large number of visitors from far away.

A fireworks festival is held in summer, and illuminations light up the beach in winter. On a clear day, visitors can take photographs featuring the contrast between the blue ocean and the white sands, so this spot is recommended for non-swimmers as well.

Shirara Beach
Address: Wakayama, Nishi-Muro, Shirahama 864
Open Hours: All day
There are no closed days.
Parking: Available (Free parking for 60 cars. Please note that parking fees will be charged during certain periods.)
Official Site: Shirara Beach

Senjojiki

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Senjojiki is a huge bedrock, believed to be created about 15 to 18 million years ago. It came to look like a sheet of rock after being pounded by the rough waves over a long period of time.

The rugged rock exudes the raw power of nature. Be sure to walk out to the shore. The view of the sunset will make a lasting memory.

Senjojiki
Address: Wakayama, Nishi-Muro, Shirahama 2927-72
Open Hours: All day
There are no closed days.
Parking: Available (Free parking for 70 cars.)
Official Site: Senjojiki

ToreTore Park

Picture courtesy of Pixta

ToreTore Park is one of the largest fish markets in western Japan. It offers marine products and processed food from all over Japan, at an affordable price. Don't miss the tuna carving show, which is held every day.

At ToreTore Yokocho, where the eateries are located, visitors can enjoy kaisen-don, sushi, and grilled seafood, made with fresh products. This is a must-visit spot for those who are fond of seafood.

ToreTore Park
Address: Wakayama, Nishi-Muro, Shirahama, Katata 2521
Open Hours: 8:30 - 18:30
Last call at the eateries will be around 17:30.
The park will be closed on a irregular schedule.
Parking: Available (Free parking for 777 cars.)
Official Site: ToreTore Park
Official Social Media: ToreTore Park Instagram

1 Day Course (From Morning to Night)

Adventure World is a must-visit spot for those who can spend a day sightseeing. The following is the itinerary for a 1 day course.

1 Day Course (From Morning to Night)
Adventure World → Lunch (ToreTore Park) → Engetsu Island → Shirara Beach → Sandankabe Cave → Senjojiki → Dinner (Shirahama Kappou Kawanishi)

Adventure World

Picture courtesy of Pixta

This is a theme park exhibiting about 140 species, totaling around 1,400 animals. It is a zoo, aquarium, and an amusement park, all rolled into one, where people of all ages can enjoy.

While the park has many appeals, Panda Love and Breeding Center are especially popular. Visitors can watch the four adorable pandas eat bamboo, or just lie down.

Adventure World
Address: Wakayama, Nishi-Muro, Shirahama, Katata 2399
Open Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (The time varies by the season.)
Closed on Wednesdays.
Parking: Available (Toll parking for about 5,000 cars.)
Official Site: Adventure World
Official Social Media: Adventure World Instagram

Sandanbeki Cave

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Sandanbeki Cave is located at a historic spot in the Nanki-Shirahama area. The legend goes that the Kumano Navy hid their ships in this cave, and visitors can watch the splashing water up close. The mystc grotto is also known as a place with spiritual powers.

After entering the cave, visitors should also take a look outside. There is an observatory, known as a romantic site for couples, where they can leave a padlock as proof of their love.

Sandanbeki Cave
Address: Wakayama, Nishi-Muro, Shirahama 2927-52
Open Hours: 8:00 - 17:00 (The entrance closes at 16:50.)
The cave will be closed on an irregular schedule.
Parking: Available (Free parking for 30 cars. It is a 2 minute walk to the cave.)
Official Site: Sandanbeki Cave
Official Social Media: Sandanbeki Cave Instagram

Shirahama Kappou Kawanishi

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Shirahama Kappou Kawanishi is a restaurant serving creative Japanese dishes made with local products. From homemade dressing to dessert, guests can enjoy a one and only type of cuisine.

With jazz music flowing, this restaurant is for those who want to relax and enjoy dinner. Remember to try kue nabe (longtooth grouper hot pot), a popular dish.

Shirahama Kappou Kawanishi
Address: Wakayama, Nishi-Muro, Shirahama 511-1
Open Hours: 11:00 - 14:00 (Last call at 13:00.)/17:30 - 22:30 (Last call at 22:00.)
Closed on Tuesdays and the third Wednesday of the month. Lunch will be served only on weekends and national holidays.
Parking: Available (Free parking for 30 cars.)
Official Site: Shirahama Kappou Kawanishi

2 Day Course

While some of the appeals of Wakayama can be relished in 1 day, those who have plenty of time should spend the night. The following is the details of the 2 days course.

2 Day Course
Day One
Adventure World → Lunch (ToreTore Park) → Engetsu Island → Shirara Beach → Sandankabe Cave → Senjojiki → Dinner (Shirahama Kappou Kawanishi) → Hotel
Day Two
Kumano Kodo → Lunch (bodai) → Nachi Falls

Kumano Kodo

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Kumano Kodo is the pilgrimage route to Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Nachisan Seigantoji). The area is renowned for its historic and cultural value, along with the stunning scenery, and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Although it is a rare case for a route to be registered as a World Heritage, many tourists from all over the world gather at this site. There are five routes, so choose one with the best scenery, or one that fits your schedule.

bodai

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bodai is a chic bar and grill, with jazz music in the background. They serve Japanese seafood dishes, such as sashimi teishoku (set menu) and kaisen-don, at lunchtime.

Maguro chu-toro katsu-don, which participated in the national donburi championship, is the popular menu. Wakayama is famous for whale meat, and its tatsuta-age is another dish that you should try.

bodai
Address: Wakayama, Higashi-Muro, Nachi-Katsuura, Tsukiji 5-1-3
Open Hours: 11:00 - 14:00 (Last call at 13:30.)/17:30 - 21:00
Closed on Tuesdays. The restaurant will also be closed on an irregular schedule.
Parking: Available (Free parking)
Official Site: bodai
Official Social Media: bodai Instagram

Nachi Falls

Picture courtesy of Pixta

There are three cracks in the bedrock at the top of Nachi Falls, causing the waters to fall in three streams (misuji). So another name for the waterfall is Misuji no Taki. Nachi is one of Japan's three famous waterfalls, and domestically the highest.

Up close, the speed of the falling water is impressive, the splashes exuding untamed power.

Nachi Falls
Address: Wakayama, Higashi-Muro, Nachi-Katsuura, Nachisan
Open Hours: 8:00 - 16:30
There are no closed days.
Parking: Available (Free parking)
Official Site: Nachi Falls

Recommended Hotels

Those spending the night in Wakayama should look for a unique hotel. The following are the two recommended facilities.

Shirahama Key Terrace Hotel Seamore

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

Shirahama Key Terrace Hotel Seamore is furnished with not only a large bathing space, but a sauna, infinity pool, and a footbath, as well. Guests can enjoy the view of the ocean from their rooms. This is a facility for those looking for the extraordinary, or those who want to take in the scenery, and relax.

Kacho Fugetsu

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

All the rooms at this hotel are furnished with an onsen (hot spring). The hotel decided not to build a large bathing space, and guests can enjoy bathing 24 hours a day in their rooms. This is a facility for those who want to appreciate the finer things in life, or those who want to spend time in a private space.

Enjoy Sightseeing in Wakayama

Listed above are the three sightseeing routes to enjoy the appeals of Wakayama, rich in nature and history.

There are many tasty dishes as well, so those who have ample time in their schedule should stay overnight. Use this article as a guide, and have fun.