Katsuragi Town, Wakayama Prefecture

Niutsumihime-jinjya Shrine, a registered World Heritage Site, is said to have lent Mount Koya to Kobo Daishi Kukai, and has a deep connection to Mount Koya, with various historical sites remaining in the surrounding area. The area also has a rich natural environment, with plum, cherry, and peach blossoms blooming beautifully in spring, fireflies in June, fireworks in summer, and shining rice ears in autumn. In addition to Niutsumihime Shrine, you can enjoy the autumn and yellow leaves at choiishimichi and Mitanizaka, which are also registered World Heritage Sites. In late autumn, the Shigo area is popular for the production of kushigaki, a lucky charm used during the New Year, and persimmon-colored noren curtains line the eaves of farmhouses. From autumn to winter, festivals and dances are held in various places to celebrate the harvest and pray for a good harvest. Fruit cultivation is thriving, and a variety of fruits such as strawberries, peaches, grapes, and persimmons can be enjoyed all year round. Fruit picking is also popular. Fresh vegetables and fruits are sold at four roadside stations and produce shops in the town. Come and try the "Kawakami zake" made in the upper reaches of the Kinokawa River, "Kaki no Ha Sushi" made by wrapping sushi in persimmon leaves, and "Anpogaki" made by drying seedless persimmons using a unique method.