[Kansai/Wakayama] 18 recommended sightseeing spots to visit in winter

Wakayama, home to several valuable world heritage sites such as the Kumano Kodo and Nachi Falls, is a famous tourist spot visited by tourists from Japan and abroad. While there are many sightseeing spots that can be enjoyed all year round, the beautiful snow-covered Mt. Koya and Wakayama Castle are attractions unique to Wakayama that can only be experienced during the winter. In addition, Shirahama Onsen, known as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, is also one of the tourist destinations you should visit during the cold winter months. In this way, Wakayama is dotted with little-known tourist attractions whose best season is winter. In this article, we have selected 18 sightseeing spots in Wakayama that you should definitely visit during winter. Please enjoy a winter trip to Wakayama that will soothe your soul through all five senses, such as seafood that is in season in winter, a day trip to a hot spring that will warm you to the core, and Adventure World, which holds events where you can interact with various animals.

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[Shirahama Town] Adventure World

The largest number in Japan! Successful breeding of giant pandas

A theme park that combines a zoo, aquarium, and amusement park, and is packed with charm that will make you want to visit again and again. A family of four giant pandas currently lives there, and they are especially active during the fall and winter. In addition, you can see marine live performances by dolphins and whales, and see the herbivorous and carnivorous animals that live in Safari World on a train. This is one of the spots you should check out when visiting Wakayama.

[Shirahama Town] Toretore Market Nanki Shirahama

The largest in western Japan! An array of fresh seafood from all over Japan

This seafood market is run by a local fishing association and is popular with citizens. In particular, Nanki Shirahama is known as a treasure trove of seafood, including high-quality fish such as kueru and spiny lobster, which are in season in winter. Fresh fish is brought in daily from all over the country, so you can enjoy it in any season, but you may also be able to find seafood that is unique to winter. The tuna butchering show that takes place several times a day is a must-see! Come experience the craftsmanship of professionals up close.

[Shirahama Town] Engetsu Island

A small island familiar as a symbol of Shirahama

A small island measuring approximately 130m from north to south and 35m from east to west. It is called Engetsu Island because of the moon-shaped hole in the center of the island, but its official name is Takashima. The sunset with Engetsu Island in the background is so beautiful that it has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 sunsets. The recommended time is a few days before and after the spring and autumnal equinoxes, but you can also observe beautiful scenery from autumn to winter when the weather is stable.

[Shirahama Town] Sandanbeki

The impressive scenery is breathtaking! Spots where you can experience history and nature

Legend has it that the Kumano Suigun, who assisted the Genji clan during the Genpei War, used this cave to hide their ships. It is a popular spot where you can enjoy the dynamic waves of the Pacific Ocean up close. Additionally, in winter, events are held where you can explore the cave at night, where you can enjoy the starry sky as the sun sets over the horizon. The observation deck inside the cave is also illuminated, and there are many things to experience that can only be experienced in winter.

[Shirahama Town] Shirahama Onsen Toretore no Yu

A full bathing facility with indoor baths, open-air baths, and bedrock baths.

A day trip bathing facility with so many facilities that you won't be able to visit them all in one day, such as a rock bath drawn from the source water from Shirahama Onsen and a sauna where you can experience ro-ryu. The open-air bath overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a hill is especially refreshing! Body care and Akasuri are also available, so you can enjoy them all year round, but winter is also a must if you want to take your time and enjoy the quality of the springs. It's adjacent to Toretore Market Nanki Shirahama, which I introduced earlier, so why not visit it at the same time?

[Shirahama Town] Senjojiki

You can't take your eyes off the impressive natural formations

A large rock formation created by wave erosion over many years. It is a well-known tourist destination in Wakayama, and the view of the white sandstone stretching out towards the Pacific Ocean is truly a scenic spot. The sunset on the horizon is beautiful, and you can fully enjoy the dynamic nature. Although it is a popular tourist destination all year round, you can enjoy a completely different view in winter, making it one of the must-visit spots in the Shirahama area.

[Shirahama Town] Minakata Kumagusu Memorial Museum

The panoramic view from the rooftop is also a must-see!

Minakata Kumagusu, who laid the foundation for folklore studies and left his name as a naturalist, was a giant star born in Wakayama. Approximately 800 exhibits showing his activities from his childhood to overseas are open to the public at this facility, and his achievements are passed on to future generations. There are many things to see, such as the living slime mold that Kumagusu studied that can be viewed under a microscope at all times! Since it's an indoor facility, it's perfect for a cold winter outing.

[Wakayama City] Wakayama Castle

One of the highlights is the combination-style castle tower, which is rare in Japan.

One of Japan's leading tourist destinations and a symbol of Wakayama City. It is also famous as a historical building and has been designated as a national historic site. Although it is rare for the city to snow during the winter, Wakayama Castle is very beautiful when covered in white snow. Also, around February is the season when the plum blossoms near the Oimaimon gate begin to bloom. There is also a zoo and a tea room on the grounds of the castle, making it a popular spot with many things to see.

[Wakayama City] Wakayama Marina City

Full of charm that will make you forget the time and have fun

A resort island in Wakayama where you can have fun, enjoy food, and relax. It is a spot that you can enjoy all day long, with a variety of facilities such as a fishing park, Kuroshio Market, theme park Porto Europa, and Kishu Kuroshio Onsen. In addition, "Festa Luce", which has become a winter tradition, will be held from November 3, 2023 (Reiwa 5) to February 12, 2024 (Reiwa 6). You can enjoy gorgeous scenery with illuminations and projection mapping.

[Wakayama City] Porto Europe

Full of exoticism! Attractive cityscape and attractions

A theme park full of European exoticism. You can enjoy just walking around the streets reminiscent of France or Italy, but the park also has plenty of attractions such as water slides, Ferris wheels, and VR rides! It is a content that everyone from children to adults can enjoy. Additionally, the "Festa Luce" that I introduced earlier can be enjoyed at our facility, so be sure to check it out.

[Koya Town] Koyasan Shukubo

Accommodations you'll want to use when visiting the world heritage site, Mt. Koya

Koyasan is a major sacred site for Japanese Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi in the early Heian period. It has gained people's faith and respect since ancient times, and even today it is visited by worshipers from all over the world. There are more than 50 lodgings in Koyasan that accept general visitors, and they are attracting attention for their ability to experience temple culture and ascetic training. The services provided by each temple vary, but spending time in the mystical atmosphere of Mt. Koya will be a valuable experience.

[Taiji Town] Taiji Town Whale Museum

A theme park in Taiji Town, known as the town of whales.

A variety of materials are on display, from the ecology of whales to the history of humans and whales. In addition to whales, you can also experience interacting with dolphins, and from the pier located in the natural pool, you can observe them up close and feed them directly. It seems that many people visit in the summer, so in the winter you might be able to avoid the crowds and get close to the whales and dolphins.

[Kushimoto Town] Hashikui Rock

A fantastic spot with strangely shaped rocks dyed orange

More than 40 rock pillars of various sizes line up in a row about 850 meters underwater. The name comes from the fact that the regular arrangement of these stones resembles bridge pilings. It is known for its beautiful views of both the sunrise and sunset, and the way it changes over time is truly spectacular. It has been designated as a national scenic beauty and natural monument, making it a popular tourist destination in Kushimoto Town that you can visit all year round.

[Nachikatsuura Town] Nachi Falls (Hitaki Shrine)

A scenic spot so impressive that you can't take your eyes off it

A famous waterfall that boasts the highest drop in Japan. The force of the water falling from a height of approximately 133 meters through the primeval forest is truly impressive. The waterfall itself is also the object of worship at Hitaki Shrine, giving you a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. The whole area of ​​Mt. Nachi is registered as a World Heritage Site, and has also been selected as a national natural monument. It is said that in the clear winter air, its divinity becomes even more apparent.

[Nachi-Katsuura Town] Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

A shrine that enshrines eight gods that have been worshiped since ancient times.

The headquarters of 4,000 Kumano Shrines located throughout the country. It has been worshiped since ancient times as a shrine that connects people's connections and wishes, and is also worshiped as a deity to pray for the protection of traffic and maritime safety. It has been certified as a World Heritage Site and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, and many visitors from Japan and abroad gather here to worship. In particular, the illuminations held from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day are a must-see! In the solemn atmosphere, you can enjoy the beautiful Nachi Falls.

[Shingu City] Dorokyo Gorge

A power spot where you can be healed by the magnificent nature

The great gorge has been designated as a special scenic spot by the country. The beauty of Yusui, which seems to have preserved ancient nature, is truly impressive. In Dorokyo Gorge in particular, you can feel the soothing river breeze that permeates your soul amidst the rows of rugged cliffs and majestic giant rocks. It is also famous as a star observation site because it is far from urban areas. On a clear day in winter, you'll be able to see stars shining brightly in the clear air.

[Tanabe City] Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

A highly mysterious shrine that is one of the Kumano Sanzan

This shrine is known as the main shrine of Kumano Shrine, and its main deity is Susano-onomikoto. It is a mysterious spot where it is said that a god descended to the site of the ancient main shrine. In addition, three sacred sites and pilgrimage routes are registered as World Heritage Sites, and they still attract the faith of many people today. It is said that if you visit the shrine between 2am and 4am on January 1st, when the chief priest opens the main shrine door and offers prayers, your wishes will come true.

[Tanabe City] Watarase Onsen Large open-air bath

Spend a relaxing moment surrounded by Kumano's rich nature

A hot spring facility that is attracting attention for its spacious open-air bath, one of the largest in western Japan. You can relax and enjoy the natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source while feeling the natural breeze. In addition to the large open-air bath, there are also large public baths and private open-air baths reserved for families, so one of the features is that you can refresh yourself as a family. In winter, it is gaining popularity as you can enjoy the sparkling natural planetarium and steam in the clear air.

Wakayama has many popular tourist destinations loved by people all over the world!

We have introduced 18 recommended sightseeing spots that you should visit during your winter trip to Wakayama. Wakayama, located at the southernmost tip of the Kinki region, has a relatively mild climate even in winter, making it an easy choice as a travel destination, but the snow-covered Wakayama Castle and Mt. Koya are even more magical. Because it is a scenery that is rarely seen, it is sure to be a memorable memory. In addition, the illuminations at the theme parks and gourmet food unique to winter can only be seen and tasted if you visit Wakayama during the cold season, which is sure to be a valuable experience. Because there are so many attractive spots, everyone from families with small children to couples can enjoy the area regardless of the occasion or purpose. Why not enjoy Wakayama's rich nature, historical buildings, and fresh gourmet food to your heart's content this winter? In that case, please refer to this article and enjoy an unforgettable winter trip to Wakayama.