Things to do in Wakayama City
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Top 10 attractions in Wakayama City
Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route
Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route is a historic pilgrimage route winding through the forests and mountains of the Kii Peninsula. It consists of routes such as the Nakahechi, Kohechi, Ohechi, and Iseji, connecting sacred sites like the Kumano Sanzan and linking to places like Koyasan and Ise Jingu. Since the Heian period, royals, nobles, and commoners have traveled along these ancient paths to worship, leaving behind a historical and cultural tradition that continues to this day. In 2004, the Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route was designated a World Heritage site as part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." The route is surrounded by dense forests and mountains, featuring moss-covered stone steps, ancient mountain paths, and the ruins of Oji shrines where pilgrims once rested and prayed. Each route has its own unique characteristics: the Nakahechi winds through forests and mountains, the Kohechi connects the Kumano Sanzan to Koyasan, and the Iseji extends along mountains and the coastline, offering views of terraced rice fields, streams, and the sea. The area surrounding the ancient path is also home to hot spring destinations like Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen, showcasing the blend of local natural environment and traditional culture.Tanabe · 59.6 km from Wakayama City
Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle was built in 1585 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the younger brother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In 1619, Tokugawa Raisun, the son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was in power at the time, became the castle lord. As the residence of the "Kishu Tokugawa family", one of the three Tokugawa royal families, it has gone through 250 years of history. Due to lightning strikes, the Great Tenshou, Small Tenshou, Duowen, etc. were burned down, but they were immediately rebuilt, and their majesty remained the same for a long time. In 1935, 11 buildings including the castle tower, turret, and Nanmen gate were designated as national treasures, but all 11 buildings were burned down due to the war. After the war, the castle tower was rebuilt in 1958, showing its former majesty. Inside the castle tower, various exhibits related to the Tokugawa family are displayed, and from the observation deck on the upper floor, you can have a panoramic view of Kishikawa and Wakayama city. In addition, there is also a nationally designated scenic spot "Red Leaf Stream Garden", where you can enjoy the elegant scenery. Wakayama Park has been built around, and 1,300 cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring. Many tourists come here to enjoy the flowers, which is very lively.Wakayama City · 324m from downtown
Kuroshio Market
Kuroshio Market is located on the seaside of Wakayama City. It is a good place to eat seafood. The Kuroshio Market covers an area of 13,000 square meters. In addition to selling a variety of fresh fish, there are also a variety of Wakayama local specialties, such as seafood. , plums, and soy sauce, so this is a good place to buy specialties. There will be a live "tuna disintegration show" in the market at noon every day, and many gourmets will come here specially to taste fresh black tuna sashimi. In addition, purchased fish and shellfish products can be immediately processed into sashimi, so you can enjoy delicious seafood on the spot.Wakayama City · 8.5 km from downtown
Universal Studios Japan
There are thrilling rides themed around Hollywood's superstar movies, fantastic performances by popular cartoon characters, and more, so everyone can have fun! Featuring the world's first Nintendo theme park, experience the world of Super Mario in an immersive way! Festive limited parades and float tours! Everyone is a protagonist in this enthusiastic parade where everyone is full of passion and vigor! Universal Studios Japan (“USJ”) in Osaka is one of the world's five Universal Studios theme parks, which opened for business in 2001 and is a classic and wonderful world of fun in the hearts of many visitors. It is similar in design to Universal Studios Orlando in the U.S., with popular parks such as Jurassic Park, Hollywood, and Waterworld, and more than 60 fun-filled attractions. With these attractions, you can enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at Universal Studios Japan. Universal Studios Japan is also home to popular themed IP parks such as “Super Nintendo World (Mario/Super Mario)”, “Minion Park” and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. Whether it's interacting with the minions, riding on Mario Kart, or traveling through the Wizarding World of Hogwarts, it's an unforgettable experience that is full of excitement. △“Super Nintendo World” is the world's first Nintendo theme park built by Nintendo in cooperation with Universal Studios Japan. With the globally popular Super Mario as the protagonist, the game's Kuba Castle, Princess Brigitte's Castle, and the Mushroom Kingdom are reproduced 1:1 in a super-realistic way, providing immersive experiences of the world of Super Mario! △The “Freeze Ray Sliders” and “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” will get you involved in a huge farce and heat wave with the minions! The Minions have finally fulfilled their ambitions! All of humanity will be a part of the mayhem at the Minion Park! △Embracing a variety of areas with unique characteristics, wonderment and surprise, Universal Studios Japan covers a whole spectrum of world-class entertainment through thrilling rides and shows themed on blockbuster Hollywood movies, as well as seasonal events for all ages to enjoy. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ will reproduce the world from the Harry Potter™ stories, bringing it to life on a phenomenal scale at Universal Studios Japan.Osaka · 54 km from Wakayama City
Porto Europe
PortoEuropa is a theme park featuring authentic reproduction of European architecture and street scenes. There are many amusement facilities such as roller coaster and merry-go-round in the park, and fireworks shows and character shows are popular among children.Wakayama City · 8.6 km from downtown
Momijidani Garden
Wakayama City · 200m from downtown
Awashima Shrine
Wakayama City · 10.7 km from downtown
Kishu Toshogu Shrine
A shrine founded in 1621. After passing the access road, you will be greeted by the 108-step staircase "Saizaka", and when you successfully climb it, you will see a vermilion gate towering in front of you. This shrine is held every May since its establishment, and has gathered the Wakayama traditional performing arts festival "Waka Matsuri" which has been passed down since ancient times.Wakayama City · 4.2 km from downtown
Wakayama Prefectural Cultural Hall
Wakayama Prefectural Cultural Hallis located in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, and is an important local venue for cultural and artistic exchange. The hall features a simple and elegant architectural design, with spacious and bright interiors. The environment is clean and modern, providing a comfortable space for cultural activities for both local citizens and visiting tourists. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a quiet, dignified, yet welcoming atmosphere. The lobby is spacious, and the layout of the entrance and public areas is clear, making it easy for audiences to enter, exit, and locate different event venues. The main facility of the hall is a large performance hall, which can be used for concerts, theater, dance, traditional performing arts, and various cultural events. The performance hall features a large seating area and is equipped with professional equipment such as a stage, lighting, and sound systems to meet the needs of various types of performances. The seats inside the theater are neatly arranged, allowing the audience to watch stage performances in comfort.Wakayama City · 640m from downtown
Saikazaki Signal Tower
Wakayama City · 5.4 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Wakayama City
Featured Cultural experiences in Wakayama City
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Featured Food & drink in Wakayama City
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Wakayama City
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Free things to do in Wakayama City
Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route
Tanabe · 59.6 km from Wakayama CityWakayama Castle
Wakayama City · 324m from downtownKuroshio Market
Wakayama City · 8.5 km from downtownUniversal Studios Japan
Osaka · 54 km from Wakayama CityBook now for todayPorto Europe
Wakayama City · 8.6 km from downtownMomijidani Garden
Wakayama City · 200m from downtownAwashima Shrine
Wakayama City · 10.7 km from downtownKishu Toshogu Shrine
Wakayama City · 4.2 km from downtownWakayama Prefectural Cultural Hall
Wakayama City · 640m from downtownSaikazaki Signal Tower
Wakayama City · 5.4 km from downtown
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What travelers say about Wakayama City
奔放肆的旅行之家24 December 2024
5.0
The hiking experience of Kumano Kodo is very unique and unforgettable. The scenery along this ancient road is picturesque and the natural landscape is rich and diverse. During the hike, I felt the tranquility and magnificence of nature. At the same time, the facilities of this ancient road are well maintained, and the signboards are clear and concise, which provides great convenience for hikers. In addition, the local services and catering are also quite good, and the food is fresh and delicious. In general, Kumano Kodo is a hiking route that combines natural beauty and comfortable facilities. It is worth recommending to all people who love outdoor activities.
Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route
BiancaAriel14 September 2025
5.0
There is a post office building next to Wakayama Castle and a bus stop at the entrance of the castle. It seems to be easily accessible from JR Wakayama Station by bus. There are a zoo and a garden together in the castle, and you can find the direction of the castle keep with the sign. The admission ticket is 410 yen. I went to the observatory on a very hot day, and the cool wind blew, so I wanted to stand for a long time.
Wakayama Castle
夜遊関西4 May 2020
5.0
The Kuroshio Market, not far from Wakayama, is a classic tourist attraction. The tuna there is a specialty, fresher and cheaper than the Kuromon Market in Osaka. You can use the Kansai Pass and take the bus for free.
Kuroshio Market
Anonymous user17 October 2026
4.0
Absolutely love the lively atmosphere generated by the crowd's excitement. Not really a rides person, but I'm totally signed up for Harry Potter themed wizarding word.
Universal Studios Japan
MelMelMel9 December 2023
5.0
During the red leaf season, the area is crowded and it is difficult to take nice photos. However, this niche attraction is different. It is not crowded, decorated in a Japanese garden style, and admission is free.
Momijidani Garden
RayRaeann23 September 2020
5.0
You can eat lots of delicious seafood at the shops in front of the shrine. You can visit in the morning while it's cool and enjoy eating raw fish for lunch.
Awashima Shrine
M51***2719 September 2025
3.0
Generally, climbing is tiring, the scenery is OK, but there is a fee.
Kishu Toshogu Shrine
