If you’re looking to experience the best of Japan, then look no further than Kumano Kodo in Wakayama. You’ll find ancient shrines, some of the best onsens in the world, food markets, festivals, and hidden mountain walkways. It’s been difficult, but we’ve voted on the top 10 things to do in Kumano Kodo, Wakayama and you know what? We’re going to share our top list with you. So if you want all the insider information on this unique and must-see location of Japan, then simply read on and discover, for yourself, the top things to do in Kumano Kodo in Wakayama, Japan.
1. Explore the three grand shrines of Kumano in the important Kumano Sanzan area (48 USD)
Unlimited-ride bus passes will make your shrine-hopping (bar-hopping was so 90’s) even easier. The bus connects to numerous World Heritage Sites and you’ll traverse the mountain road. You’ll also be able to enjoy some beautiful natural scenery. There are a number of bus options, so be sure to select carefully. The Kumano Sanzan covers three shrines, namely Kumano Hongū Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha, in the Kiku Mountains. With an incredibly long and unique history, these three sites are considered to be the strongest connection between Shinto and Buddhism.
Kumano Hongū Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha, Japan
Address: 1110 Hongu-chō, Hongu, Tanabe, Wakayama 647-1731
Website:
Price: 48 USD
2. Stand in awe at the base of Japan's largest torii gate, the Oyunohara Gate
This huge torii gate is a remnant of the past. Once the original site of the Kumano Hongu Taisha, this is the only torii gate that remains. Destroyed in a flood during 1889, just the torii gate and two small shrine buildings are all that remain. Why should you go? Well, this torii gate just happens to be the largest in the whole of Japan. It is also a photographer’s dream as the trees near the base change colors throughout the year. It is also known locally as a ‘power spot,’ so if you feel like you need recharging, head to the Oyunohara Gate.
Oyunohara Gate
Address: 1 Hongu-chō, Hongu, Tanabe, Wakayama 647-1731, Japan
Website: Oyunohara Gate
Price: Free
3. Walk partway along the historical pilgrimage trails of Kumano Kodo
The Kumano Kodo trails are a series of walkways that traverse the length and breadth of the Kansai region in Japan. These important trails are part of World Heritage Sites and connect shrines and monuments. In fact, these are the only trails, other than the Camino de Santiago, which have been declared a World Heritage Site in their own right. That’s impressed us enough! Sadly, some of the trails have been lost due to redevelopment in modern times, but many of the mountain trails still remain. If you’re tempted to tackle some, then we would recommend doing thorough research to ensure your safety. The easiest, most well-preserved, and most accessible route is the Nakahechi, which starts at Takijiri-oji.
Pilgrimage Trails of Kumano Kodo
Address: Takijiri-oji, Nakahechi-chō, Kurisugawa, Tanabe, Wakayama 646-1421, Japan (modern-day starting point)
Website: Pilgrimage Trails of Kumano Kodo
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4. Discover Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple and Japan's tallest waterfall, Nachi Falls
With both a stunning Shinto shrine and waterfall in the background, it is easy to see this is on many people’s travel wish list. The Nachisan Seiganto-Ji Temple is actually located halfway up Nachi Mountain and is also part of the Kumano Sanzan area, with connected pilgrimage trails. Did we also mention that standing at 133 meters (436 feet) tall, the Nachi Falls is the highest single-tiered waterfall in Japan? The best view of the falls and the pagoda is from the Nachisan Seiganto-Ji Temple. You’ll love the scenery and combination of such unique buildings.
Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi Falls
Address: 8 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura-chō, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan
Website: Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi Falls
Opening hours: Shrine Office: 6am - 4:30pm (daily); Nachi Falls Viewpoint: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Shrine Grounds: Free; Nachi Falls View Point: 3 USD (adults), 2 USD (children)
5. Get involved with water sports along the Dorokyo Gorge
Designated as an area of scenic beauty, your heart will be swept along with the water of Dorokyo Gorge. Located near the Kitayama River, it is a beautiful place to explore with a gentle riverboat tour. However, for those of you who are looking for something a little bit less timid, we’d definitely recommend trying a log raft experience. This ancient element of the Dorokyo Gorge may have changed over the years, from when logs were floated down the river for materials. However, the skill of the ‘logging river runners’ has continued to grow, and now tourists can enjoy the experience themselves, a historical tradition that has survived over 600 years.
Dorokyo Gorge
Address: 272 Kumanogawa-chō, Hitari, Shingu, Wakayama 647-1211, Japan
Website: Dorokyo Gorge
Price: 55 USD
6. Test your wits on the Tanize Suspension Bridge
If you don’t have a fear of heights, we recommend testing the Tanize Suspension Bridge, which has a total length of 297 meters (974.41 feet). The construction of this bridge means that it is hanging 54 meters (177.17 feet) above the ground. And it was built in 1954. It is famous as the longest ‘in-use’ bridge in Japan and as you walk across you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Well, that is if you manage to keep your eyes open and not be scared like us! The boards you can walk on are only 80-centimeter (2.62-feet) wide and the bridge sways and rocks with the movement of people. We wish you good luck.
Tanize Suspension Bridge
Address: Tanize, Totsukawa, Yoshino District, Nara 637-1106, Japan
Website: Tanize Suspension Bridge
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Relax and unwind and one of these top onsens
A trip to Japan would not be complete without a visit to a relaxing onsen. We’d recommend heading to one of the three best onsens in the area. First, the Yunomine Onsen has a World-Heritage onsen. This tiny onsen can host only one or two people per bath and was built right on top of the river. It is the only World Heritage Onsen Site in the world. Located on the Oto River, next on our list is the Kawayu Onsen. In these beautiful and natural surroundings, you can even dig your own thermal bath. Sounds interesting to us. Finally, Katsuura Onsen is located in a place we can only describe as a part-fishing port, part-onsen. There are numerous onsens in this area, although it’s worth noting that most are attached to lodgings.
Yunomine Onsen
Address: 110 Hongū-chō, Yunomine, Tanabe, Wakayama 647-1732, Japan
Website: Yunomine Onsen
Kawayu Onsen
Address: Hongū-chō Kawayu, Tanabe, Wakayama 647-1717, Japan
Website: Kawayu Onsen
Katsuura Onsen
Address: 611 Nachikatsura-chō, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan
Website: Katsuura Onsen
8. Go in search of large sea creatures on a whale and dolphin-watching tour
From rivers and onsens, our next listing takes us to the Pacific Ocean in search of whales and dolphins. If you’re lucky, you’ll be blessed to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. You might also be visited by all kinds of large animals, including killer whales and even sharks. Booking a tour with an experienced company is the best way to ensure your chances. Let the professionals take you on a voyage of the Pacific. Just remember to have your cameras (without a flash) ready to catch the moment.
Whale and dolphin-watching tours
Address: 285-2 Ugui Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5312, Japan
Website: Whale and dolphin-watching tours
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily, reservations only)
9. Witness a typical live-tuna auction at Katsuura Port Fish Market
If you’re into sushi, you will not want to miss this unique experience of seeing a live-tuna auction. We had no idea that such a thing even existed! Katsuura lands more tuna than anywhere else in Japan, and the heart of trade takes place in the local market. The early morning auctions can see up to 150kg (330 lbs) worth of tuna sold every day. The auctions are busy, loud, and obviously a little bit fishy. But guests can watch from an observation deck on the second floor. Which tuna would you bid for? Of course, after witnessing such an event if you head to a local restaurant you might be tasting the very same fish. Can’t get much fresher than that.
Katsuura Port Fish Market
Address: 782 Tsukiji, Nachikatsuura-chō, Higashimuro-gunt, Wakayama 649-5335, Japan
Website: Katsuura Port Fish Market
Opening hours: 7am (closed on Sat)
Price: Free
10. Become part of the festivities at the Nachi Fire Festival or Kumano Kodo Picture Scroll Procession
Also known as the Nachi-no-Ogi Matsuri, it takes place annually on July 14th at the Nachi Taisha shrine. This incredible parade sees men carrying lanterns that are set alight. The parade starts from the shrine to the waterfall and is said to purify the route. For a calmer procession, head to the Kumano Kodo Picture Scroll Procession at Kumano Kodo on November 3rd. This enchanting parade is a reenactment of the royal pilgrimage processions with traditional costumes.
Nachi Fire Festival
Address Nachi Fire Festival: 1 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan
Website: Nachi Fire Festival
Kumano Kodo Picture Scroll Procession
Address: Takahara, Nakahechi-chō, Tanabe, Wakayama, Japan
Kumano Kodo in Wakayama is waiting for you
We won’t lie. We’re in love with the area of Wakayama. For us, it has everything; a unique history, heartwarming stories, friendly people, breathtaking scenery, relaxing onsens, festivals, and events. What more could you want from your trip to Japan? In fact, book us a ticket, we’re coming too! Remember to tell us if you go to any of these top things to do in Kumano Kodo, Wakayama because we’d love to hear from you.
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