Things to do in Wakayama City

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture

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.

Kimii-dera

Kimii-dera was founded in 770 by the Tang dynasty monk Kōjō Shōnin and has a long history. The name Kimii-dera comes from "a temple in Kishu with three wells." These three wells still produce Seijō-sui, Yōryū-sui, and Kisshō-sui water, which have been selected as one of the 100 Remarkable Waters of Japan. There are also solemn and magnificent structures such as the Sakura-mon Gate, built in 1509, and the Itsukushima Jinja Tahoto Pagoda, built in 1449. In addition, about 1,200 cherry trees are planted on the temple grounds, making it a famous cherry blossom viewing spot where flowers bloom early, attracting many visitors during the blooming season. Kimii-dera is the second stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a series of Kannon sacred sites scattered across the Kinki region and Gifu Prefecture, attracting many pilgrims from all over Japan.

Wakayama Castle

Wakayama Castle was built in 1585 by Toyotomi Hidenaga, the younger brother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In 1619, Tokugawa Yorinobu, the son of the then-ruler Tokugawa Ieyasu, became the lord of the castle, which served as the residence of the Kishu Tokugawa family, one of the Tokugawa Gosanke, for 250 years. Although the main keep, small keep, and Tamon turret were destroyed by lightning, they were immediately rebuilt, maintaining their dignity for a long time. In 1935, 11 structures, including theOsaka Castle Museum, corner turrets, and the Kusunoki Gate, were designated as National Treasures, but all 11 were destroyed during the war. In 1958, after the war, theOsaka Castle Museumwas rebuilt, restoring its former grandeur. Osaka Castle Museumhouses various exhibits related to the Tokugawa family, and from the observation deck on the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kii River, the Wakayama Castle area, and more. Additionally, the castle grounds feature the nationally designated place of scenic beauty,Momijidani Garden, where you can enjoy elegant scenery. The surrounding area has been developed into Wakayamajo Park, where 1,300 cherry trees bloom in spring, attracting many visitors for cherry blossom viewing and creating a lively atmosphere.

Kuroshio Market

Kuroshio Market is located by the sea in Wakayama City and is a great spot for seafood. Covering an area of 13,000 square meters, it offers not only a wide variety of fresh sashimi but also diverse local Wakayama specialties, such as dried seafood, plums, and soy sauce, making it a great place to shop for souvenirs. Every day at noon, the market hosts a live tuna dismantling show, and many food lovers travel here specifically to taste fresh bluefin tuna sashimi. Additionally, you can have the fish and shellfish you purchase processed into sashimi on the spot, allowing you to enjoy delicious seafood right there.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Universal Studios Japan

Here you'll find not only heart-pounding attractions themed around Hollywood blockbuster movies, but also live shows featuring popular cartoon characters—fun for everyone from kids to adults! This is home to the world's first Nintendo theme park, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Super Mario! Here we have holiday-exclusive parades and float tours! Everyone here is the star—join the passionate parade, ignite your excitement together, and feel full of energy! Located in OsakaUniversal Studios Japan("Universal Studios Japan") is one of the Universal Studios theme parks. It opened in 2001 and is a classic and wonderful world of fun in the hearts of many visitors. Its design is similar to Universal Studios Orlando in the United States, and it features popular areas such as "Jurassic Park," "Hollywood," and "Waterworld." With more than 60 fun attractions, you can keep playing and exploring all day long. Universal Studios JapanThere are also much-loved themed IP areas such as "Super Nintendo World (Mario/Super Mario)", "Minions", and "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter". Whether you're having fun interacting with the Minions, racing through the Mario Kart adventure, or weaving through the magical world of Hogwarts, these are all wonderfully unforgettable experiences. △The Nintendo area is a collaboration between Nintendo andUniversal Studios JapanThe world's first Nintendo theme park, jointly built, features the globally popular Super Mario as its main character. It offers a 1:1 ultra-realistic recreation of Bowser's Castle, Princess Peach's Castle, and the Mushroom Kingdom from the game, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of Super Mario! △"Despicable Me Minion Mayhem" and "Freeze Ray Sliders" pull you into the Minions' gigantic chaos and whip up a heatwave! A huge swarm of Minions is running wild and turning everything upside down in every street, alley, and corner! In the joyful and boisterous Minion Park, every visitor can't help but join in the mischievous mayhem! △Welcome to the magnificent area—The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, which faithfully recreates the world of the Harry Potter™ stories with overwhelming scale and meticulous attention to every detail. The towering Hogwarts™ castle stands tall, and in front of it lies the vast Hogsmeade™ where wizards live, along with many ride attractions and various shops. Here, you can step into "that world" from the films, as if everything is happening right before your eyes.

Kishigawa Line-Tama Train

Operated by Wakayama Electric Railway, this approximately 14.3-kilometer line connects Wakayama Station and Kishigawa Station, with 14 stations and a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. Once on the verge of closure due to operational difficulties, it saw a turning point thanks to the appointment of "Cat Stationmaster" Tama in 2007. This female calico cat rose through the ranks from stationmaster to acting president and then chief stationmaster. After her death in 2015, she was awarded the title of "Honorary Permanent Stationmaster." Her successors, Tama II and Tama IV, continue to rotate in this capacity, becoming the line's most heartwarming symbol. The line's distinctive trains further enhance the journey, including the Tama train, featuring painted cat faces and seats with cat ears; a parent-child toy train filled with building blocks and children's books; the Tama Museum commemorative train displaying information on successive cat stationmasters; and the red and white Strawberry Tram, which operates during strawberry season. These elements together make the Kishigawa Line a popular destination for travelers seeking a relaxing time.

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 Marina City

Wakayamajo Park

Shikinosato Park

Shikinosato Park covers a vast area and features a rich variety of flowers and plants. Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring, sunflowers in summer, chrysanthemums in fall, or Fuji apple trees in winter, different flowers and plants bloom in every season. The sea of flowers here is breathtaking, attracting many visitors to admire and take photos. The park also has a beautiful lake with crystal-clear water, surrounded by green hills and trees. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature. In addition to the flowers and the lake, Shikinosato Park offers many facilities and activities for visitors to enjoy. There is a children's play area where kids can have fun. The park also features restaurants and cafes where visitors can rest and taste local delicacies. Whether you want to enjoy the beautiful flower views or just relax, Shikinosato Park is an ideal choice.