The temple town of Koyasan, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and the seaside hot springs of Shirahama.
Wakayama’s highlights are spread out. Koyasan suits a temple stay from Osaka; Kumano and Shirahama need two or three days together.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesFounded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) about 1,200 years ago, Koyasan has more than 100 temples. Okunoin cemetery’s lantern-lit path through giant cedars leads to the founder’s mausoleum. Dozens of temples offer lodging with vegetarian meals.
Nankai trains from Namba connect with a cable car up the mountain; about two hours in total.
Read this area guide →The Nakahechi route links Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, with Nachi Falls and its red pagoda. Sections can be walked in a day.
Book trail-side inns early and carry water; mountain buses are infrequent.
Read this area guide →Shirarahama beach has white sand, and Sakinoyu is an outdoor bath right by the sea. Adventure World, with giant pandas, is popular with families.
Kuroshio limited expresses run from Osaka; there is also a small airport with flights from Tokyo.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Nankai train and cable car to Koyasan.
Shojin vegetarian lunch at a temple.
Kongobu-ji and the Danjo Garan.
Okunoin at dusk; stay at a temple lodging.
Try Wakayama ramen, Kishu ume plums, goma-dofu sesame tofu in Koyasan and tuna in Katsuura.
Book a shukubo temple lodging in Koyasan, a trail-side inn on the Kumano Kodo, or a seaside hotel in Shirahama.
Nankai to Koyasan; JR Kuroshio limited express to Shirahama and Kii-Katsuura; local buses along the Kumano Kodo.
