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Wakayama
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Kansai

Wakayama

The sacred precincts of Koyasan and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail (World Heritage), plus the beaches of Shirahama. Nanko plums and tangerines are top-class produce.

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ—ฅๆœฌ่ชžใง่ฆ‹ใ‚‹

Photo by Il Vagabiondo on Unsplash

๐Ÿ“ Articles about Wakayama

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Festival/Eventโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Nachi Fire Festival: Fan Mikoshi and Giant Torches

Every July 14 at Kumano Nachi Taisha in Wakayama, twelve fan-shaped mikoshi travel to the โ€ฆ

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Festival/Eventโ„๏ธ Winter

Oto Matsuri: Torch Bearers Race Down Kamikura Steps

On the night of February 6 in Shingu, Wakayama, some 2,000 men in white robes carry lit toโ€ฆ

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Festival/Event๐ŸŒธ Spring

Waka Matsuri: Mikoshi Down 108 Steps at Kishu Toshogu

Held each May at Kishu Toshogu in Wakayama City, this festival sends a portable shrine hurโ€ฆ

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Festival/Eventโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Tanabe Matsuri: Kasaboko Floats and Night Archery

Held on July 24 and 25 at Tokei Shrine in Tanabe, Wakayama, this festival parades eight taโ€ฆ

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Festival/Event๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Kumano Hayatama Grand Festival: Race Boats on the River

Every October 15 and 16 at Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu, Wakayama, a sacred horse procโ€ฆ

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Festival/Event๐ŸŒธ Spring

Kumano Hongu Reitaisai: Sacred Child Rites in Spring

Held April 13 to 15 at Kumano Hongu Taisha in Wakayama, this festival carries small childrโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Ryujin Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

One of Japans three beauty springs, praised for leaving skin smooth and soft. A quiet, atmโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yunomine Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A sacred spring said to be Japans oldest, welling up deep in the mountains of Kumano. A quโ€ฆ

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course๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Wakayama City Wakayama Castle Tomogashima and Ramen Course

A city course enjoying Wakayama Castles keep, the nostalgic scenery of Tomogashima island,โ€ฆ

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course๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Nachi Falls Kumano Nachi Taisha and Katsuura Onsen Course

A course visiting Nachi Falls with Japans greatest drop and the vermilion Kumano Nachi Taiโ€ฆ

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course๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Shirahama Onsen Adventure World and Engetsuto Course

A course to enjoy the best of Nanki-Shirahama in a day. From a pure white beach and famousโ€ฆ

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course๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi and Kumano Hongu Taisha Course

A sacred pilgrimage course walking the Nakahechi route of the World Heritage Kumano Kodo tโ€ฆ

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course๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Koyasan Okunoin and Danjo Garan Sacred Sites Course

A one-day course through Koyasan, the mountaintop heart of Shingon Buddhism at about 800 mโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Nanki Susami Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A simple, quiet seaside hot spring overlooking the rugged Pacific coast. A hidden gem of sโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kada Awashima Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A cape hot spring overlooking the Kitan Strait. An atmospheric seaside bath near a sunset-โ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Hanayama Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A characterful hot spring near central Wakayama City, known for its rich mineral content. โ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Nachikatsuura Yukawa Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Access

A hot spring by the gentle Yukawa, well suited as a base for journeys to Nachi Falls and Kโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Watarase Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A hot spring whose spacious open-air baths make it an ideal base for touring the Kumano spโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kawayu Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A wondrous spring where hot water rises from the riverbed, letting you dig your own bath aโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Nanki Katsuura Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A port-town hot spring famed for islands dotting an inlet and baths set in a cave. This isโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Shirahama Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

One of Japans three oldest hot springs, cradled by white sand and blue sea. Feel the sea bโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yuasa Soy Sauce and Kinzanji Miso: Local Food Guide

Deeply flavored soy sauce and chunky kinzanji miso passed down in Yuasa, the birthplace ofโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Shirasu Don: A Local Food Guide for Visitors (Wakayama)

A seaside rice bowl heaped with just caught baby sardines, letting you savor the bounty ofโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Namba Yaki and Kamaboko: Local Food Guide (Wakayama)

Springy fish paste products carefully grilled from fresh minced fish, a Wakayama specialtyโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Sanma Zushi: Where to Eat, Prices & Hours (Wakayama)

A pressed sushi topped with a whole butterflied saury, a festive dish of Kumano where gentโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kishu Ume Chicken and Ume Pork: Local Food Guide

Branded chicken and pork raised on plum based feed, tender and richly flavored meats born โ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Arida Mikan: A Local Food Guide for Visitors (Wakayama)

A celebrated mandarin grown on warm hillsides with a fine balance of sweetness and tartnesโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Nanko Ume: Where to Eat, Prices & Hours (Wakayama)

A prized plum from Minabe celebrated for its plump, thick flesh, beloved nationwide as picโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Nachikatsuura Fresh Tuna: Local Food Guide (Wakayama)

One of the leading ports for fresh, never frozen tuna raised by the Kuroshio current, wherโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Mehari Zushi: Where to Eat, Prices & Hours (Wakayama)

A large rice ball wrapped in pickled leaf greens, a rustic and hearty local flavor that haโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Wakayama Ramen: Local Food Guide & How to Eat (Wakayama)

A soul food of Wakayama City where rich pork bone and soy sauce blend into a mellow, deeplโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kimiidera: An Ancient Saigoku Pilgrimage Temple with Three Sacred Springs in Wakayama

Said to be founded in 770, this ancient temple takes its name from three sacred springs onโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Shirasaki Coast: White Limestone Scenery Called the Aegean of Japan in Wakayama

A stretch of brilliant white limestone jutting into the sea, among the finest coastal scenโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kuwanoki Falls: A Top-100 Waterfall Hidden in the Forests of Shingu, Wakayama

A roughly 21-meter sheer waterfall on a tributary of the Kumano River. Chosen as one of Jaโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Negoroji: Head Temple of Shingi Shingon with a National Treasure Great Pagoda in Wakayama

The head temple of the Shingi Shingon school, founded in 1132. Its great pagoda, one of thโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Dojoji: Wakayamas Oldest Temple, Famed for a Tragic Love Legend

Said to be founded in 701, this is the oldest temple in Wakayama. It is the stage of a traโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Sukumadani Kannon: A Lesser-Known Temple of Good Fortune in Southern Wakayama

Said to be the oldest temple for warding off misfortune in southern Wakayama, founded by tโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Shiogama Jinja: A Cave Shrine for Safe Childbirth at Wakanoura, Wakayama

A small ancient shrine set in a rock cave at the scenic Wakanoura. Linked to a myth of twoโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Awashima Jinja: The Shrine of Doll Memorials and Womens Wishes in Kada, Wakayama

The head shrine of all Awashima shrines nationwide. Known for the countless dolls in its gโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kamikura Jinja: A Giant Boulder Power Spot atop 538 Stone Steps in Shingu, Wakayama

A subsidiary shrine of Kumano Hayatama Taisha and the sacred site where the Kumano deity iโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Niutsuhime Jinja: A World Heritage Hidden Power Spot in the Amano Basin of Wakayama

A venerable shrine tucked into the Amano Basin at about 450 meters elevation below Mount Kโ€ฆ

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Architecture๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

5 Photogenic Buildings and Townscapes in Wakayama

In Wakayama Prefecture, where history and nature intersect, there are many stunning buildiโ€ฆ

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Food & Souvenirs๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

5 Selected Photogenic Gourmet and Souvenirs of Wakayama

When you think of Wakayama, it is a treasure trove of sea, mountains, and hot springs, butโ€ฆ

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Scenic Views๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

5 Picture-Perfect Scenic Spots in Wakayama

Breathtaking scenery awaits you in Wakayama Prefecture.โ€ฆ

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Instagrammable Shrines๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

4 Selected Photogenic Power Spots of Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture, where mysterious nature and history intersect, is in fact a sacred plโ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picksโ„๏ธ Winter

Wakayama Winter Travel: Snowy Koyasan, Nanki-Shirahama & Kushimoto

Wakayama in winter is "the best season," known only to those in the know.โ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picks๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Wakayama Autumn Foliage: Koyasan, Ryujin Onsen & Mt. Gomadan

When the autumn wind begins to blow over the Japanese archipelago, the mountains of Wakayaโ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picks๐ŸŒธ Spring

Wakayama Cherry Blossom Guide: Best Sakura Spots

Discover the most beautiful cherry blossom spots in Wakayama. Spring sakura viewing guide โ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Wakayama Local Gourmet Guide: Wakayama Ramen

Discover Wakayama''s unique local cuisine including ๅ’ŒๆญŒๅฑฑใƒฉใƒผใƒกใƒณ. A food lover''s guide to the โ€ฆ

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Rainy Day Spots๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Rainy Day in Wakayama: Best Indoor Spots & Activities

Don't let the rain stop you in Wakayama! Discover top indoor attractions including ๅ’ŒๆญŒๅฑฑๅŸŽๅคฉๅฎˆ้–ฃโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Wakayama Food Guide: Wakayama Ramen, Mehari Sushi & Mikan

Wakayama's tonkotsu soy ramen has its own unique style. Discover the rustic Kumano mehari โ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Koyasan: Sacred Buddhist Mountain Founded by Kobo Daishi at 1000m Elevation

Koyasan in northern Wakayama is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daisโ€ฆ

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Sightseeingโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Nachi Falls: A 133m Cascade and Kumano Sacred Site in Wakayama

Nachi Falls adjacent to Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in southern Wakayama is Japan's largestโ€ฆ

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Sightseeingโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Shirahama Onsen and Shirahama Beach: White Sand and Hot Springs at Kansai's Top Resort

Shirahama Onsen in southwestern Wakayama is one of Japan's three oldest hot springs alongsโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kumano Hongu Taisha: Sacred Site of Rebirth, Final Destination of the Kumano Pilgrimage

Kumano Hongu Taisha in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama is the central shrine of the Kumano Saโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐ŸŒธ Spring

Wakayama Castle: Walking the Castle Town of the Kishu Tokugawa Clan and Cherry Blossom Spot

Wakayama Castle towering over central Wakayama City was built during the era of Toyotomi Hโ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picks๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Arida Mandarin Oranges: Savoring the Sweet-Tart Bounty of Japan's Top Citrus Region

The Arida region of Wakayama is known as Japan's top mandarin orange producing area. The tโ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picks๐ŸŒธ Spring

Kishu Plum: Enjoying the World of Ume in Minabe, Japan's Top Plum Producing Region

Minabe Town and Tanabe City in southern Wakayama are Japan's top plum producing areas. In โ€ฆ

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Sightseeingโ„๏ธ Winter

Yunomine Onsen and Tsubo-yu: Ultimate Healing at a World Heritage Hot Spring

Yunomine Onsen in the Hongu area along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is one of Japan's โ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Ryujin Onsen: Polishing Skin at Japan's Three Beauty Hot Springs and Pastoral Mountain Village Scenery

Ryujin Onsen in Ryujin Village, Tanabe City, Wakayama is counted among "Japan's Three Beauโ€ฆ

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Sightseeingโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Kushimoto and Hashigui Rocks: Spectacular Rock Formation Where You Feel Earth's Heartbeat

The Hashigui Rocks in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama are a National Natural Monument where over โ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Nachikatsuura Tuna: Exquisite Seafood at Japan's Top Port for Fresh Tuna

Nachikatsuura Town in Wakayama boasts Japan's top volume of fresh tuna landings. Seafood rโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi: Mountain Trekking along the UNESCO World Heritage Pilgrimage Route

The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi traversing Wakayama Prefecture is a UNESCO World Heritage pilgriโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐ŸŒธ Spring

Wakanoura and Tamatsushima Shrine: Touring the Scenic Spot Celebrated in Manyoshu Poetry

Wakanoura in Wakayama City is a utamakura (poetically famous location) celebrated in the Mโ€ฆ

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Sightseeingโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Dorokyo Gorge: National Special Scenic Beauty, Emerald Green Valley

Dorokyo Gorge spanning Wakayama, Mie, and Nara prefectures is a gorge designated as a Natiโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kishu Tokugawa Clan Castle Town Culture: Wakayama's Elegant Edo-Period Heritage

Wakayama flourished as the castle town of the Kishu Tokugawa clan, one of the three seniorโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kumano Hayatama Taisha: Experiencing Vermilion Shrine Halls and the World of the Gods

Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu City, Wakayama is one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines. The vโ€ฆ

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Sightseeingโ„๏ธ Winter

Kainan Traditions and Kuroe Lacquerware: Visiting the Lacquer Town with 400 Years of History

The Kuroe district of Kainan City, Wakayama is the production center of Kishu lacquerware โ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picks๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Koya-Ryujin Skyline: Kii Mountain Drive

The Koya-Ryujin Skyline (approximately 42km total) connecting Koyasan and Ryujin Onsen is โ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Tanabe's Benkei and Toto Shrine: The Kumano Land Where a Hero of the Genpei War Was Born

Tanabe City, Wakayama is considered the birthplace of Musashibo Benkei, known as the loyalโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Hidden Kii Peninsula - Hatenashi Mountains: Walking the Kohechi Shugendo Trail

The Hatenashi Mountains spreading along the Wakayama-Nara border represent the most challeโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Koyasan and Kumano Kodo โ€” The World Heritage Sacred Sites of Wakayama

Embark on a spiritual journey through Wakayama's UNESCO World Heritage sites: the sacred mโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls โ€” Wakayama's World Heritage Power Spot

Witness the sacred Nachi Falls alongside Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, a UNESCO World Heritaโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Koyasan Kongobuji โ€” The Sacred Site of Esoteric Buddhism Founded by Kobo Daishi

Ascend to Koyasan, the sacred mountaintop temple town founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the โ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Shirahama Onsen โ€” One of Japan's Three Oldest Hot Springs, a Southern Kii Resort

Relax at Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan's three oldest hot spring resorts, with white sand โ€ฆ