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capital city of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
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Wakayama Castle

Wakayama (Japanese: 和歌山) is the capital of Wakayama prefecture, Japan. Having played an important part in the history of Japan, Wakayama has a unique culture with many important shrines.

Understand

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History

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Seven centuries ago, Wakayama is said Ki no kuni (木国). Ki means wood. Wood is important materials. Wood is used everywhere in Japan, for example shrine, temple, house, ship, hoe, lacquerware and chopsticks. According to Nihon Shoki (日本書紀), Isotakeru (五十猛) planted a tree in Japan. Ooyatsuhime (大屋都比賣神) and Tsumatsuhime (都麻都比賣命) planted a tree in Japan too. They are brother and sisters. They came back Ki no kuni. They dedicated Itakiso Jinja Shrine (伊太祁曽神社).

According to Kojiki (古事記), Isotakeru help Ōkuninushi that is targeted his life. Ōkuninushi dedicated Izumo Grand Shrine in Shimane Prefecture. Ōkuninushi and Sukunabikona (少彦名命) cooperated. But Sukunabikona go to Tokoyono kuni (常世の国). Sukunabikona dedicated Awashima-jinja Shrine (淡嶋神社) in Kada.

According to Nihon Shoki (日本書紀) and Kojiki (古事記), Emperor Jimmu and Hikoitsusenomikoto come to Wakayama. Hikoitsusenomikoto is Emperor Jimmu's older brother. He was wounded. He died in Onominato Wakayama, and buried in Kamayama. He dedicated Kamayama Jinja Shrine (竈山神社). Emperor Jimmu present Higata no Kagami and Hiboko no Kagami to Takeshi-uchi no Sukune that is Ki clan in Wakayama. Higata no Kagami and Hiboko no Kagami are equivalent to Yata no Kagami is a sacred mirror that is part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan.Yata no Kagami is said to be housed in Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture. It means Amaterasu in Ise Grand Shrine. Ki clan established Hinokuma Jingu / Kunikakasu Jingu (日前神宮・國懸神宮). In the Middle Ages, visitors to Kumano Hongū Taisha dropped in Hinokuma Jingu / Kunikakasu Jingu.

Kataonami (片男波) Beach and Tamatsushima (玉津島) in Wakanoura (和歌浦) are scenic spots from the ancient times. Many people write Waka (和歌). Waka is Classical style Japanese poem. Man'yōshū (万葉集) that is oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry was written 13 poems. According to Man'yōshū, Yamabe no Akahito (山部 赤人) with Emperor Shōmu wrote the poem.

"若の浦に 潮満ち来れば 潟を無み 葦辺をさして 鶴鳴き渡る"

Kataonami (潟を無み) was named the beach. Subsequently, Kataonami (潟を無み) changed Kataonami (片男波). Emperor Shōmu was established Tamatsushima jinja Shrine (玉津島神社). Heian period, Many visitor to Kumano Hongū Taisha dropped in Wakanoura (若の浦) and wrote many Waka.Many waka use Tamatsushima for Utamakura (歌枕). Tamatsushima became famous. Tamatsushima jinja Shrine became shrine of Waka. Then Wakanoura (若の浦) changed Wakanoura (和歌浦).

Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) dropped in Wakanoura wrote two poems. Subsequently, he was Tenjin (天神). Emperor Murakami was established Wakanoura Tenmangu Shrine (和歌浦天満宮). It was said Tenmangu with a historyaboard Kitano Tenman-gū (北野天満宮) in Kyoto and Dazaifu Tenman-gū (太宰府天満宮) in FUkuoka.

In 1585, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) visited in Wakanoura (和歌浦). He was built a castle in Okayama (岡山). Okayama changed Wakayama (和歌山). Wakayama (和歌山) means Waka-noura (和歌-浦) connected Oka-yama (岡-山).

Climate

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Wakayama
Climate chart (explanation)
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
44
 
 
10
3
 
 
 
61
 
 
10
3
 
 
 
97
 
 
14
5
 
 
 
100
 
 
20
10
 
 
 
150
 
 
24
15
 
 
 
189
 
 
27
20
 
 
 
145
 
 
31
24
 
 
 
86
 
 
32
25
 
 
 
180
 
 
29
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122
 
 
23
15
 
 
 
91
 
 
18
10
 
 
 
50
 
 
13
5
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency.
Imperial conversion
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
1.7
 
 
49
37
 
 
 
2.4
 
 
51
37
 
 
 
3.8
 
 
57
42
 
 
 
3.9
 
 
67
51
 
 
 
5.9
 
 
75
59
 
 
 
7.4
 
 
80
67
 
 
 
5.7
 
 
87
75
 
 
 
3.4
 
 
90
76
 
 
 
7.1
 
 
84
70
 
 
 
4.8
 
 
73
59
 
 
 
3.6
 
 
64
49
 
 
 
1.9
 
 
55
41
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Most travelers experience Wakayama during the worst weather of the year, in July and August.

Money

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There is an international ATM in the lobby of the central post office, which is on your right as you exit the east side of Wakayama cattle, and JR Wakayama station Mio 1F. International ATMs with English menus are also available at 7-Eleven and Lawson convenience stores, which are open 24 hours in plentiful quantities throughout the city.

If you need to change money, Wakayama central post office and kiyo bank change money.

  • 1 Wakayama central post office (和歌山中央郵便局). M-F 09:00-15:00. USD EUR GBP AUD CAD CHF KRW 
  • 2 Kiyo bank Head office (紀陽銀行本店). M-F 09:00-15:00. USD AUD CAD GBP EUR HKD THB CNH 
  • 3 Kiyo bank higashiwakayama branch (紀陽銀行東和歌山支店). M-F 09:00-15:00. USD 
  • 4 Kiyo bank kimiidera branch (紀陽銀行紀三井寺支店). M-F 09:00-15:00. USD 

Orientation

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Most visitors arrive at JR Wakayama Station, which is a 30-minute walk or get 5 minute on the Wakayama bus Line 0 from the Wakayama Castle. If you arrive by Kansai International Airport shuttle bus, you will be at the east side of the station. There is an underground pedestrian walkway leading to the main side of the station (west exit).

Visitors arrive at Nankai Wakayama-shi Station, which is a 15-minute walk from the Wakayama Castle.

Tourist information site

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The local tourist association has a stubbornly Japanese-only guide site.

Get in

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By plane

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Kansai International Airport (KIX IATA) connects to domestic destinations in Japan.

ANA and JAL have daily services to Tokyo-Haneda (from ¥12,000 one way), Sapporo (from ¥14,000 one way), and Okinawa (from ¥12,000 one way) with online booking in English available.

Peach Aviation (LCC) have daily services to Tokyo-Narita (from ¥3500 one way), Sapporo (from ¥7000 one way), Sendai (from ¥4000 one way), Fukuoka (from ¥7000 one way), Matsuyama (from ¥3000 one way), Nagasaki (from ¥4000 one way), Kagoshima (from ¥5500 one way), Okinawa (from ¥6000 one way), and Ishigaki (from ¥8000 one way) with online booking in English available.

Jetstar Japan (LCC) have daily services to Tokyo-Narita (from ¥3000 one way), Sapporo (from ¥7000 one way), Fukuoka (from ¥7000 one way), Kumamoto (from ¥6000 one way), Ohita (from ¥7000 one way) and Okinawa (from ¥6000 one way) with online booking in English available,

The JR Hanwa Line connects the airport to JR Wakayama Station via a transfer at Hineno. It takes 50 min and costs ¥890. The Nankai Line connects the airport to Wakayama-shi Station via a transfer at Izumisano. It takes 47 mins and costs ¥870. Buses connect the airport to JR Wakayama Station. They take 40 minutes and cost ¥1150.

By train

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Wakayama can be accessed on the JR Hanwa Line and the private Nankai Main Line, both of which run south from Osaka City.

JR Wakayama station can be reached by Limited Express trains from Shin-Osaka station, departing every hour. The Kuroshio, Super Kuroshio or Ocean Arrow run from Shin-Osaka to Wakayama in one hour at a cost of ¥2660. From Tennoji the run takes about 45 minutes (¥2280). There are also five daily Limited Express departures from Kyoto (90 minutes, ¥3660). From major stations on the Osaka Loop Line, regular Rapid trains run to Wakayama every 20 minutes: look for the Kisyuji Rapid (紀州路快速). It takes about 90 minutes from Osaka (¥1210) and one hour from Tennoji (¥830). Be sure that you are in the correct car, as part of the train splits off to Kansai International Airport.

The above trains are free with the Japan Rail Pass.

Nankai Railway has two stations: The main station, located marginally closer to the castle than JR, is called Wakayamashi. The other station, Wakayamako, is adjacent to the Nankai Ferry terminal where ships operate to/from Tokushima. Wakayamashi is served by Nankai Railway's Limited Express train, appropriately called the Southern. Trains depart every 30 minutes from Nankai Namba station, running to Wakayamashi in about one hour at a cost of ¥1390. Select trains continue on to Wakayamako, five more minutes away. By regular train it takes 75–90 minutes to reach Wakayamashi with a change of trains required en route, at a cost of ¥890. All trains pick up and discharge at Shin-Imamiya station, which is a stop on the JR Osaka Loop Line.

By bus

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An overnight bus service operated by Narita Kūkō Kōtsū runs daily from Keisei-Ueno station in Tokyo and Yokohama station in Kanagawa to JR Wakayama and Nankai Wakayamashi stations. The one-way cost is ¥9000 from Ueno and ¥8600 from Yokohama.

  • Willer Express. A bus service from Shinjuku, Tokyo to JR Wakayama Station. Online booking in English available. ¥7700 one way. (updated Dec 2015)

By ferry

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Nankai ferry operates daily service to and from Tokushima in Shikoku to Wakayama Port. Ferries arrive in about 2 hours at a much-reduced cost of ¥2000. Nankai Line connect the Wakayama Port to Wakayama-shi Station (5 minutes, ¥150).

By car

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From the Hanwa Expressway, take exit 21 for Wakayama. Heading west on National Highway Route 24 will take you to the center of town.

Get around

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Map
Map of Wakayama

Buses that run between the two train stations pass the castle. The maximum journey is ¥220 and takes ten minutes or so. Taxis also operate in large numbers, and are very easily found.

By train

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By bus

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Wakayama Bus (和歌山バス) is Bus lines in Wakayama. Bus lines run through Wakayama and out to the suburbs. Two bus terminus are JR Wakayama station west side and Nankai Wakayama-shi station south side. 1day pass price is ¥1000. Major bus lines are 3 lines, JR Wakayama station - Nankai Wakayama-shi station line, JR Wakayama station - Wakauraguchi line and Nankai Wakayama-shi - Wakauraguchi line. JR Wakayama station - Wakauraguchi (和歌浦口) line is line No. 25, 26 and 27. JR Wakayama station - Nankai Wakayama-shi station line is line No. 0, 40, 42, 44 and 52. Nankai Wakayama-shi - Wakauraguchi (和歌浦口) line is line No.13. Wakauraguchi (和歌浦口) start Wakanoura Area.

Main Wakayama Bus stops

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  • 5 Wakauraguchi bus stop (和歌浦口). Main bus stop is in Wakanoura area. Line 25, 26 and 27 are 15 minute intervals. 
  • 6 Kouenmae bus stop (公園前). Main bus stop is in Wakayama Castle Area. Line 0 is 10 minutes intervals. 

JR Wakayama station bus terminus

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  • 7 JR Wakayama station bus terminus No.1 (JR和歌山駅乗り場1). Line 86 87 88 Narutaki Dunchi (鳴滝団地), Line 44 52 55 Wakayama Medical University (医大病院), Line 42 43 Wakayama Marina City (マリーナシティ). 
  • 8 JR Wakayama station bus terminus No.2 (JR和歌山駅乗り場2). Line 25 26 27 Wakauraguchi (和歌浦口), Line 30 33 Saigasaki (雑賀崎), Line 23 Wakayama Medical University (医大病院), Line 24 Shin-Wakaura (新和歌浦), Line 22 121 Wakayama Marina City (マリーナシティ). 
  • 9 JR Wakayama station bus terminus No.3 (JR和歌山駅乗り場3). Line 0 40 42 44 52 Nankai Wakayama-shi station (南海和歌山市駅). 
  • 10 JR Wakayama station bus terminus No.4 (JR和歌山駅乗り場4). Line 71 72 73 171 172 173 272 273 372 Wakayama University (和歌山大学), Line 60 61 160 Wakayama Prefecture Hall (県庁). 
  • 11 JR Wakayama station bus terminus No.5 (JR和歌山駅乗り場5). 
  • 12 JR Wakayama station bus terminus Kansai International Airport shuttle bus (空港リムジンバス乗り場). To Kansai International Airport 

Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus

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  • 13 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.1 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場1). Line 53 Narutaki Dunchi (鳴滝団地), Line 56 Wakauraguchi (和歌浦口) 
  • 14 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.2 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場2). Line 84 Kawanaga Danchi (川永団地) 
  • 15 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.3 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場3). Line 83 Kawanaga Danchi (川永団地), Line 84 Narutaki Danchi (鳴滝団地) 
  • 16 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.4 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場4). Line 210 JR Nankai Hashimoto station (橋本駅前), Line 211 Naga (那賀営業所前), Line 213 Hakkenya (八軒家) 
  • 17 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.5 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場5). Line 35 36 Shin-wakaura (新和歌浦), Line 71 171 JR Wakayama station (JR和歌山駅), Line 94 Kii Fudokinooka (紀伊風土記の丘), Line 96 Wakayama Shin-ai Women's Junior College (信愛短期大学) 
  • 18 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.6 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場6). Line 73 77 173 273 Wakayama University (和歌山大学), Line 76 Fureaino sato (ふれあいの郷) 
  • 19 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.7 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場7). Line 71 171 370 Wakayama University (和歌山大学), Line 74 Fukayama (深山), Line 75 Rousai Byouin (労災病院前・坂田) 
  • 20 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.8 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場8). Line 0 40 JR Wakayama station (JR和歌山駅), Line 42 Wakayama Marina City (マリーナシティ), Line 44 52 Wakayama Medical University (医大病院) 
  • 21 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.9 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場9). Line 11 Wakayama Medical University (医大病院), Line 15 73 173 273 JR Wakayama station (JR和歌山駅), Line 116 117 Wakayama Marina City (マリーナシティ) 
  • 22 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.10 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場10). Line 4 5 Shin-wakaura (新和歌浦), Line 30 Saigasaki (雑賀崎) 
  • 23 Nankai Wakayama-shi station bus terminus No.0 (南海和歌山市駅乗り場0). 

Bus ticket office

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  • 24 JR Wakayama station Bus ticket Sale office (ＪＲ和歌山駅前発売所) (Nishiguchi in JR Wakayama station), ☏ +81-73-422-8295. M-F 07:00-19:00, Sa 08:30-19:00, closed Su, second Saturday. Sells fare cards and 1-day passes for bus lines in Wakayama. 
  • 25 Nankai Wakayama-shi station Bus ticket Sale office (南海和歌山市駅前発売所) (Wakayama station 1F), ☏ +81-73-428-1363. M-Sa 07:00-19:00, closed Sunday, second Saturday. Sells fare cards and 1-day passes for bus lines in Wakayama. 
  • JR Kii station Bus ticket Sale office (紀伊駅前発売所) (in JR Kii station), ☏ +81-73-461-3905. Daily 09:00-18:00. Sells fare cards and 1-day passes for bus lines in Wakayama. 
  • Kenshomae ticket Sale office (県庁前発売所), ☏ +81-73-422-0403. M-F 10:00-19:00, closed Saturday and Sunday. Sells fare cards and 1-day passes for bus lines in Wakayama. 
  • Komatsubara Bus ticket Sale office (小松原発売所) (in CD shop Ishii), ☏ +81-73-422-6796. Tu-Su 09:30-20:00, closed Monday. Sells fare cards and 1-day passes for bus lines in Wakayama. 
  • Syakomae Bus ticket Sale office (車庫前発売所) (in Camera Nishimoto), ☏ +81-73-424-5171. Daily 08:00-19:00. Sells fare cards and 1-day passes for bus lines in Wakayama. 
  • Takamatsu Bus ticket Sale office (高松発売所), ☏ +81-73-423-6655. Daily 09:00-19:30. Sells fare cards and 1-day passes for bus lines in Wakayama. 
  • Kyougijyo Bus ticket Sale office (競技場前発売所), ☏ +81-73-444-6443. Daily 08:00-19:00. Sells fare cards and 1-day passes for bus lines in Wakayama. 
  • Shintebira Bus ticket Sale office (新手平発売所), ☏ +81-73-436-6763. Daily 09:30-17:15. Sells fare cards and 1-day passes for bus lines in Wakayama. 
  • Wakayama City Hall Bus ticket Sale office (市役所前発売所) (Circle k sunkus in Wakayama City Hall), ☏ +81-73-421-3151. Daily 08:00-21:00. Sells fare cards for bus lines in Wakayama. 

By bicycle

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By taxi

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Wakayama ramen taxi

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Wakayama ramen taxi[dead link] is taxi driver guide on Wakayama ramen.

Wakayama Kanko taxi

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Saigoku Sansha Mairi:Visits to three shrines

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  • 1 Hinokuma Jingu / Kunikakasu Jingu (日前神宮・國懸神宮) (Five minutes' walk from Nichizengu station.). This is equivalent to Ise Grand Shrine and one of the oldest shrines in Japan and a rare shrine popularly known as Nichizengu, which has two shrines in the grounds. According to the Nihon Shoki, around 2,600 years ago, Yata no Kagami is a sacred mirror that is part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan. It is said to be housed in Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture. It mean Amaterasu in Ise Grand Shrine. Two sacred mirror made prior to make Yata no Kagami. They are Higata no Kagami and Hiboko no Kagami that mean Amaterasu. Higata no Kagami is said to be housed in Hinokuma Jingu. Hiboko no Kagami is said to be housed in Kunikakasu Jingu. BC659, Emperor Jimmu present them to Takeshi-uchi no Sukune that is Ki clan in Wakayama. Ki clan established. 
  • 2 Kamayama Jinja Shrine (竈山神社) (15 minutes walk from Kamayama station). It is dedicated to Hikoitsusenomikoto. He is Emperor Jimmu Eldest brother.The deity Hiko Itsuse no Mikoto is seated as the imperial brother of the first Emperor Jinmu. During the pacification of Yamato, he fought against the army of Nagamochi Hiko at Kugayaga Hill and was injured by a stray arrow. He eventually passed away at Osuimon and was buried in the land of Kamayama. The current shrine location is precisely that historical site. The shrine is listed in the Engishiki's list of deities as "Kamayama Shrine in Kii Province, Nagusa District," and it has been a grand shrine highly respected by the imperial family and receiving offerings from the government since ancient times. It is said that until the Tensho era, the shrine had a land area of 8 cho and 8 tan. 
  • 3 [dead link] Itakiso Jinja Shrine (伊太祁曽神社) (5 minutes walk from Idakiso station.). It is dedicated to Isotakeru. He was the god of the woods.Ita Kiso Shrine is dedicated to the deity "Itakeru no Mikoto" (also known as "Izanagi"), who is recorded in the "Nihon Shoki" as having traveled around our country planting trees. The tree-planting deity Itakeru no Mikoto is generally revered as the "God of Trees." As a result, the shrine receives many visitors from people involved in the timber industry nationwide.

    Additionally, in the "Kojiki," he is recorded as "Oho Yabiko no Kami," and it is written that he saved the life of the great deity Okuninushi when he encountered disaster. Because of this, the shrine is deeply believed to be a "God of Life" and a "God of Disaster Avoidance," and it receives many visitors for prayers for healing from illness and for protection against misfortune.     
  • 4 Kiifudoki no Oka (紀伊風土記の丘), ☏ +81-73-471-6123. Daily 09:00-6:30 (last entry to museum: 16:00). It was megalithic tombs or tumuli on Ki clan. ¥190. 

Wakayama Castle Area

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  • 5 Wakayama Castle (和歌山城, Wakayama-jō) (get off at Shiyakusho-mae bus stop). Wakayama is best known for its castle. Like many castles in Japan, this is a partial reconstruction, as it suffered bomb damage during the war. Walking around the castle is not as commercial as it would be in places like Osaka, for example, and it usually very peaceful. From inside the castle you get a good view of the city, and there are some small exhibits inside, showing some of the castle's understated history.
    Within the castle grounds is a zoo, which is a very depressing experience- best avoided.     Entry into the castle: ¥400 adults, ¥200 children. 
    • 6 Momijidani Teien (Garden) (紅葉渓庭園) (get off at Shiyakusho-mae bus stop), ☏ +81-73-431-8648. Daily 09:00 - 17:00. Free. 
    • 7 The Koshoan (紅松庵) (get off at Shiyakusho-mae bus stop). Daily 09:00-16:30. Japanese green tea & Sweets:¥460. 
  • 8 Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art / Museum (和歌山県立近代美術館/博物館). 
  • 9 Eiunji (恵運寺), 3-1-66, Fukiage, ☏ +81-73-424-7633. Masatake Fujibayashi's tomb. He wrote Shōninki. It is a medieval ninja document from Kishū province. 

Kada Area

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Awashima-jinja (Shrine)
Tomogashima islands
  • 10 Awashima-jinja (Shrine) (淡嶋神社) (Kada / Nankai train; get off at Kada Station; 15 minutes by foot), ☏ +81-73-459-0043. 
  • 11 Tomogashima islands (友ヶ島). It is said that it looks like Castle in the Sky, a 1986 Japanese animated adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It was the first film produced and released by Studio Ghibli. 
  • 12 Kada Kasuga-jinja (Shrine) (加太春日神社), 1342 Kada. 

Wakanoura Area

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Yosuien (Garden)

By car, you can reach a small amusement park called Europa city, which is not very tourist-orientated or well advertised. It was built to capitalise on the Kansai airport, but has faced financial problems because of its somewhat awkward position out of town.

Picking fruit

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  • 1 Strawberry Picking. 

Onsen

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  • 2 Kada Awashima Onsen Osakaya Hiina no Yu (加太淡嶋温泉 大阪屋ひいなの湯), 142 Kada (train or bus: approx. 20 minutes from Nankai-Kada Line Kada Station Car: 45 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Sennan Interchange), ☏ +81-73-459-1151. Daily 11:00-14:30 15:00-19:00. Drop-in bath (with towel). Adults: ¥900, children: ¥500; bath towel rental: ¥200, private bath (45 minutes): ¥3,150. 
  • 3 Wakayama Kada Onsen Kada Kaigetsu (和歌山加太温泉 加太海月), 1905 Kada (train or bus: approx. 20 minutes from Nankai-Kada Line Kada; Station Car: 40 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Sennan Interchange), ☏ +81-73-459-0015. Bath only 11:00 - 15:00 (last entry 14:30). Bath only (with bath towel rental). Adults: ¥1,200, children: ¥700. Lunch plan (with bath) from ¥3,675. 
  • 4 Natural Onsen Nishihama Goten no Yu Yu-bath Wakayama Branch (天然温泉西浜御殿の湯 ユーバス和歌山店), 20 Minato (train or bus: 3 minutes by foot from Kaobashi bus stop by Wakayama Bus Shin-wakanoura; from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station Car: 20 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Wakayama Interchange), ☏ +81-73-426-2641. Daily 06:00 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:00). Onsen bathing rates: adults ¥780, children ¥400. General bathing rates: ¥420 (large public bath only), towel rental: ¥50, bath towel rental: ¥100. 
  • 5 Natural Wakanoura Onsen Manpa Manyo no Yu (天然和歌の浦温泉萬波 萬葉の湯), 2-10 Shinwakaura (train or bus: 2 minutes by foot from Shin-waka Yuen bus stop by Wakayama Bus from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station / JR Wakayama Station; car: 30 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Wakayama Interchange), ☏ +81-73-444-1161. Drop in bath 11:00 - 15:00. Drop in bath (with towel rental). Adults: ¥1,400 There is a charge for bath towels. There is a discount for those who have meals. Private bath (50 minutes) ¥3,990. 
  • 6 Nagomi Nukumori Fukuro no Yu (和み 温もり ふくろうの湯), Fortewajima Basement 1F 2-1 honmachi (train or bus: a quick walk from Honmachi 2-chome bus stop by Wakayama Bus Shuttle Bus from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayama-shi Station; car: 15 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Wakayama Interchange), ☏ +81-73-423-4126. Daily 10:00-24:00 (last entry at 23:00). Bath: adults ¥1,000 (with towels or bath towels), children ¥500 (with bath towel). Rock bath: adults only ¥1,300. Bath and rock bath: adults only ¥1,650. 
  • 7 Hanayama Onsen Yakushi no Yu (花山温泉 薬師の湯), 574 Narukami (train or bus: approx. 10 minutes by Wakayama Bus Kifudoki no Oka Direction from JR Wakayama Station, get off at Akizuki bus stop; car: 5 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Wakayama Interchange), ☏ +81-73-471-3277. Daily 08:00 - 23:00. Bath: adults ¥1,000, children ¥500 (discount after 17:00: adults ¥600, children ¥300). Bath with "Hanayama Kaiseki (traditional Japanese meal brought in courses) Course" ¥5,250 Tebura set (includes a small towel and a rental bath towel) ¥350 (you can take the small towel home with you as a souvenir). 
  • 8 Kimiidera Onsen Hana no Yu Garden Hotel Hayashi (天然紀三井寺温泉 花の湯 ガーデンホテルはやし), 673 Kimiidera (train or bus: about 5 minutes by foot from JR Kimiidera; Station Car: about 20 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Wakayama Interchange, about 15 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Kainan Interchange), ☏ +81-73-444-1004. Daily11:00 - 22:00. Bath only: adults ¥800, children ¥400, book of tickets (6) ¥4,000. 
  • 9 Kishu Kuroshio Onsen (紀州 黒潮温泉), 1525 Kemi Wakayama City (train or bus: about 15 minutes by Wakayama Bus Marina City; from JR Kinokuni Line Kainan Station about 30 minutes by Wakayama Bus Marina City; from Nankai Main Line Wakayama-shi Station Car: 10 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Kainan Interchange), ☏ +81-73-448-1126. Daily10:00 - 24:00 (last entry at 23:00). Bath: adults ¥830, children ¥520. Bath with towel rental: adults ¥1,000, children ¥600. 
  • 10 Kada-Awashima Onsen, Pension Fujiya, Aburi no Yu (加太淡嶋温泉 あぶりの湯 ペンションふじや), 200 Kada (train or bus: about 20 minutes from Nankai-Kada Line Kada; Station Car: 45 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Sennan Interchange, Hanshin Expressway Bayshore Line Izumi Sano-minami Interchange), ☏ +81-73-459-1500. No particular restrictions. Onsen bathing rates (includes soft drink): adults ¥800, children ¥600. Private onsen (45 minutes): ¥1,000 (not including bathing tax) 1 night 2 meals: from ¥8,400. 

Cat café

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  • 11 CAT-chy (猫cafe CAT-chy キャッチー), Wakayama grand Bld 3F,147-13 Nobutoki, ☏ +81-73-499-8272. Daily11:00-20:00. ¥1000. 
  • 12 Neko Miiko (猫カフェみーこ), 382 Kitsunejima, ☏ +81-73-453-1223. Daily10:00-19:00. ¥1000. 

Japanese old martial arts (Kobudō)

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  • 13 Sekiguchi Shin Shin-ryū (関口新心流), 1-20 Shimabashihigashinocho, ☏ +81-73-455-7021, . The Sekiguchi Shinshin-ryu is a comprehensive martial art that was developed by Sekiguchi Juushin, a member of the Imagawa family of Suruga, at the beginning of the Edo period. After traveling around the country for martial arts training, he founded Sekiguchi Shinshin-ryu, which is based on the three arts of Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, and Iaido. The principle of "using soft power" is at the core of this style, which systematizes techniques based on "Ju" (softness or flexibility), emphasizing a mindset and physicality that does not resist external forces.

    Subsequently, it was patronized by Tokugawa Yorinobu, the founder of the Kishu Tokugawa family, and has been passed down as the official style of the Kishu domain for over 400 years. During the Edo period, the style gained nationwide recognition and became known as one of the three major schools of the era. The techniques of Sekiguchi Shinshin-ryu have influenced various other schools, and styles that have been influenced by it, such as the Higo Sekiguchi-ryu Iaido (sword-drawing techniques), continue to exist in various regions to this day.

    It is also the first school to use the terms "Ju" and "Jujutsu," and for this reason, Sekiguchi Juushin is often referred to as the founder of Jujutsu. Additionally, the school is known for creating the concept of "Ukemi," the art of falling safely, which is not only used in traditional martial arts but also in modern Judo.     (updated Mar 2017)
  • Iwakura-ryū eihou (岩倉流泳法), 778 Yoshida, ☏ +81-73-423-5543, . Old swimming style in Wakayama. The Japan Swimming Federation recognizes 12 schools of traditional Japanese swimming, one of which is the Iwakura-ryu. This school originated when Tokugawa Yoshimune, the fifth lord of the Kishu domain, appointed his retainer Iwakura Gousuke Shigemasa (with a stipend of 1,200 koku) in 1710 to oversee and instruct the domain's warriors in swimming techniques.

    When Yoshimune became the eighth Shogun, Shigemasa's disciples, Yoshida Tanyo and Tahara Nanuiseven, taught swimming to various warriors at the Fukagawa Etchu Island training ground in Edo. Later, due to old age, Shigemasa passed on the role of instructor to his high disciple Kawakami Dennyojo Naonobu in 1771.

    The tradition was passed down through Kawakami Katsujirō Naonobu, Kawakami Denuemon, and Kawakami Shinjuro Naoyuki, reaching the Meiji Restoration. Around 1873-1874, following the abolition of the feudal domains, a swimming dojo was opened on the Kii River.

    Dennyojo's son joined the Wakanoura branch of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai in 1906 as the head of the swimming division, bringing along about 500 staff and trainees. At this time, it was sometimes referred to as the Kawakami-ryu.

    In 1949, Dennyojo and his eldest son Hiroshi issued a certificate of lineage to their high disciple Yukawa Kimi. After Kimi's death in 1957, his son Yukawa Setsuo inherited the swimming techniques. Setsuo opened the Iwakura-ryu Wakanoura Swimming School and worked on its popularization. Due to his old age, he passed on the lineage to his high disciple Nasu Kenji in 2002.

    This swimming technique has been designated as a cultural asset of Wakayama Prefecture since April 14, 1965. The techniques include various styles such as flat swimming, vertical swimming, and diving, as well as specialized techniques like leaping and one-handed leaping.

    There are also group swimming methods, where a person wearing armor leads the way, followed by others carrying swords, bows, spears, and guns, signaled by a large flag. This is known as the "Kii no Hana" or flower umbrella procession.

    The Iwakura-ryu Swimming Preservation Society and the Iwakura-ryu Wakanoura Swimming School continue to pass down the tradition. They also participate annually in the Japan Swimming Federation's certified Japanese Swimming Championship as one of the 12 recognized schools.     

Fishing

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  • 14 Wakayama Marina City Umiduri kouen (和歌山マリーナシティ海釣り公園), Wakayama Marina City, 1535-3 Kemi, ☏ +81-73-448-0020. You need not bring anything except the desire to fish. From the raw amateur to the seasoned pro, anyone can enjoy fishing here. Try for the red snappers and yellow tails found in our own fishing pool, or snag Japanese seabass, black porgies, and mackerels in the neighboring pools of Waka-no-Ura. The pod is angling in Thunnus, bonito, Seriola lalandi, Amberjack, Olive flounder, Red sea bream, Pseudocaranx dentex, Longtooth grouper and Grouper. 
  • 15 Unagi tsuri Osakaya (うなぎつり 大阪屋), 62 Saikayacho, ☏ +81-73-423-5886. Daily 17:00-23:00. Angling eel. ¥600-1600. 
  • 16 Wakayama Hokkou Umiduri Kouen (和歌山北港魚釣公園), 1675-11 Minato, ☏ +81-73-451-2866. Daily 06:00 - 19:30. Black sea bream, rockfish, gray, headed, horse mackerel, mullet 
  • 17 Oyako turi park (親子つり パーク), 101-3 tano, ☏ +81-73-447-0327. Headed, rockfish, Ajiiwashi, gray, black sea bream. 
  • 18 Wakaura (和歌浦), Sinwakaura, ☏ +81-73-444-4349. Rockfish, black sea bream, horse mackerel, mackerel. 
  • 19 Kada Ohato (加太大波止), Kada (15 minutes walk from Nankai Kada Line Kada Station), ☏ +81-73-459-0003. Black sea bream, mackerel, gray, mackerel, mullet, sardines. 
  • 20 Jogasaki isotsuri (城ヶ崎磯つり), Kada (25 minute walk from Nankai Kada Line Kada Station), ☏ +81-73-459-0003. Headed, horse mackerel, Mebarusaba, Bella. 
  • 21 Kada Noriaisen (Recreational boat fishing) (加太乗合船) (15 minutes walk from Nankai Kada Line Kada Station), ☏ +81-73-459-0003. Recreational boat fishing. Yellowtail, black sea bream, Thailand, headed, bald, rockfish. 
  • 22 Tomogashima (友ヶ島) (15 minutes walk from Nankai Kada Line Kada Station, about 20 minutes Tomogashima steamer from Kada Port), ☏ +81-73-459-0314. Headed, horse mackerel, rockfish, yellowtail, gray. 

Golf

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Tennis

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  • Wakayama City Municipal Public Sports Complex Tennis Courts (和歌山市立 市民スポーツ広場 テニスコート), 796-1 Fukushima Wakayama City (10 minutes by bus from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station), ☏ +81-73-435-1152. All-weather for rubber or hard (hard court). 9 courts. Closed from 29th December - 3rd January. 
  • Wakayama City Municipal Public Tennis Courts (和歌山市立 市民テニスコート), 775-1 Matsue Wakayama City (10 minutes by foot from Nankai-kada Line Higashi Matsue Station), ☏ +81-73-452-0997. For rubber or hard. 8 courts. Night lighting facilities. 10 posts. Closed from 29th December - 3rd January (there are also ad hoc holidays). 
  • Kyukamura Kada Tennis Courts (休暇村加太 テニスコート), 483 Miyama Wakayama City (10 minutes by bus from Nankai kada Station), ☏ +81-73-459-0321. All-weather. ４ courts. Omni-court/１court. No holiday. 
  • Wakayama Green Tennis Club (ワカヤマグリーン テニスクラブ), 2-3-28 Uzu Wakayama City (15 minutes by bus from JR Wakayama Station, 5 minutes from Shakomae bus stop, 10 minutes from Horidome bus stop), ☏ +81-73-436-6464. Artificial grass court. 3 courts. Night game facilities available. No holiday. 
  • Wakayama Tennis School (ワカヤマテニス スクール), 239 Kozaika Wakayama City (20 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by car from JR Wakayama Station, 3 minutes from Minami-Nakashima bus stop), ☏ +81-73-426-1093. Outdoor artificial grass: 3 courts, indoor artificial grass: 2 courts. Night game facilities available. Closed at Obon and New Year. 
  • Wakayama Indoor Tennis Club (和歌山インドア テニスクラブ), 1070 Sonobe Wakayama City (10 minutes by foot from JR Musota Station), ☏ +81-73-462-2336. 3 indoor courts (artificial grass with sand), 2 outdoors courts (artificial grass with sand) Night game facilities available. No holiday 
  • WATS Tennis Club (ＷＡＴＳテニスクラブ), 40-1 Negi Wakayama City (10 minutes by foot from JR Sendae Station.), ☏ +81-73-477-5533. 2 all-weather hard courts, 2 all-weather artificial grass courts Night game facilities available. No holiday 

Surfing

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  • 25 Isonoura Beach (Surfing place) (磯の浦海水浴場) (Right beside Nankai Kada Line Isonoura Station), ☏ +81-73-452-2737. Car parking from ¥800 per day (kiosks). Length of beach: 1,200 m, sea is 100 m from sand dunes with 1.5 m in depth. Well maintained and comparatively new beach. Barbecues (notify Tourist Association). Surfing (prohibited in July and August in the swimming area). 

Seaside resort

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  • 26 Kataonami Beach (片男波海水浴場) (bus from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station/JR Wakayama Station, 10 minutes by foot from Wakanoura/Furobashi bus stop.), ☏ +81-73-447-9080. Selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the "best water areas" in the sea category. Car parking ¥1,000 per day. Length of beach: 1,200 m, sea is 130 m from sand dunes with 1 - 5m in depth. Well maintained and comparatively new beach. Barbecues (prohibited in July and August. Notify the Management and Operations Committee in other months.) 
  • 27 Kada Beach (加太海水浴場) (15 minutes by foot from Nankai Kada Station), ☏ +81-73-459-0003. Car parking from ¥500 per day. Length of beach: 250 m, sea is 10 m from sand dunes with 3 m in depth. Barbecues (notify the Management Secretariat). 
  • 28 Namihaya Beach (浪早ビーチ) (bus from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station/JR Wakayama Station, 15 minutes by foot fromTanouraguchi bus stop), ☏ +81-73-447-0327. Selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the "best water areas". Car parking from ¥610 per day (kiosks). Length of beach: 200 m, 4m in the deepest places. Barbecues (notify the Local Fishery Cooperative's Women's Group ☏ +81 80-6146-3254. Geared towards families with small children. 
  • 29 Hama no Miya Beach (浜の宮ビーチ) (bus from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station/JR Wakayama Station, get off at Hama no Miya Kaisuiyokujo-mae bus stop), ☏ +81-73-445-5233 (in July and August contact Hama no Miya Beach Management Office). Car parking from ¥1,000 per day. Length of beach: 300 m, sea is 100 m from sand dunes with 1.5 m in depth. Barbecues, wind surfing (outside of swimming areas). A stylish beach near Marina City. 

Smartball

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It is like pinball.

  • 30 Smartball New hope (スマートボール ニューホープ), 27 Shinsaikayacho, ☏ +81-73-431-5689. 10:00 - 22:00. ¥100 -. 

Pachinko and pachislo

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Keirin

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It is gambling that is a form of motor-paced cycle racing in which track cyclists sprint for victory following a speed-controlled start behind a motorized or non-motorized pacer.

Work

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Wakayama features the standard array of English teaching opportunities, with branches of major eikaiwa like Geos, AEON and ECC as well as small, niche language schools. The Wakayama International Exchange Center (see Connect) is a good place to make inquiries.

Wakayama specialises in Mikan (oranges) and various other regionally-known products. There is a small gift shop adjacent to Wakayama castle, but little else. Wakayama has one main department store, Kintetsu, which is relatively expensive. Other than that, the best place to do any shopping is in Burakuricho, which has a DonKehote shop.

  • 1 Kintetsu Department Store (近鉄百貨店 和歌山店). Tax free available. 
  • 2 Mio Wakayama (和歌山Mio). 
  • 3 Don Quijote Burakuricho (ドンキホーテ ぶらくり丁店), 1-25 Motoderamachi, ☏ +81-73-402-2011. 10:00 - 03:00. Tax free available. 
  • 4 Aeonmall Wakayama (イオンモール和歌山). Tax free available. 
  • 5 Forte Wajima (フォルテワジマ). knitwear. 
  • 6 Osake no Teramoto (お酒のテラモト). Discount store. Alcoholic beverage, Junk food. 
  • 7 CITY! WAKAYAMA. 
  • 8 Izumiya Wakayama (イズミヤ 和歌山店). 
  • 9 Super center Okuwa Palm City (スーパーセンターオークワ パームシティ). 
  • 10 Super center Okuwa Central city (スーパーセンター オークワ セントラルシティ). 
  • 11 Banchaya (番茶屋), 33 takumimachi, ☏ +81-73-422-3677, . 09:00 -19:00. Japanese green tea stores. Green tea soft serve ice cream. Tax free available. ¥200. 
  • 12 Boutique Shima (ブティックシマ), 2-1 Hommachi (Forte Wajima 2F), ☏ +81-73-488-1940. 10:00 - 19:00. Best knitwear shop. The shop is Shima Seiki retail shop. Shima Seiki is leading company on knitting machines in the world. You get a WHOLEGARMENT knitwear is a low price. 
  • 13 Oomiya. Watch shop. Tax free available. 

The Yakkinikku shop near JR station, Karibicho, is very good, and the family set meal is reasonably priced.

Tai (red sea bream)

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There are three famous red sea bream area in Japan, Akashi in Hyogo Prefecture, Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture and Kada in Wakayama Prefecture. Kada red sea bream are each is delicious served grilled, stewed in a hot pot, and fresh sashimi. Famous cuisine in Wakayama is Tai Meshi and Sudume Sushi. Tai meshi is red sea bream on rice with an earthen pot. The rice is very delicious by bream soup stock. Sudume Sushi is small red sea bream sushi.

Shirasu (young sardines)

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Shirasu caught in Wakaura Bay. They are most plentful in the spring and fall. The fall catch is especially firm and succulent. Famous cuisine in Wakayama is Shirasu Donburi. Shirasu Donburi is Young sardines bowl. It is eaten with grated Japanese radish over rice.

Ashiaka-ebi (red-legged shrimp)

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Red-legged shrimp are caught at the Saikazaki and Tanoura fishing ports from the middle of October until May. Fall is the best time of the year for AShiake-ebi shrimp. they taste especially sweet from November to the end of January. They are served grilled, boiled, fresh sashimi, and fried as tempura.

Budget

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  • 1 Shuneido (春栄堂), ☏ +81-73-444-0571. M-Sa 08:00-19:00, closed Sunday. Syuupari is cream puff. ¥130. 
  • 2 Maruhamakamaboko (丸濱かまぼこ). Onigiriten is a rice ball with fish paste. ¥500. 
  • 3 Ottotto Hiroba (おっとっと広場). Sa Su only 10:00-14:00. Shirasu Donburi is young sardines bowl. ¥500. 
  • 4 Sarashina (さらしな). Orochon chanpon is very spicy ramen with vegetables. ¥1000. 
  • 5 Meat Maruhikotei (肉のまる彦亭), ☏ +81-73-428-3443. Yakibuta Berger is boast pork and boiled pork with mandarin roll. ¥300. 
  • 6 Surugaya, 12-1 surugacho, ☏ +81 73-431-3411. 09:00-18:00. Yōkan was invented in Japan. Yōkan is a thick, jellied dessert made of red bean paste, agar, and sugar. ¥200. (updated May 2016)

Wakayama Ramen

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Wakayama Ramen
  • 7 Ide Shoten (井出商店), 4-84 Tanakamachi, ☏ +81-73-424-1689. 11:30-23:30. ¥1000. 
  • 8 Ramen Marui (マルイ), 2323Nakanoshima, ☏ +81-73-427-2662. 19:00-03:00. ¥1000. 
    • 9 Ramen Marui (Junibancho) (マルイ 十二番丁), Le Chateau Junibancho 1F ,87 Junibancho, ☏ +81-73-425-6678. 11:00-21:00 (last order 20:45). ¥1000. 
  • 10 Ryuotei (龍王亭), 4-82 Misonocho, ☏ +81-73-431-2086. 11:30-15:00, 17:00-23:00. ¥1000. 
  • 11 Arochi Marutaka Chukasoba (アロチ丸高), 2-50 Tomodacho, ☏ +81-73-432-3313. 17:30-03:30. ¥1000. 
  • 12 Yamatame Shokudo (山為食堂), 12 Fukumachi, ☏ +81-73-422-9113. 11:00 - 17:00. ¥1000. 
  • 13 Kyobashi Kotaro (京橋 幸太郎), Sankei Kyobashi building B1, 1-1 Honmachi, ☏ +81-73-432-9399. M-F 11:00-14:30, 17:30-23:00; Sa Su 11:00-23:00. ¥1000. 
  • 14 Marukyo Chukasoba (◯京), 120 Saikamachi, ☏ +81-73-423-5754. 11:00-14:00, 16:00-21:00. ¥1000. 

Mid-range

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Ginpei Modern Japanese Fish Cuisine

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Fresh fish in Wakayama and Tai-meshi. Tai-meshi is red sea Bream and rice.

  • 15 Ginpei Honten (銀平 本店), 22 juichibancho, ☏ +81-73-432-3087. 11:30-15:00 (last order 14:00), 17:00-23:00 (last order 22:00). Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥6000-8000. 
    • 16 Ginpei Wakayamaekimaeten (銀平 和歌山駅前店), Hatanaka Bld, 4-88 Tomodacho, ☏ +81-73-432-3633. 11:30-14:00 (last order 14:00) 17:00-23:00 (last order 22:00). Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥6000-8000. 
  • 17 Rokkon (ろっこん), 4-87 Misonocho, ☏ +81-73-433-6001. 11:30-14:30 last order 14:00, 17:00-23:00 last order 22:00. Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥5000-6000. 
  • 18 Ginpei Sannenzaka (銀平 三年坂), Dainisugigoto Bld 1F, 71 Saikayamachihigashinocho, ☏ +81-73-423-1090. ¥4000-5000. 
  • 19 Ginpei Takumi (銀平 匠), 3 Minamimigiwacho, ☏ +81-73-431-6387. 17:00-23:00. ¥6000-8000. 
  • 20 Sakanaryouri Gin (魚料理 ぎん), 5-20 Tomodacho, ☏ +81-73-424-8355. 11:30-14:00, 17:00-22:00. Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥6000-8000. 
  • 21 Ginpei Yoshidaten (銀平 吉田店), 548 Yoshida, ☏ +81-73-436-3085. 11:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00. Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥3000-4000. 
  • 22 Sakanaryouri Nakamura (魚料理中村), 134-2 Kuinose, ☏ +81-73-474-5058. 
  • 23 Wakisho (魚心わきしょ), 66 Nintomecho, ☏ +81-73-433-6863. ¥4000-5000. 
  • 24 Uogen (魚菜家 魚玄), 32 Yoriaicho, ☏ +81-73-428-0050. Lunch ¥1000, dinner ¥4000-5000. 

Japanese cuisine

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  • 25 Aoi Saryo (あおい茶寮), 38 Tanimachi Wakayama City, ☏ +81-73-427-3555. 11:00 - 14:00 (last order 13:00), 17:00 - 22:00 (last order 21:00). Lunch ¥2000-3000, dinner ¥6000-8000. 
  • 26 Ganko Wakayama Rokusanen (がんこ和歌山六三園), 1-3-22 Horidome nishi Wakayama City, ☏ +81-73-422-7163. 11:00-22:00. Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥5000-6000. 
  • 27 Agura honten (安愚楽本店), 2banchi saigayacho, ☏ +81-73-431-3585. 11:00-22:00. Lunch ¥5000-6000, dinner ¥15000-20000. 
    • 28 Agura Tokyu Inn (安愚楽 東急イン店), Tokyu Inn,18 Minamimigiwacho, ☏ +81-73-432-5356. Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥10000-15000. 
  • 29 Shikisai MIZUKI (四季彩 MIZUKI), Daiwa Roynet Hotel Wakayama 3F, 26-1, Shichibancho, ☏ +81-73-435-1819. 11:00-14:00, 17:00-22:30. In front of Wakayama Castle. Lunch ¥2000-2999, dinner ¥6000-8000. 
  • 30 Shikinoaji Chihiro (四季の味ちひろ), 801 Yoshida, ☏ +81-73-431-3939. 11:30-14:40, 17:00-23:00. Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥6000-8000. 
  • 31 Osakaya (加太淡嶋温泉 大阪屋ひいなの湯), 142 Kada, ☏ +81-73-459-1151. 11:00-13:30 (last order 13:00). ¥1000-2000. 

French cuisine

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  • 32 Hotel de Yoshino, Wakayama big ai 12F 2-1-2 tebira, ☏ +81-73-422-0001. 11:30-14:00 (last order), 17:30-21:00 (last order). Tateru Yoshino's French cuisine restaurant. Stella Maris, chef Yoshino's Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, earned its stellar reputation based on high-level French cooking (with subtle Japanese influences) and excellent game dishes. Lunch ¥10000-14000, dinner ¥15000-20000. 

Italian cuisine

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  • 33 Trattoria i Bologna, Wajima jubancho Bld 5F, 19 Jubancho, ☏ +81-73-422-8228. 12:00 - 14:00, 18:00 - 20:00. Lunch ¥4000-5000, dinner ¥8000-9000. 
  • 34 Villa Aida, 71-5 Kawajiri Iwade-shi, ☏ +81-736-63-2227. 11:30-14:00, 18:00-21:00. Lunch ¥4000-5000, dinner ¥10000-15000. 
  • 35 La Costa, Komura Bld 1F, 3-1-65 Fukiage, ☏ +81-73-436-1167. 11:30-14:00, 17:30-22:00. Lunch ¥2000-3000, dinner ¥5000-6000. 
  • 36 Pizzeria Via Sette, 76-106 Kinomoto, ☏ +81-73-419-0973. 11:00-14:30, 17:30-21:00. Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥2000-3000. 
  • 37 Caro E Cara, Wakayama Marina City Hotel, 1517 kemi, ☏ +81-73-448-1119. 11:00-14:30, 17:30-21:30. Lunch ¥3000-4000, dinner ¥4000-5000. 
  • 38 Il Passo, 4-3 ohtani, ☏ +81-73-453-2111. M-F 11:00-14:30, 18:00-22:00; Sa Su 11:30-15:00, 18:00-22:00. Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥2000-3000. 
  • 39 Agata, 6-5-3 chikkou, ☏ +81-73-422-5958. 11:30～15:00 (L.O.14:00) 18:00～21:00 (L.O). Lunch ¥2000–3000 Dinner ¥4000–5000. 
  • 40 Pizzeria Sobo, 5-7-70 shioya, ☏ +81-73-447-3888. 11:30-15:00, 18:00-23:00. Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥3000-4000. 
  • 41 Il Teatoro, Auvrey Bld 1F, 830 Yoshida, ☏ +81-73-433-7511. 11:30-14:00 (last order), 18:00-22:00 (last order). Lunch ¥1000-2000, dinner ¥6000-8000. 
  • 42 Karabina (からびな), 1-4-10 Wakauraminami, ☏ +81-73-447-1932. Lunch 11:00-14:30 (last order), tea 14:30-17:00, dinner 17:00-21:30 (last order 21:00). Japanese Italian. ¥1000 - 2000. 

Drink

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There are some atmospheric izakayas here but nothing special. Arochi has the token seedy area, which has a lot of hostess bars and other expensive vices.

Sleep

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There are a few small hotels in Wakayama, none of which are really used to dealing with tourists. The most easy to spot is the monstrous Daiwa Roynet, which towers above the city near Wakayama Castle. Nearby, in Burakuricho, there is a new business hotel, and there is the Granvia hotel, a rather exclusive and expensive hotel near JR station.

Budget

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Mid-range

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Wakayama City Central Area

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  • 4 [dead link] Business Hotel Katsuya (ビジネスホテル かつや), 3-12, Tomodacho (5 minutes by foot from JR Wakayama Station.), ☏ +81-73-422-0063, . Single room (including breakfast) ¥6,615〜 (per person) Two person room (including breakfast) ¥6,615〜 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥6,615〜 (per person). 
  • 5 Wakayama Daiichi Fuji Hotel (ワカヤマ第1冨士ホテル), 5, Motobakuromachi (2 minutes by foot from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.), ☏ +81-73-431-3351. Single room ¥5,500 (per person) Two person room (Two single beds) ¥11,445 (per person). 
  • 6 Wakayama Daini Fuji Hotel (ワカヤマ第2冨士ホテル), 1-20, Minatokonyamachi (3 minutes by foot from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.), ☏ +81-73-431-3352. Single room ¥5,700～ Two person room (Two single beds) ¥11,445〜. 
  • 7 Hotel Granvia Wakayama (ホテルグランヴィア和歌山), 5-18, Tomodacho (Right beside JR Wakayama Station.), ☏ +81-73-425-3333. Single room ¥11,319〜 (per person) Two person room (Two single beds) ¥10,106〜 (per person). 
  • 8 Hotel Avalorm Kino-kuni (ホテル アバローム紀の国), 2-1-2, Minatotorichokita (Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Wakayama Station. Approx. 5 minutes by car from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station. Approx. 3 minutes walk from the "Wakayama Prefectural Government" bus stop.), ☏ +81-73-436-1200. Single room (including breakfast) ¥9,380 (per person) Two person room (including breakfast) ¥8,855 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥8,855 (per person). 
  • 9 [formerly dead link] Hotel Landmark Wakayama (ホテルランドマーク和歌山), 10th and 11th floors of Wakayama Big Ai,2-1-2, Tebira (5 minutes by bus or taxi and 15 minutes by foot from JR Wakayama Station.), ☏ +81-73-422-1200. Single room (including breakfast) ¥7,980 (per person) Two person room (including breakfast) ¥13,755 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥10,185 (per person). 
  • 10 Daiwa Roynet Hotel Wakayama (ダイワロイネットホテル和歌山), 26-1, Shichibancho (5 minutes by bus from JR Wakayama Station.), ☏ +81-73-435-0055. Single room (including breakfast) ¥9,000〜 (per person) Two person room (including breakfast) ¥8,000〜 (per person). 
  • 11 BK Weekly Mansion & Hotel (BKウィークリーマンション＆ホテル), 17-2, Yanagicho (5 minutes by foot from JR Wakayama Station.), ☏ +81-73-423-3020. Single room (accommodation only) ¥3,980〜 (per person) Japanese-style + Western-style room (Loft) (accommodation only) ¥4,500〜 (per person). 
  • 12 Wakayama Urban Hotel (和歌山アーバンホテル), 1-2-17, Kuroda (2 minutes by foot from JR Wakayama Station East Exit.), ☏ +81-73-475-1088. Single room (including breakfast) ¥5,800〜 (per person) Two person room (including breakfast) ¥7,500〜 (per person). 
  • 13 Sun Hotel Wakayama (サンホテル和歌山), 4-75, Tomodacho (3 minutes by foot from JR Wakayama Station.), ☏ +81-73-421-5911. Single room (including breakfast) ¥6,000 (per person) Two person room (including breakfast) ¥12,500 (per person). 
  • 14 Hanayama Onsen Yakushi no Yu (花山温泉 薬師の湯), 574, Narukami (10 minutes by taxi from JR Wakayama Station.), ☏ +81-73-471-3277. Japanese-style room ¥6,300 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥7,875 (per person). 
  • 15 Wakayama Green Hotel (和歌山グリーンホテル), 38 Shinsaikamachi (5 minutes by car from JR Wakayama and Nankai Wakayama-shi station), ☏ +81-73-432-3838. Single room (accommodation only) ¥3,500〜 (per person) Two person room (accommodation only) ¥3,000〜 (per person) Triple, accommodation only ¥2,500〜 (per person). 
  • 16 Toyoko Inn JR Wakayama Station East Entrance (東横イン JR和歌山駅東口), 2-1-7 Kuroda (4 mins walk from the East Entrance of JR Wakayama Station), ☏ +81-73-476-1045. Single room (1 night with breakfast) ¥4,800〜 (per person) Two person room (1 night with breakfast) ¥3,490〜 (per person) Deluxe twin room (1 night with breakfast) ¥4,750〜 (per person) Double room (1 night with breakfast) ¥2,750〜 (per person). 
  • 17 [formerly dead link] Wakayama Tokyu Inn (和歌山東急イン), 18 Minamimigiwacho (10 minutes walk from Wakayama-shi Station, 5 minutes by car from JR Wakayama Station), ☏ +81-73-432-0109. Single room (accommodation only) ¥7,400〜 (per person) Two person room (accommodation only) ¥5,500〜 (per person) Single room (1 night with breakfast) ¥8,240〜 (per person) Two person room (1 night with breakfast) ¥6,340〜 (per person) Meals only: Breakfast ¥840. 
  • 18 Dormy Inn PREMIUM Wakayama (ドーミーインPREMIUM和歌山), 3-36 Misonocho (About 5 min walk from JR Wakayama station. About 20 min by car from Wakayama Interchange.), ☏ +81-73-402-5489, . Single room (accommodation only) ¥6,000〜 (per person) Two person room (accommodation only) ¥6,000〜 (per person) Single room (1 night with breakfast) ¥7,500〜 (per person) Two person room (1 night with breakfast) ¥7,500〜 (per person). 
  • 19 [dead link] APA Hotel Wakayama (アパホテル和歌山), 2-36-1, Honmachi (Train For ten minutes, it is a 10-minute walk on foot from south seas Railway Corporation "Wakayama-shi" station by bus from JR "Wakayama" station through northern part of a castle street Bus From JR "Wakayama" station center exit No.3 bus stop, ride on a bus for "Wakayama bus 0 system Nankai Wakayama-shi Station", get off at "Honmachi 2-chome" and soon), ☏ +81-73-431-7111. Single ¥10,000- Semi-double ¥14,000- Double ¥18,000- Twin ¥22,000- Deluxe twin ¥30,000- Single (premium specifications) ¥12,000- Double (premium specifications) ¥20,000- Twin (premium specifications) ¥24,000-. 

Kimii-dera / Wakanoura Area

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  • 20 Wakanoura Kimuraya Ryokan (紀州和歌の浦 木村屋), 2-2, Shinwakaura (35 minutes by bus from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.), ☏ +81-73-444-0155. Japanese-style room ¥6,300 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥7,350 (per person) Breakfast ¥800 Lunch ¥1,575 / ¥2,625 Dinner ¥4,200. 
  • 21 Shin-waka Lodge (新和歌ロッジ), 2-3, Shinwakaura (35 minutes by bus from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.), ☏ +81-73-444-9000. Two person room (including breakfast) (Weekday) ¥5,000〜 (per person) Japanese-style rooms (including breakfast and dinner) (Weekday) ¥5,000〜 (per person) *in the case of 1 person per room +¥1,000. 
  • 22 Wakanoura Onsen Manpa Resort (和歌の浦温泉 萬波 Manpa Resort), 2-10, Shinwakaura (Approx. 40 minutes by bus from JR Wakayama Station. Approx. 30 minutes by bus from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.), ☏ +81-73-444-1161. Japanese-style room ¥7,350〜 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥8,400〜 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast and dinner) ¥11,500〜 (per person). 
  • 23 [dead link] Seichoen (静潮苑 せいちょうえん), 369, Tano (30 minutes by bus from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.), ☏ +81-73-444-1528. Japanese-style rooms room ¥6,300〜 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥7,350〜 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast and dinner) ¥10,500〜 (per person) Lunch ¥3,675 Dinner ¥5,250. 
  • 24 Isaribi-no-Yado Seaside Kancho (漁火の宿 シーサイド観潮), 82, Tano (45 minutes by bus from JR Wakayama Station. 30 minutes by bus from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.), ☏ +81-73-444-0111. Japanese-style room ¥6,800〜 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥7,350〜 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast and dinner) ¥12,600〜 (per person) Dinner ¥4,200〜. 
  • 25 Shichiyouen (七洋園), 416, Saikazaki (40 minutes by bus, 23 minutes by taxi from JR Wakayama Station. 30 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by taxi from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station. 30 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Wakayama Interchange.), ☏ +81-73-444-1181. Japanese-style rooms ¥5,050〜 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥6,050〜 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast and dinner) ¥8,500〜 (per person). 
  • 26 Wakayama Marina City Hotel (和歌山マリーナシティホテル), 1517, Kemi (Approx. 15 minutes by bus from JR Kainan Station. Approx. 30 minutes by bus from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.), . Two person room (including breakfast) ¥10,000〜 (per person). 
  • 27 Kimiidera Onsen Hana no Yu Garden Hotel Hayashi (紀三井寺温泉 花の湯 ガーデンホテルはやし), 673, Kimiidera (5 minutes by foot from JR Kinokuni Line Kimiidera Station. Approx. 20 minutes from Hanwa Expressway Wakayama Interchange. 10 minutes from Kainann Interchange.), ☏ +81-73-444-1004. Single room (including breakfast) ¥6,090 (per person) Two person room (including breakfast) ¥5,565 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥5,565 (per person). 

Kada Area

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Situated in the north of Wakayama City, there are 8 hotels in the vicinity of Tomogashima and Awashima-jinja Shrine. This area is suitable for those who seek fish cuisine or who wish to go fishing. Within 50 minutes by car from the station.

  • 28 Osakaya Hiina no Yu (大阪屋ひいなの湯), 142, Kada (Minibus from Nankai-Kada Line Kada Station.), ☏ +81-73-459-1151. We have opened a new dining room with a huge fish tank! Fully enjoy the beautiful Kaiseki Ryori (traditional Japanese meal brought in courses), delicate as well as bold. The menu changes every month. We are also proud of our natural onsen which is famous as a beauty bath. Japanese-style room ¥7,350 (per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥8,400 (per person) Breakfast ¥1,575 Lunch ¥1,575 Dinner ¥6,300. 
  • 29 Wakayama Kada Onsen Kada Kaigetsu (和歌山加太温泉 加太海月), 1905, Kada (30 minutes by car from Nankai-wakayama-shi Station, 40 minutes by car from Wakayama Interchange), ☏ +81-73-459-0015. An onsen hot spring hotel with a panoramic view of the Kitan Channel. Enjoy the beauty of the setting sun. Japanese-style room (accommodation only) ¥3,240〜(per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast) ¥8,640〜(per person) Japanese-style room (including breakfast and dinner) ¥8,100〜(per person) Lunch ¥2,160〜 Dinner ¥5,400〜. 
  • 30 Kyukamura Kishu-kada (休暇村紀州加太), 483, Miyama (Minibus from Nankai-Kada Line Kada Station.), ☏ +81-73-459-0321. This Kyukamura is built on the top of a mountain, 100 metres above sea level and looks out on the ancient fishing port of Kada. We are proud of our Longtooth Grouper Fish cuisine. Japanese-style room (including breakfast and dinner) ¥8,700 (per person). 

Connect

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Find free wireless hotspots across the city online at Wakayama Free Wifi[dead link].

  • 38 TIC Wakayama (TIC和歌山), 2F Daiwa Roynet Hotel Wakayama 26-1 Shichiban-cho, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama (Arriving by train; from JR Wakayama Station Immediately prefecture-Wakanoura direction to go Koenmae bus stop and get off from Stop # 2; from Nankai Wakayama Station Immediately JR Wakayama Station Kyobashi bus stop Koenmae bus stop and get off from stop No. 8, or a 15-minute walk from Nankai "Wakayama Station"), ☏ +81-73-422-0048. Daily 10:00-19:00. 
  • 39 Wakayama International Exchange Center (和歌山県国際交流センター), Wakayama Big Ai Bldg. 8F 2-1-2 Tebira, Wakayama City 640-8319 (from JR Wakayama station, 20 minutes on foot, 5 minutes by bus #1 Platform Via Shintebira, bound for Kainan, Marina City, Wakayama Medical University (except for Narutaki housing development), #4 Stop Kitadejimi; from JR Miyamae Station 12 minutes on foot; from JR Miyamae Station 28 minutes by bus #8 Platform Via JR Wakayama station Shintebira, bound for Kainan, Marina City #6 Platform Via Kaigara-cho JR Wakayama station, bound for Wakayama Medical University, Stop Kitadejima), ☏ +81-73-435-5240, . Th Sa-Tu 10:00-18:30, F 10:00-21:00; closed on Wednesdays and holidays, from December 29th to January 3rd. 
  • 40 Nankai Wakayama-shi station Tourist Information (exit the main ticket gate of the Nankai Wakayama-shi station, go to the bottom of the stairs), ☏ +81-73-422-5091. 08:30 - 17:00. Wakayama City Tourist Information Center provides Wakayama City Tourist maps and guide books. It is available in English, traditional/simplified Chinese and Korean. 
  • 41 JR Wakayama station Tourist Information (Exit the main ticket gate of the JR Wakayama station.), ☏ +81-73-422-5831. M-Sa 08:30-19:00, Su holidays 08:30-17:15. Wakayama City Tourist Information Center provides Wakayama City Tourist maps and guide books. It is available in English, traditional/simplified Chinese and Korean. 
  • 42 Wakayama City Tourist Information (take a bus from Nankai Wakayama-shi station or JR Wakayama station, then get off at "Shiyakusho-mae"; that is in front of Wakayama Castle), ☏ +81-73-435-1185. 08:30-17:15. Bicycle rental: bicycle ¥100, electric bicycle ¥500. Wakayama City Tourist Information Center provides Wakayama City Tourist maps and guide books. It is available in English, traditional/simplified Chinese and Korean. 

Go next

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Perhaps one of the best features of Wakayama is that it is well connected, and provides good access to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and so on without being on top of them. Wakayama is a smaller city which seemingly makes little effort to embrace tourism, so is a good example of a "normal" Japanese place untouched by the demons of tourism.

Routes through Wakayama
END ←  W  E  → Kainan → Tanabe → Shirahama
Nanba ← Sakai ← Kansai International Airport ←  N  E  → END
END ←  W  E  → Kishi
Suita ← in to ← Sakai ←  N  S  → Kainan → Nanki Tanabe
Kansai International Airport ← in to ←  N  S  → ↑
in to ←  W  E  → Koyaguchi → Gojō → Kashihara Takada


This city travel guide to Wakayama is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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