A road trip around the Kii Peninsula! A model sightseeing course for couples.

The basics and attractions of a drive around the Kii Peninsula

First, let's look at some basic information you should know before embarking on a trip around the Kii Peninsula, such as "the charms of the Kii Peninsula" and "how many days it takes to complete the trip."

What kind of place is the Kii Peninsula?

The Kii Peninsula isJapan's largest peninsula, spanning Wakayama, Mie, and Nara prefectures.It is characterized by its topography, surrounded by the Kii Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, where you can enjoy the charms of both the sea and the mountains, from spectacular scenery to gourmet food.

One of the highlights of the Kii Peninsula is the abundance of Hot springs with various water qualities. Furthermore, there are many shrines and temples of great historical value, making it a great place for historical walks and visits to power spots.

Days required for a full circuit and the best time to visit

If you plan to drive around the Kii Peninsula and visit all the sights, you'll need at least 2 nights and 3 days. If you want to take your time, 3 nights and 4 days would be ideal.

The best time to drive around the Kii Peninsula is spring and autumn. The weather is relatively mild and ideal for driving, and you can enjoy the natural beauty of the seasons, such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

The complete route for a drive around the Kii Peninsula

If you are driving around the Kii Peninsula from Osaka or Nagoya,It is recommended to depart from the Ise-Shima area in Mie Prefecture, where Ise Grand Shrine and other attractions are located.By driving south along the coast and going clockwise around the Kii Peninsula, you can efficiently visit the must-see tourist spots.

On the way, you'll be taking National Route 42 (Kumano-Owase Road), where you can enjoy a scenic drive along the coast.You can enjoy the scenery along the way. There are many scenic spots along the road, such as the strangely shaped rock formation and semi-cave "Onigajo," "Shichiri Mihama," and the World Heritage site "Shishiiwa," so it's a good idea to stop by and take a break.

From Ise-Shima to Kumano | The Nanki Area Where Faith and Nature Thrive

This guide introduces must-see tourist spots to visit on the first day of your trip around the Kii Peninsula, including Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho in Mie Prefecture, and Nachi Falls in Wakayama.

Ise Grand Shrine and Oharaimachi/Okage Yokocho

Our journey around the Kii Peninsula begins at Ise Grand Shrine, a spiritual homeland for the Japanese people with a history spanning over 2,000 years.The custom when visiting Ise Grand Shrine is to proceed from the Outer Shrine to the Inner Shrine.Toyouke-no-Omikami, who presides over Food of Amaterasu-Omikami, is enshrined at Toyouke-no-Omikami (Geku), and is revered as the guardian deity of clothing, food, shelter, and industry. Other highlights include the Ise Grand Shrine Museum, Sengu-kan, and Magatama Pond, where irises can be seen every year around June.

Before heading to the Grand Shrine of Ise (Naiku), let's take a short break at Oharai-machi/Okage-yokocho.The cobblestone streets are lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, where you can enjoy eating sweets while strolling around and savoring the famous Ise udon noodles. Okage Yokocho is a section in front of the Akabuku main store and is known for the various beckoning cat figurines scattered throughout the area. It takes about 15 minutes by car from the Outer Shrine to Okage Yokocho.

Visiting the Inner Shrine begins with bowing before the Uji Bridge, which serves as a bridge to the sacred world. Within the shrine grounds, in addition to the main shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, there are also auxiliary shrines such as the Aramatsuri-no-miya and Kazahino-miya.It takes about an hour to see the main sights of the Inner Shrine.Finally, as a memento of your visit, it would be nice to receive a protective amulet or talisman.

Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls is one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls. With a drop of 133 meters and a plunge pool 10 meters deep, it is the sacred object of worship at Hiro Shrine, a sub-shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha. At the "Otakihaisho Butai," where you can view the waterfall from the closest possible vantage point, you can drink the water from the plunge pool, which is said to grant longevity, and even draw a water fortune slip.

If you are Access to Nachi Falls by car, it is convenient to use the parking lot at Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine or the paid parking lot in front of Hiro Shrine.

Walking the popular "Daimonzaka" route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail and leisurely visiting World Heritage sites such as "Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine," "Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple," and "Nachi Falls" is also highly recommended.is.

From the nearby Daimonzaka parking lot, it's about a 1.3km (approximately 50-minute) walk, where you can enjoy the scenery of moss-covered stone steps and cedar groves. There are tea houses and souvenir shops along the way, so you can take a break. Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple is said to be the center of the Kumano faith, a World Heritage site, and is also recommended as a photo spot where you can enjoy the spectacular view of Nachi Falls and the three-story pagoda.

If you plan to walk along Daimonzaka, it's a good idea to allow about 3 to 4 hours, including time for strolling.

Recommended hotel: "KAMENOI HOTEL NACHI KATSUURA KUMANO KODO"

KAMENOI HOTEL NACHI KATSUURA KUMANO KODO is located about 20 minutes by car from Daimonzaka and about 25 minutes by car from Nachi Falls.This hotel, featuring a large public bath fed by its own hot spring source, is the perfect base for exploring the Kii Peninsula.is.

For dinner, you can enjoy a kaiseki multi-course meal featuring Kumano beef, fresh tuna from Katsuura Fishing Port, and spiny lobster, while a Japanese breakfast set is available. Many rooms are available, including Deluxe Twin rooms with private Hot springs hot spring baths, making them perfect for couples traveling together.

From Nanki Shirahama to Tanabe | Relax with Hot springs and ocean views

Our next destination on our trip around the Kii Peninsula is the Nanki Shirahama and Tanabe area in Wakayama. We'll introduce some spots where you can enjoy Hot springs and spectacular scenery.

Shirahama Hot springs

Shirahama Hot springs is counted among Japan's three oldest hot springs, alongside Dogo Hot springs and Arima Hot springs.Because of its proximity to the sea, there are plenty of day-trip Hot springs facilities where you can enjoy open-air baths with ocean views.

Shirahama Beach, with its pure white, powdery sand that gives the area its name, is one of the symbols of Shirahama Hot springs. Walking along the beach or visiting scenic spots such as Engetsu Island and Senjojiki is highly recommended.

Standing tall on the southern coast of Senjojiki"Sandanbeki" is a romantic spot for lovers, featuring heart-shaped monuments and other decorations.Since there are so many attractions, why not visit as a memento of your trip as a couple? After your stroll, soothe your tired feet in one of the footbaths scattered throughout Shirahama town.

In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Hirahara Park. When the 2,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom, stalls open and the park becomes lively. After the cherry blossoms have finished blooming, you can enjoy azaleas, roses, and other flowers.

Tenjinzaki

Tenjinzaki is a beautiful cape in Tanabe-shi that juts out into the northern side of Tanabe Bay. It is characterized by a lush, green hilly area centered around Hiyoriyama and a flat rocky reef that appears at low tide. When the sea level is about 140-150 cm at low tide, the water that has accumulated on the reef reflects beautifully.A breathtaking view like the Uyuni Salt FlatsYou can enjoy it. The best time to go is from evening until after sunset.

When you stop by Tanabe-shi,Tokei Shrine, which has been added to the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range".Let's also pay our respects.

Tokei Shrine is considered a sub-shrine of the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha), and its six shrine buildings are designated as important cultural properties of Japan. A 1200-year-old camphor tree near the shrine office is revered for its association with longevity, good health, and the healing of toothaches, with the belief that applying its leaves to the affected area will cure them.

Recommended hotel: "KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO TANABE"

Located approximately 15 minutes on foot from Tenjinzaki and about 10 minutes by car from Tokei Shrine, KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO TANABE boasts an ideal location for sightseeing.A hotel featuring panoramic baths and open-air baths where you can enjoy stunning views and natural Hot springs.is.

For dinner, a variety of kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meals are available depending on the plan. You can also enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring local flavors, such as "Margherita pizza with crispy Nanko plums and whitebait from Wakayama."

All Guest rooms offer ocean views. Options include the "Special Japanese-Western-Style Room (with bath)" with a separate bathroom, toilet, and shower, and the "Superior Twin Room" room with a raised platform area.

From Tanabe to Wakayama Castle | The final stages of a journey to experience history and tranquility

The final leg of our trip around the Kii Peninsula takes us to the heart of Wakayama City. Let's visit some of the tourist attractions, such as Wakayama Castle and Tomogashima Island.

Wakayama Castle

Wakayama Castle is said to have been originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who ordered his younger brother Hidenaga to construct it. Later, it became the residence of the Kishu Tokugawa family, one of the three main branches of the Tokugawa clan, and is nowThe castle tower, towering over Mt. Torafushi, is a symbol of Wakayama City.That's how it is.

At Wakayama Castle, you can tour the inside of the keep, and the area around the site of the main palace is a popular viewpoint. There are also plenty of other attractions, such as the "Wakayama History Museum" and "Koshōan Tea House," where you can enjoy matcha green tea and seasonal sweets.

One of the attractions of Wakayama Castle is that you can enjoy breathtaking scenery that reflects the changing seasons.In spring, the area around the castle tower and the Ninomaru Garden become popular cherry blossom viewing spots. In autumn, you can enjoy the magnificent autumn foliage at the Nishinomaru Garden, also known as the Maple Valley Garden.

The estimated travel time by car from Kii-Tanabe Station to Wakayama Castle is 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes (via the Matsubara-Nachikatsuura Line and Wakayama Interchange).

Tomogashima

"Tomogashima" is the collective name for the islands of Jinoshima, Torashima, Kamishima, and Okinoshima floating in the Kitan Strait. Currently, Okinoshima, which can be walked on, hasThe ruins of the "Third Battery Site" spread out like something out of an anime.In addition,The island's symbol, "Tomogashima Lighthouse," and "Takanosu Mountain Observatory," which offers views of the Kitan Strait.There are many other things to see, such as these.

A walking course that takes you around notable spots such as the remains of a gun battery, a lighthouse, and an observation deck takes approximately 3 hours (3.3 km). A nature trail that takes you around the northern part of the island and through plant communities is longer and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

It takes about 20 minutes by ferry from Kada Port to Tomogashima Island (the pier on Okinoshima Island). There is parking available around the ferry terminal. Also, there is a place about a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal.Awashima Shrine, where it is said that the deity of Kamishima Island was enshrined.Since there is also [another shrine/temple], it is recommended to visit both together.

Since there are elevation changes in some areas, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

A gourmet and souvenir guide for the Kii Peninsula

One way to enjoy traveling around the Kii Peninsula is to sample local specialties in each region.

Known as "Miketsukuni" (a land that supplied food to the emperor), Ise-Shima has been supplying food to the emperor since ancient times and is particularly rich in seafood. In addition to the famous Ise lobster, you can enjoy Anori pufferfish and abalone caught by female divers.

Around Nachikatsuura Fishing Port, which boasts the largest catch of fresh tuna in Japan,Raw tuna rice bowl and tuna sushiThese are some of the dishes you can enjoy. Let's savor the chewy texture unique to fresh tuna.

In Tanabe, Kishu, a famous plum-producing region, you can enjoy tasting and comparing different types of plum wine, as well as plum drinks inspired by the sunset over Tenjin-zaki. Buying pickled plums as a souvenir is also a good idea.

Kumano beef is a high-grade wagyu beef that is a specialty of WakayamaIt can be found in restaurants in Wakayama and Mie prefectures. It is characterized by its finely textured, tender meat and rich flavor.

Wakayama City has many restaurants specializing in Wakayama ramen, so I recommend trying the local ramen.

Summary

The Kii Peninsula offers a variety of tourist attractions, including stunning ocean and mountain scenery, historical walks, and delicious local cuisine and Hot springs.

When traveling around the Kii Peninsula, it's recommended to plan a 2-3 night itinerary. Choosing a comfortable hotel will make your trip more satisfying.

How about taking a road trip around the Kii Peninsula with your spouse during the next long weekend?