A suggested itinerary for couples to enjoy sightseeing in Wakayama | A 2-day, 1-night trip filled with breathtaking scenery and relaxation

Three attractions of Wakayama tourism

The key points of sightseeing in Wakayama are "spectacular scenery," "gourmet food," and "easy Access." First, let's introduce each of these attractions in detail.

A breathtaking landscape where World Heritage sites and abundant nature intertwine.

2004,The "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" in Wakayama Prefecture have been registered as a World Heritage Site.The constituent sites, such as the Kumano Sanzan shrines and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, are essential attractions for sightseeing in Wakayama. The breathtaking scenery, which has captivated many people since ancient times, will surely create unforgettable memories.

Shirahama and Kushimoto, known as resort areas in the Kansai region, are also areas worth checking out.Pure white sandy beaches and impressive, strangely shaped rocksThe area boasts numerous attractions where you can experience magnificent nature. Because it reveals different faces depending on the time of day and season, you'll want to visit again and again.

Seafood, local ramen, and other gourmet foods

Wakayama's cuisine is incredibly diverse. For example, at the tuna-themed amusement park "Kuroshio Market,"Seafood rice bowls and sushiYou can enjoy seafood, including [specific seafood item].

Local gourmet food"Wakayama Ramen"There are two main types of soup: light and refreshing, and rich and hearty. It's a good idea to visit different restaurants and compare them to find your favorite.

Wakayama, where many temples are located, is known for its sesame tofu and other local specialties.Shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine)It's also popular. Other options include:Mehari sushi and narezushiYou can also enjoy local dishes such as these.

Easy Access from the Kansai region

Wakayama is easily Access from the Kansai region, including Osaka and Kyoto. If you are going to Wakayama City by car,Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Osaka City、It takes about 2 hours from Kyoto City.、Approximately 40 minutes from Kansai International AirportSince it can be reached in under two hours from various locations by car, it's perfect for those who want to enjoy sightseeing by car.

Easy Access is one of the key factors in fully enjoying a trip. If Access, you won't feel like, "I'm supposed to be on a relaxing trip, but I'm exhausted from traveling..." Why not take a trip to Wakayama while enjoying the scenery from your car window?

A suggested 2-day/1-night sightseeing itinerary for Wakayama.

Here, we introduce a model itinerary for a 2-day, 1-night trip visiting the Kumano/Nachi area and Nanki Shirahama. Please use this as a reference for enjoying the sights of Wakayama.

Day 1 | A drive to Kumano and Nachi, areas rich in history and tranquility.

【departure】
First, let's head to Tanabe-shi from the Kansai region. Tanabe-shi, which boasts one of the largest areas in the Kinki region, is full of attractive spots such as the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and Hot springs resorts.

In the case of a car,It takes about 2 hours from Osaka City.、Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Kyoto CityWe arrived in Tanabe-shi. Since it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Kansai International Airport to Tanabe-shi, it's easily Access from the Tokyo metropolitan area if you fly from Haneda Airport to Kansai International Airport.

【morning】
We'll be heading from Tanabe-shi across the Kii Peninsula to Nachikatsuura. Speaking of Nachikatsuura..."A tour of Matsushima in the Kii Peninsula"It is famous for its scenic boat tours, where you can enjoy leisurely time while admiring the islands of all sizes, such as Camel Island and Lion Island.

【lunch】
Lunch was,Mehari SushiWe recommend trying local dishes such as Mehari-zushi. Mehari-zushi is a rice ball wrapped in pickled mustard greens leaves. In the Kumano region, it is customary to take Mehari-zushi with you as Food while working in the mountains. Traditionally, it was made with white rice, but in recent years, various ingredients have been added to the rice, and the appeal is that you can enjoy different flavors from restaurant to restaurant.

Others include,Kumano beefIt's also a popular gourmet spot. Nachikatsuura boasts a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy Kumano beef in dishes such as hamburgers and steaks.

【afternoon】
After lunch, let's tour some World Heritage sites. My recommendations are:This course starts from the entrance to the Kumano Kodo trail at "Daimonzaka" and continues from "Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine" to "Nachi Falls" (approximately 2 hours).is.

The Daimonzaka slope leading to Nachisan Mountain features ancient-looking stone pavement and the approximately 800-year-old "Married Couple Cedar" trees. As you walk along the mountain path surrounded by ancient trees, the pilgrimage route to Nachisan Mountain comes into view.

After climbing the 463 steps of the approach to the shrine, you will arrive at Kumano Nachi Taisha, whose principal deity is Kumano Fusumi no Okami (Izanami no Mikoto), the god who connects people's relationships and wishes. The vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings and the main hall are magnificent, and the large camphor tree, approximately 850 years old, evokes a sense of long history.

A short 1-minute walk from Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine will take you to Seiganto-ji Temple, the first temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage of 33 temples. The contrast between the magnificent Nachi Falls, with its 133-meter drop, and the vermilion-painted three-story pagoda visible behind the main hall is breathtakingly beautiful. If you extend your visit to Hiro Shrine, you can see the mystical Nachi Falls from even closer.

[Evening to Night]
After enjoying sightseeing, let's relax in one of Wakayama's leading Hot springs resorts. Nachikatsuura has many Hot springs inns where you can enjoy a truly healing time. Recommended accommodations are"KAMENOI HOTEL NACHI KATSUURA KUMANO KODO"You can enjoy Hot springs using the hotel's own source and kaiseki cuisine featuring plenty of local ingredients.

Day 2 | Enjoy stunning coastal scenery and Hot springs: Nanki Shirahama course

【morning】
Let's depart from Nachikatsuura and head towards Kushimoto. It takes about 40 minutes by car from Nachikatsuura-cho to Kushimoto Town.

【morning】
Kushimoto is the southernmost town on Honshu Island. It boasts a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and is full of scenic spots. One of these is a lighthouse perched on a cliff approximately 30 meters high."Shionomisaki Lighthouse"It is a symbol of the southernmost tip of Honshu. Climbing the 68-step spiral staircase will reward you with a magnificent panoramic view of the ocean.

It has an aquarium and an underwater observation tower.Kushimoto Marine ParkThis is also a recommended spot. The aquarium features exhibits that recreate the sea of Kushimoto. In particular, the 25-meter-long tank is a must-see. You can watch rays, sharks, and other creatures swimming freely.

The underwater observation tower offers the unique experience of spending time gazing at the clear blue seabed at a depth of 6.3 meters. Through the 360-degree windows, you can observe a diverse array of marine life, including coral.

After enjoying sightseeing in Kushimoto, head to Nanki Shirahama. It takes about an hour by car from Kushimoto to Shirahama.

【lunch】
For lunch recommendations in Nanki Shirahama,海鮮丼There are plenty of restaurants serving seafood bowls topped with freshly caught seafood, allowing you to enjoy the unique flavors of Nanki Shirahama, a town facing the sea.

Grouper (Season: August to January of the following year)You should also check out the dishes using this rare fish. They offer dishes like grouper rice bowls and deep-fried grouper, allowing you to enjoy this precious delicacy in a luxurious way.

Others include,Bonito (Season: March to May)or,Whitebait (peak season: March to May, September to October)It's also popular. If you're lucky, you can enjoy "mochi katsuo," which has a chewy texture similar to freshly made mochi.

【afternoon】
After enjoying the local cuisine, let's explore some scenic spots. First, you should see the rock formations that have been eroded by rough waves over many years, resembling a paved rock surface."Senjojiki"It is. Many people are captivated by the magnificent scenery of whitish rocks and the blue sea.

A cliff approximately 50 meters high located on the southern coast of Senjojiki."Sandanbeki"This is also not to be missed. The sight of waves crashing against the cliff face is truly spectacular.

If you want to enjoy a sense of adventure, take the elevator to 36 meters underground."Sandanbeki Cave"To Sandanbeki Cave is a historical site with a legend that the Kumano naval force hid their ships there during the Genpei War. The cave, which is 200m in circumference, has many mystical sights, including rock formations with wave patterns and the power spot "Muro Daibenzaiten".

A representative tourist spot in Nanki ShirahamaShirahama BeachIt's perfect for a leisurely stroll. The approximately 620-meter stretch of pristine white sand is magnificent, and the magic hour at sunset, when the sky and sea are painted red, is also spectacular.

[The return journey]
On the way back, let's head towards the Kansai region via Tanabe-shi. By car, it takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Shirahama Town to Osaka City, and about 3 hours to Kyoto City.

A list of recommended spots to visit when sightseeing in Wakayama

Here, we introduce recommended spots in Wakayama, categorized by area. Please use this as a reference when planning your sightseeing route.

Shirahama area

[Shirahama Beach]

Shirahama Beach is"Japan's Top 100 Beaches with Excellent Water Quality"This beautiful beach was chosen for this project. With its white sandy beaches, emerald green sea, and rows of palm trees, it looks just like a tropical paradise.

[Senjojiki]

"Senjojiki," which has been eroded by waves into a shape resembling a tatami mat of rocks,A spectacular sunsetIt's also known for offering stunning views. You can enjoy a romantic time while watching the sun sink below the horizon.

[Sandanbeki]

The "Sandanbeki" cliff, where waves crash against a rock face approximately 50 meters high,A scenic spot perfect for commemorative photosThe underground "Sandanbeki Cave" also has plenty of photo opportunities, allowing you to capture a memorable picture.

[Engetsu Island]

Engetsu Island, the symbol of Shirahama, is a small island formed by the erosion of rocks by the waves. It is characterized by a crescent-shaped hole in the center of the island. In spring and autumn,You can see the sunset fading into the hole.Sometimes this happens.

Tanabe/Kumano area

[Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine]

The Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, a World Heritage Site, is one of the three Kumano shrines.A beautiful shrine made of plain wood.There are plenty of things to see, including the "Treasure Hall," which houses treasures designated as important cultural properties by the national and prefectural governments.

[Yunomine Hot springs]

Yunomine Hot springs is a historic Hot springs resort with a history of 1800 years since its opening.Tsuboyu, Hot springs registered as a World Heritage Site.Its distinctive feature is that the color changes up to seven times a day. Combined with the "Yunomine Hot springs Public Bath," you can fully enjoy a relaxing bathing experience.

Hot springs

Hot springs isA rare Hot springs in Japan where hot water gushes out when you dig into the riverbed.The "Sennin-buro" natural open-air bath, which combines the hot spring water with the clear waters of the Otogawa River, is a winter-only specialty. You can also enjoy Hot springs springs at the "Hot springs Public Bath," which uses water directly from the hot spring source.

Nachikatsuura area

[Seigantoji Temple]

The World Heritage site "Seiganto-ji Temple" is full of historical sights, including a three-story pagoda (built in the late Heian period) and a temple bell (built in the Kamakura period). Inside the main hall, which was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hidenaga using plain wood,A large bronze bell donated by Toyotomi HideyoshiThere is an (Oowaniguchi) exit.

Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls, the sacred object of worship at Hiro Shrine, a sub-shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha, is a magnificent waterfall with a drop of 133 meters. At the "Otakihaisho Stage",View the magnificent waterfall head-on.You can do so and drink the water from the waterfall basin, which is said to grant longevity.

[Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine]

Kumano Nachi Taisha, a World Heritage site and one of the three Kumano shrines, is impressive with its vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings and ceremonial halls. The "Karasuishi" (Crow Stone), said to be the stone formed when the Yatagarasu (three-legged crow) finished guiding Emperor Jimmu, is also a must-see. At the sacred camphor tree,"The Great Camphor Tree Crawl," where you pass through the hollow base of the tree.You can experience this.

Recommended hotels for sightseeing in Wakayama

Choosing the right accommodation is an important part of any trip. Here, we introduce hotels that are perfect for enjoying sightseeing in Wakayama.

KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO TANABE

"KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO TANABE" isA hotel with ocean views from every room overlooking Tanabe Bay.It's about a 10-minute drive from the Nanki Tanabe Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway. Within a 10-20 minute drive, you'll find tourist attractions such as the World Heritage Site "Tokei Shrine" and the stunningly beautiful "Kijetsukyo Gorge."

Guest rooms include Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, and Japanese-Western style rooms, allowing you to choose according to your preference. You can spend a relaxing time while gazing at the vast ocean.

The large public bath isNatural Hot springs where you can thoroughly soothe away the fatigue of everyday life.There is a panoramic bath and an open-air bath, offering beautiful views.

Dinner is a kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meal featuring seasonal local ingredients. At the breakfast buffet, you can also enjoy Wakayama's unique cuisine, such as "Kishu Shirasu and Tuna Agarameshi" and "Kishu Mandarin Orange Sweet and Sour Pork."

Furthermore, in March 2026, a new "Agara Lounge" will be opened, offering unlimited access to delicious Wakayama sake and soft drinks, as well as unlimited snacks and appetizers. This will make even the time spent relaxing after a bath or meal more enjoyable.

KAMENOI HOTEL NACHI KATSUURA

KAMENOI HOTEL NACHI KATSUURA KUMANO KODO is a hotel located about 50 minutes by car from the Kumano-Owase Expressway Kumano-Otomari Interchange. Within about 25 minutes by car are attractions such as Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple.Perfect for touring World Heritage sitesIt's in a great location.

Guest rooms come in a variety of types, including rooms with private Hot springs baths offering a luxurious experience, and rooms with stylish art walls.The hotel also offers a variety of ocean-view Guest rooms.And the fact that you can spend time in an open space is a great point.

The large public bath uses Hot springs spring water from the hotel's own source. In addition to the indoor bath, there is also an open-air bath in the garden where you can relax while gazing at the mountains of Kumano and the sea.

For dinner, you can enjoy a kaiseki multi-course meal featuring fresh seafood from the Kumano Sea, and for breakfast, you can savor a Japanese breakfast set including freshly made dashi-rolled omelets.

Summary

Wakayama is a place where you can enjoy both historical World Heritage sites and abundant nature at the same time. Walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and visiting power spots such as Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Nachi Falls will give you a soul-cleansing experience. Scenic spots like Senjojiki and Sandanbeki will also create unforgettable memories.

Wakayama's charm lies in its fresh seafood and local cuisine. Using the model itinerary and accommodations introduced in this article as a reference, why not enjoy a romantic 1-night, 2-day trip for just the two of you?