Welcome to Japan’s spiritual heartland, Wakayama Prefecture! Located south of Osaka in the Kansai region, Wakayama is best known for its sacred pilgrimage routes and Mount Koya (Koyasan). Twelve hundred years ago (year 816), the Buddhist monk Kukai made his way to the primeval forest of Mount Koya and established Shingon Buddhism, a faith that was subsequently to gain a devout following throughout all of Japan. In recent years his impact has extended to the entire world. In 2004 UNESCO designated Koyasan as a World Heritage Site, called “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Today many tourists come to experience an overnight stay at the temple. Also, the prefectural capital, Wakayama City, located at the mouth of the Kinokawa River, is home to delicious local ramen and an impressive castle. Wakayama is easily accessed by express train from Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya.
Destinations
Known as “the holy ground where the gods dwell,” Wakayama Prefecture is a welcoming destination where visitors can soak in history, picturesque coastline as well as learn the nature-worship traditions.
We arrange a wide array of meal choices for you, from Japanese traditional set meals, all you can eat, to local and seasonal specialties. Join us in exploring the taste of Japan!
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Different regions have their own traditional recipes and agricultural farming system. Many of the regional dishes can only be tasted in the original area they came from.
Wakayama Ramen
In Wakayama, ramen is called Chuka Soba (Chinese noodles). This style consists of well-cooked thin and straight noodles, with clear soup (Shako-Mae), or tonkotsu-based broth mixed with soy sauce (Ide). Boiled eggs or haya sushi (pressed sushi with mackerel) are set on the table as a side dish. (Image via Taste Atlas)
Meharizushi
A favorite dish of Kumano, meharizushi often reminds foreigners of dolmades, a Greek delicacy. Meharizushi is a rice ball covered with pickled takana or Japanese red mustard leaves. The relative blandness of the rice plays off well as a contrast to the strong flavour one gets from the takana leaves. This dish is best enjoyed alongside a cold beer on a warm day.
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Experience
Whether this is your first time visiting, or returning, make sure to participate in these unique activities, that cannot be done elsewhere!
Shukubo Temple Retreat
Fruit Picking
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Recommended Hotels
Never miss out good deals on these strategic and well known hotels. Contact us for more information!
Hotel Granvia Wakayama
Candeo Hotels Nankai Wakayama
Dormy Inn Premium Wakayama
APA Hotel Wakayama
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More Ideas
Need ideas for your trip? Click on below and find the right customised tour for your group!