Top Things to do in Wakayama Prefecture
Top Hotels in Wakayama Prefecture
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The 6 Best Things to do Adventurous in Wakayama Prefecture, Kinki
Discover the best top things to do in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan including Adventure World, Kamikura Shrine, Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes, Sandambeki Rock Cliff, Senjojiki, Hirou Shrine.
Restaurants in Wakayama Prefecture
1. Adventure World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,421 reviews
Reviewed By Bishop-angelmacfire - Nishinomiya, Japan
I have watched the TV news that a baby panda was born last year. When I saw the baby, I have decided to see the panda. My high expectations have not been betrayed. The name of the child panda is “Saihin” She is a girl and so active! So cute! So lovely! You must see her. Now the crazy fever of baby panda boom has been calmed down, you can watch her very well without any clouds on week days. The adult pandas except the mother of “Saihin” was not active, just sleeping. So the timing is now to watch the lovely active child panda!
2. Kamikura Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By PeterthePauper - Ulsan, South Korea
Intending to visit the Kii Peninsular for a few days in mid-July, I initially toyed with the idea of walking the full Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. Given my age (late 60's), a lack of overall fitness following some serious medical issues and the prevailing heat and humidity at this time of year, common sense eventually prevailed and I opted for a few less strenuous days in Wakayama and Takamatsu respectively. Not prepared to give-up entirely on the Kumano; whilst in Wakayama, I thought I would extract some value from my 5-day JR Rail Pass and make the lengthy (3-hrs each way by Limited Express Kuroshio) but very scenic journey to Shingu. Arriving in Shingu, I first called-in at the Shingu City Tourist Information Centre (located immediately opposite the entrance to the JR Station) and picked-up a very useful 'Walking Map of Shingu' (available in various languages) which suggested a walking route which takes in all three Shingu Shrines. The suggested route of approx. 6km has an estimated completion time of 80mins, and talks in terms of 40mins to ascend/descend to/from the Kamikura Jinja Shrine. With temperatures in the 30's (deg C) and my phone app reading "feels like 43 deg", I opted to tackle the 'difficult' climb up to the Kamikura Jinja Shrine first. The description of "538 steep stone steps" is slightly misleading in that rather than even, consistent steps, these are rough hewn stones where the rise can vary anywhere from 100mm to 400mm. For me the ascent was beyond 'difficult', through 'gruelling' and into the 'brutal' category! You definitely need to make use of one of the walking sticks kindly left at the base by other travellers. With frequent stops every few metres to towel-down, take-on water or converse with other foreigners (I think everybody I met took the opportunity to stop and talk a while .... anything to take a break from this arduous climb!), the ascent alone must have taken the best part of an hour. On reaching the top, although only around 100m above the starting point, I felt the tremendous elation of a full cardio workout with tremendous views as a bonus. By the time I had carefully descended, it was time to head back to the JR Station to catch my train back to Wakayama. Although I missed out this day on the other Shingu Shrines, I was hardly disappointed after such a challenging experience.
3. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By pjbphd - Albuquerque, United States
I used OkuJapan and Jack Eves to set up the trip. One important note is we started the hike a few days after a massive typhoon hit Tokyo and eastern Japan and while we were hiking a second typhoon arrived. Nevertheless, it was a spectacular hike with amazing food and accommodations. I highly recommend OkuJapan for foreigners considering this trip. We chose a trip of eleven nights and ten days on both the Nakahechi and Kohechi trails, but shorter options are available. OkuJapan rates the hikes as “Challenging”, their most difficult rating. I concur with this not because the trails are technical but when they say it will take 6 hours to complete, it will take at least that. Furthermore we hiked in October and the sun set between 5:00 and 5:30 so we had to complete the walk in the allotted time. One evening we had some issues and came in late using headlamps. Fortunately the Inn where we were staying was concerned, called OkuJapan who in turn contacted me on the trail. The owners of the Inn then drove out to meet us on the road saving us considerable time and distance in the dark. Another issue was the wet conditions we encountered following and during a typhoon. In certain areas the trail consists of cobble stones and they could be very slippery requiring much care and slow going.
4. Sandambeki Rock Cliff
5. Senjojiki
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 566 reviews
Reviewed By 7DCJ7 - Singapore, Singapore
This whole place is so charming, the late afternoon sun light casting over the whole area, the sea, the sea breeze, the many eagles hovering so low over the whole place and the large spread of colourful layer looking rocks. If only we could spend longer time, was a pity that we only manage to make a brief stop as we need to hurry back Wakayama station to return our rented car! We will definitely return and plan to walk on those colourful layers of rock our next trip.
6. Hirou Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By WarnerL_12 - Pasadena, United States
It sure gives you perspective on how high the falls are when you reach it foot; you have an opportunity to try some of the water.
