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Discover a new side of Japan that’s totally off the beaten path! Here are 7 reasons to add Wakayama City to your Japan itinerary…
Wakayama City, the coastal capital of the prefecture of the same name, doesn’t get a whole lot of Western tourists right now, because most people tend to flock to the better-known cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.
But this is a beautiful little city with a distinctive cuisine, a great culture, and oodles of personality. Here are seven great reasons to add a trip to Wakayama to your Japan itinerary…
Read More: Check out my in-depth Wakayama City guide for lots more information. You might also find this guide to manners in Japan handy, since it’s always nice to respect local etiquette and customs.
1. It’s Off the Beaten Path
Unless you found this post after googling “Wakayama City”, chances are you’ve never heard of the place before now. I certainly hadn’t – until I went there. That’s because it’s simply not that well known to Western tourists.
Things are starting to change, but for now, Wakayama City is very much off the beaten path. Perfect if you want to discover an off-the-beaten-path slice of Japan that no one else back home has heard of.
2. Hundreds of Shrines, All To Yourself
Alright, maybe not literally “all” to yourself. But the shrines and temples of Wakayama City (of which there are many) are a damn sight less crowded than the ones in more famous Kyoto. Don’t miss Kimiidera Temple, with its towering gold Buddha statue, or Tamatsushima-jinja Shrine in Wakaura.
3. Wakayama Castle
At the heart of the city, this 16th-century castle on top of Mount Torafusu is impossible to miss. Head upstairs for what might be the best view in Wakayama City. And don’t miss the castle grounds, especially the stunningly serene Momijidani gardens.
4. There are So Many Onsens
Natural hot springs can be found all over Wakayama City, and they make the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s sightseeing. Onsens are also an integral part of Japanese culture, and make a really interesting experience.
Be prepared for a lot of public nudity though – swimwear is not allowed in most onsens. It takes some getting used to, but I promise it’s worth it! Don’t miss the outdoor baths at Kyukamura, which overlook the ocean from this resort’s idyllic clifftop location.
5. They have the BEST Ramen in Japan!
Foodies – Wakayama City is for you. It’s a coastal city with multiple ports, so the seafood and sushi here is to die for. But the star of the show is Wakayama Ramen, aka Chuka-soba.
This regional speciality is subtly different from classic ramen, with a thicker pork-soy sauce broth. The flavour is richer and more bold. While you’ll find Chuka Soba in many ramen shops, Ide Shoten’s has been voted the best ramen in Japan. So it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan of the dish!
6. You Can be at One with Nature
Wakayama City is chock-full of parks, small mountains, and other green spaces. On the outskirts, and further afield in Wakayama prefecture, you’ll find national parks, mountain ranges, hiking trails, and waterfalls. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers!
Top Tip: Visit in autumn, or during Cherry Blossom Season, to see the city’s natural spaces at their best.
7. There are some Beautiful Beaches
Beaches might not be the first thing that spring to mind when you think of Japan. But of course, beaches do exist here – and Wakayama City has plenty of them. Perfect for a summertime getaway!
It also has some fab beach boardwalks, like the blue-tiled boardwalk on Hama no Miya Beach. Lined with palm trees and skirting a wide, sandy bay, it looks more like Miami than Japan.
Read More: In my Wakayama City guide – packed full of tips and recommendations based on my own time in the city.
My visit was part of a press trip organised by Tashizan on behalf of Wakayama City. As always, all views and opinions are entirely my own and without bias.
