Wakayama Marina City - Wakayama

Wakayama Marina City (和歌山マリーナシティ) is an artificial island in Wakayama Prefecture that is popular with tourists due to its fish market and theme park. It is located at 1527 Kemi, Wakayama City.

和歌山マリーナシティ
Wakayama Marina City

Wakayama Marina City Details

Construction of the artificial island began in April 1989. The island was finally completed and opened to the public in 1994. The island was originally developed by Matsushita Kosan (Matsushita Investment and Development Company Ltd.) and Wakayama Prefecture to coincide with the World Resort Expo of 1994. 

Welcome to Wakayama Marina City

和歌山マリーナシティ
Wakayama Marina City - Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Marina City has a total land area of 49 hectares. Today, the island is known for its theme park (Porto Europa), hot spring (Kishu Kuroshio Onsen), hotel (Wakayama Marina City Hotel), and market (Kurushio Market).

Entering Porto Europa

Wakayama Porto Europa Map

It is currently one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Wakayama City. Before the pandemic, it was visited by hundreds of local and foreign tourists per day. 

Just to share, Wakayama Marina City was on my itinerary when I did my solo Wakayama City backpacking trip last December 26, 2014, which was the 8th day of my 2014-2015 Japan trip. Sadly, due to time constraints, I only managed to visit Wakayama Castle and Kimiidera Temple. 

Mr. Toshi and Karin checking out the High Dive

Ms. Akiko and Kumi-san enjoyed the trip with us.

Fast forward to 2022, I finally got to visit Wakayama Marina City. However, this trip wouldn't be possible without my Japanese family. Mr. Toshi and his family were the ones who planned the trip and drove me to this place. I got to visit Wakayama Marina City last January 10, 2022, which was my 70th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. 

This place looks like a place in the Mediterranean or a place in Game of Thrones

During our visit, we explored only two parts of the island, the first one was the Porto Europa or Port of Europe which is a theme park, and the Kuroshio Market which is popular for its fresh fish. 

Street performer in Porto Europa

The colorful buildings as seen from Mail Bridge

Wakayama Marina City

Festa Luce Christmas Tree 


True to its name, Porto Europa or Port of Europe looks like you've been teleported some in Europe, to the Mediterranean Seaside town to be exact. This theme park offers some attractions worth trying like the High-Diving, The Twin Dragon, and the WAKKA. What I like about this place is that it does not have any entrance fees to its grounds. You only pay for the rides that you want to try. You can check out the other rides 👉HERE👈.

Kuroshio Market

Pictures inside Kuroshio Market







Aside from Porto Europa, we also went to visit the Kuroshio Market. Although we were not able to witness the famed tuna preparation show. We still got to go shop for souvenirs and omiyage. There were so much marine-related food products on sale here. 

Overall, I had a wonderful time exploring parts of Wakayama Marina City. I'm looking forward to revisiting it again in the future. Hopefully, with my wife and daughter next time. 

Wakayama Marina City Admission Fee

It's FREE to enter and explore Wakayama Marina City. However, you will need to pay for parking if you brought your car. 

Wakayama Marina City Operating Hours

The Kuroshio Market, Porta Europe, and Fruit Village operate from 10AM to 5PM daily. 

The onsen, on the other hand, operates from 10AM to 12 midnight.

Why visit Wakayama Marina City?

Wakayama Marina City is one of the places that you should visit when you are in Wakayama City. Not only does this place offer fun activities and picturesque spots it also is one of the best places to buy seafood products. 

Getting to Wakayama Marina City 


From Kansai International Airport, head to the Kansai International Airport Station. Ride the Airport Express Nankai-Namba going to Izumisano Station. From there, transfer to the Nankai Limited Express going to Wakayamashi Station. 

Walk for about 3 minutes to the Nankai Wakayamashi Station bus stop and board the 117 bus going to Marinaguchi. Wakayama Marina City is about 150 meters away from this bus stop.

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Fare: 1400 yen

Ratings 

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall Rating




Location: 1527 Kemi, 和歌山市 和歌山県 641-0014, Japan

Comments

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp - Batangas

Image
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas  One of the best places to go camping...  ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

National Shrine of St. Padre Pio - Batangas

Image
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa  St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli
Keep reading

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Quituinan Hills - Albay

Image
Located at Barangay Tinago, Camalig in the province of Albay, Quituinan Hills is one of the most beautiful yet least known tourist destinations of the town.  Quituinan Hills Quituinan Hills Details For those who have visited Quituinan Hills on a clear day, I bet they'd agree with me when I say that this place is among the top places in the province to view Mayon Volcano. Aside from that, the best way to describe Quituinan Hills is that it has a ranch-like feel. Well, that's probably due to the fact that the developed part of the hill is really a ranch named Quituinan Ranch .  Road to Quituinan Hills Welcome to Quituinan Hills This place is a great location for picnics with friends and family. You can either rent a cottage (small P100; big P500) or bring and pitch a tent (P100 space rental) in one of the allowable areas of the hill. Other activities offered here are horseback riding (P60 per 15 minutes) and ATV rental (P200 per 15 minutes). You can also explore
Keep reading

10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City

Image
10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City Asahikawa City ( 旭川市 ) is the second largest city in Hokkaido Prefecture. Its name came from the misinterpretation of the Ainu name for the Asahi River. The Ainu called it Chiu Pet , which means "River of Waves," but it was misinterpreted as Chup Pet , which means "Sun River," and therefore became known as Asahi River in Japanese. For those planning to visit Asahikawa City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City : Asahikawa Manhole Cover 1. Take a picture of Asahikawa’s unique manhole covers . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole design not counting the special  Asahikawa Pokemon Manhole Cover . Asahikawa Roadside Station 2. Visit  Asahikawa Roadside Station . You can buy souvenirs, eat authentic Asahikawa ramen, and also get the Asahikawa Roadside Station stamp for your stamp collection. As a bonus, you will also find the Asahikawa Pokemon Manhole Cover featuring the Alolan Vulpix, Cubchoo, a
Keep reading

Kyoto Station - Kyoto

Image
Located in the heart of Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto Station  ( 京都駅 ) is one of Japan 's largest train station buildings. It serves as the main gateway for locals and foreigners coming in and out of the city. Kyoto Station  ( 京都駅 ) Kyoto Station History Kyoto Station opened for service on February 5, 1877, by decree of Emperor Meiji. In 1889, its railway connected to Tokyo giving way to the present day Tokaido Main Line. In 1895, the station became a terminal to the Nara Railway (present-day Nara Line) connecting Kyoto with the southern regions of Kyoto Prefecture and Nara City. Then in 1897, the station became a terminal to the Kyoto Railway (present-day Sagano Line) connecting Kyoto Station with the northern regions of Kyoto Prefecture.   First Kyoto Station building* Second Kyoto Station building* Third Kyoto Station building* The station got a facelift in 1914 and a Renaissance-inspired facility replaced the old station. This new station was spacious and designed
Keep reading

Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center - Hokkaido

Image
Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center / Kazemachi Shokudo Information Center  ( 風待食堂 観光案内所 ) is a tourist information center and souvenir shop, housed in a historical building. It is located at Bentencho in the town of Mashike in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center details Originally, the building was a grocery store that was established in 1913, and it was later used as a filming location for the 1981 movie " STATION ", which starred the famous actor, Ken Takakura . Today, the building serves as a tourist information center that provides information on the town's filming locations, related newspaper articles, and even Showa retro things such as dial-type public telephones, old-fashioned radios, and various goods of " Mercy-kun ", a seagull character that's unique to Mashike. Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center - Mashike town, Hokkaido Prefecture One of the most popular attracti
Keep reading

Kohfukuji - Nara

Image
Located in 48 Noboriojicho, Nara City in Nara Prefecture, Kohfukuji  ( 興福寺 ) is a Buddhist temple that serves as the national headquarters of the Hosso school of Buddhism.  Kohfukuji  ( 興福寺 ) Kohfukuji History Kohfukuji or simply Kofukuji was established in 669 by Kagami no Okimi in the hopes that it would please Buddha, which in turn, would help her husband Fujiwara no Kamatari recover from his illness.  The first temple was built in Yamashina, Yamashiro Province which is in present-day Kyoto. Then in 672, the temple was dismantled and moved to  Fujiwara-kyo as it was the first planned Japanese Capital. However, the temple was dismantled again and moved to its present location in 710. It was built on the east side of the then newly established capital Heijo-kyo which is present-day Nara.  Follow the signages going to Kohfukuji Go up the stairs to reach Kofukuji Kofukuji was always associated with the highly influential Fujiwara Clan. Hence, it enjoyed influence over the people a
Keep reading

Nara Park Revisited 2019 - Nara

Image
The last time we visited Nara Park  ( 奈良公園 ) was on the 16th day of our 2014-2015 Japan trip . That was also our first time to see this world-famous park with our own eyes. Nara Park  ( 奈良公園 ) For those who are not familiar with Nara Park , it is home to hundreds of free-roaming Sika deer . This 502-hectare  park also includes the grounds of temples and shrines which are popular tourist destinations themselves like Todaiji , Kohfukuji , and Kasuga Shrine (some of which we also visited).  Our photos in Nara Park: Although the deer of Nara Park are mostly friendly, you still have to be extremely careful Check out the road going to Nara Park Nara Par k is located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa . It was established in 1880, making it one of the oldest parks in Japan. Aside from that, Nara Park is also designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science and Technology (MEXT) as one one of Japan's "Places of Scenic Beauty". The hundreds of free-roaming wil
Keep reading