10 Things to Do in Wakayama City

10 Things to Do in Wakayama City

Wakayama (和歌山市) is the capital city of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Wakayama City became a city on April 1, 1889. The city is known as a rice and citrus fruit-producing area. The kanji used for its name waka (和歌) is traditional Japanese poetry and yama (山) means mountain. 

For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Wakayama City:

Wakayama City's manhole covers

1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Wakayama City. So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. The manhole on the left can be found in Wakayama Marina City and the manhole design on the right is installed near Wakayama Castle. 

Kinokawa Service Area (Southbound) and Kinokawa Service Area (Northbound)

2. Visit the Kinokawa Service Area (Southbound) (紀ノ川SA (下り)) and Kinokawa Service Area (Northbound) (紀ノ川SA (上り)). There is a restaurant and souvenir store in these service areas. Both are also convenient stops whenever you are on a long drive going in or out of Wakayama City.

Saikazaki Signal Tower 

3. Visit the Saikazaki Signal Tower (雑賀崎灯台) which doubles as an observation deck. This place has a great view of the Awaji and Shikoku Islands.

Awashima Shrine

4. Visit the historic Awashima Shrine (淡嶋神社) to pay your respects and offer prayers any time of the day. This shrine is dedicated to childbirth and fertility. There is also a huge collection of Japanese lacquered dolls on the shrine grounds. Don’t forget to avail of the shrine’s goshuin if you are collecting them.

Kataonami Beach

5. Enjoy a leisurely walk on Kataonami Beach (片男波海水浴場), This public beach is a nice place to enjoy the sights and the sea breeze. With that, whether it's early morning or afternoon, this beach offers a perfect setting for a relaxing stroll.

Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History

6.  Visit the Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History (和歌山県立自然博物館). This museum has a variety of exhibits mostly aquatic animals. It’s a nice place to bring your children.

Kishu Kuroshio Hot Springs

7. Enjoy a soak in the Kishu Kuroshio Hot Springs (天然紀州黒潮温泉), featuring both indoor and outdoor baths. The standout feature is a panoramic sauna with views overlooking Wakayama Bay.

Wakayama Marina City

8. Check out the Wakayama Marina City (和歌山マリーナシティ). This theme park feels like you’re in a coastal town in Europe. There are magic shows and also numerous fun rides and attractions. There is also a fish market and a fruit and vegetable market in the park. 

Kimiidera

9. Visit Kimiidera (紀三井寺). This historic temple is temple #2 of the Saigoku Kannon 33 Temple Pilgrimage. This temple is also a popular hanami spot. Don’t forget to avail of the temple’s goshuin if you are collecting them. 

Wakayama Castle

10. Visit Wakayama Castle (和歌山城). This castle has vast castle grounds with numerous interesting things to see like the Fukko-zo Tiger Statue, Momijidani Teien Garden, and the Ohashiroka Bridge. Interestingly, there is also a zoo on the castle grounds. Lastly, a visit to this castle wouldn’t be complete without going inside the castle keep which actually doubles as a museum and an observation deck. 

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Wakayama City gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this historic city in Wakayama Prefecture.

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