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Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine

One of the Kumano Sanzan, "Kumano Nachi Taisha" is a magnificent shrine located at about 500 meters altitude, enshrining Nachi Falls as a deity. The vermilion shrine buildings standing out against green mountains are divine, and the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean overlooking from here overwhelms visitors. The faith of "Shinbutsu-shugo" (syncretism of Buddhism and Shinto) remains strong since ancient times, and along with the adjacent Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple, it symbolizes the depth of Japanese spiritual culture. This sanctuary, where reverence for Nachi Falls took shape, is a place you should visit at least once in a lifetime to...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Kimino Town

Kimino Town features relaxing satoyama landscapes, fitting its name which means "the field where you reside." The high-altitude areas have extremely clear air, making it known as one of Kansai's leading "starlit towns," and an observatory is established there. During the day, you can enjoy visiting herb gardens, specialty bakeries, and hideaway cafes amidst rich greenery, and at night, you can gaze at the starry sky. A slow life utilizing the rich natural environment is alive here, and it is highly recommended for travelers wishing to undergo a digital detox and immerse themselves in Japan's beautiful countryside scenery and quiet...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Kainan City

Kainan City, located south of Wakayama City, is a city where you can feel traditional crafts, beautiful gardens, and "the beauty of Japanese gardens." In particular, "Yosuien," a nationally designated scenic spot, is a daimyo garden with a rare pond fed by seawater, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the four seasons. Additionally, this place is famous as the production area of "Kishu Lacquerware," and in the historic streetscapes of the Kuroe district, you can touch the handiwork of craftsmen or enjoy lacquerware-making experiences. With many historical temples and shrines, it is an ideal place for those wanting to...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route

"Nakahechi" is the most popular route of the Kumano Kodo, an "official pilgrimage road" once walked by imperial families and nobles. This route from Tanabe to Kumano Hongu Taisha features well-maintained cobblestones, beautiful cedar forests, and remains of historic "Oji" (rest areas and shrines), allowing you to feel Kumano's stories most vividly. There are plenty of options, from few-hour courses for beginners to multi-day authentic courses, and staying at guesthouses along the way is also a delight. For all travelers wishing to touch the core of Japanese pilgrimage culture, this is the royal hiking course to choose first.

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Kumano Kodo Ohechi Route

The "Ohechi" route of the Kumano Kodo is a grand route around the coastline of the Kii Peninsula, leading from Tanabe through Kushimoto to Nachi-Katsuura. Unlike other routes weaving through mountains, its greatest charm is walking while looking at the dynamic sea views of the Karekinada coast and the Pacific Ocean. It is also known as a "scenic" road once loved by literati and artists for its beauty and elegant journeys. Experiencing the stroll through historical temples and cobblestones built on seaside cliffs while feeling the sea breeze teaches you the diverse expressions of the Kumano Kodo. It is a...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Kumano Kodo Kohechi Route

"Kohechi" is a rugged yet beautiful route of about 70km connecting the Buddhist sacred site Mt. Koya and Kumano Hongu Taisha via the shortest north-south distance. Crossing the Kii Mountain Range requires traversing three mountain passes of the 1,000-meter class, making it known as the most difficult "expert-level" road among the Kumano Kodo. In return, the journey features spectacular views like the Hatenashi Settlement, known as the "Village in the Sky," and untouched deep forests where you can feel overwhelming silence and natural vitality. By walking over several days, you can face yourself and taste both the harshness and blessings...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Kumano Kodo Iseji Route

The "Iseji" route of the Kumano Kodo is a historic pilgrimage road running from Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture to the Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama, famously said as "Seven times to Ise, three times to Kumano." A characteristic of this route is that you can enjoy open views while walking along the beautiful coastline, not just crossing mountains. Especially, the exquisite cobblestones of "Magose Pass" and the panoramic views overlooking the sea are highly rated by international travelers. Footprints of travelers who overcame numerous difficulties to deepen their faith still remain, and you can feel the unique atmosphere where...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Katsuragi Town

Katsuragi Town, spreading along the rich flow of the Kinokawa River, is a peaceful town where fruit cultivation flourishes, known as the home of "Persimmons" as sung in the Manyoshu. Especially, the scenery of "Kushigaki" (skewered dried persimmons) is famous as a seasonal poetic charm of autumn in Japan, with the mountain slopes dyed orange being an overwhelming sight. Additionally, it houses "Niukawakami Shrine," part of the World Heritage site, and holds historical importance as a base for visiting Mt. Koya. You can enjoy beautiful terraced rice fields, clear streams, and seasonal fruit picking, making it popular with travelers wanting...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Kumano Area

The "Kumano Area" located in southern Wakayama Prefecture is known since ancient times as the "Land of Rebirth" and is the spiritual home of the Japanese people. It is a vast sanctuary centered on the World Heritage "Kumano Sanzan" (Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, Nachi Taisha), with the "Kumano Kodo" pilgrimage roads weaving through the mountains. Embraced by deep mountains, this land retains untouched nature, Japan's oldest hot springs, and mystical megalithic worship. It is said that by walking while holding awe for nature, visitors purify their minds and bodies and gain vitality for rebirth. It promises the best experience for...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Mt. Koya (Koyasan)

Spreading across a mountain top at an altitude of about 800 meters, "Mt. Koya" is the sacred site of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism opened 1,200 years ago by the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi). The entire town is a massive religious city centered around the "Sohonzan Kongobu-ji Temple," and even today, over 100 temples are dotted throughout. The biggest highlight is "Okunoin," where Kukai is believed to still be in continuous meditation; the approach, with its 2km of cedar trees and tens of thousands of tombstones, carries an indescribably mystical and solemn air. Accommodation is possible at many temples as "Shukubo," where...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Nanki-Shirahama

Nanki Shirahama is a representative beach resort of the Kansai region, boasting one of Japan's oldest hot springs with over 1,300 years of history and beautiful, shining white sand beaches. "Shirarahama," which has a sister beach affiliation with Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, is crowded with many people in summer due to the beautiful contrast between the emerald green sea and white sand. Furthermore, sightseeing spots that showcase natural formative beauty are concentrated here, such as "Adventure World" (globally famous for panda breeding), the seaside cliffs of "Sandanbeki," and "Engetsu Island," famous for its sunset. With good access from the airport,...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Nachi-Katsuura

Nachi-Katsuura is a port town known as the temple town of the World Heritage "Kumano Nachi Taisha" and as one of Japan's leading tuna hubs. The city's symbol, "Nachi Falls," is an overwhelming sight as it cascades vertically from the primeval forest, and its contrast with the adjacent Seiganto-ji Temple's three-storied pagoda is a representative spectacular view of Japan. In the early morning at Katsuura Fishing Port, you can observe auctions where giant tuna are lined up, and savoring fresh seafood dishes is a highlight of the trip. Hot springs are also abundant, and unique bathing facilities such as cave...

Wakayama
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Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Prefecture is located in the southwestern part of the Kii Peninsula, Japan's largest peninsula, and is an area characterized by overwhelming nature woven by the sea and mountains, along with deep history. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," it has been revered since ancient times as a land where gods reside. In the north lies Mt. Koya, the sacred site of Buddhism opened by Kobo Daishi Kukai, and in the south are the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage roads and Nachi Falls, which boasts the highest drop in Japan, attracting...

Wakayama
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Nara

Oyagyu Town

Located next to Yagyu Town, Oyagyu Town is a historical village known to those in the know, preserving even quieter satoyama scenes. Dotted throughout are Yamaguchi Shrine, once the tutelary deity of the Yagyu clan, and temples conveying historical depth despite their simplicity. Here exists the "authentic Japanese farming village" precisely because it hasn't been commercialized for tourism; the surrounding mountains and farm landscapes create an illusion that time stopped hundreds of years ago. For hikers on the Yagyu Highway, it is a precious area to escape bustle and listen only to their footsteps and natural sounds. It is a...

Nara
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Nara

Yagyu Town

Yagyu Town in eastern Nara City, known as the "Village of Swordsmen," is a land where Bushido and Zen spirits live on, having served as the base for the "Yagyu Clan," sword instructors to the Edo-period Shoguns. The legendary "Itto-seki" (split-in-two rock), said to have been sliced by Yagyu Sekishusai while fighting a Tengu, has recently become a holy site for fans worldwide as a model for a famous anime. The town retains a calm atmosphere conveying samurai culture, with Hotoku-ji (the Yagyu family temple) and the former Yagyu Domain Chief Retainer's Residence. Walking through quiet bamboo groves and mountain...

Nara
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Nara

Niu Kawakami Shrine Kamisha

"Niu Kawakami Shrine Kamisha," enshrined in Kawakami Village, is an extremely prestigious shrine (one of the 22 Shrines) dedicated to Japan's oldest water deity. Due to the construction of the Otaki Dam, the former precincts were submerged, and the shrine was relocated to high ground overlooking the lake. The panoramic view of "Lake Otaki Ryujin" from there is spectacular, radiating a divineness like a shrine in the sky. Symbolizing the great power to control water—bringing or stopping rain—this site remains cherished today as an important place protecting Japan's agriculture and the source of life. Enveloped in pure winds and water...

Nara
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Nara

Oku-Yamato Area

Consisting of 19 municipalities in southern and eastern Nara, the "Oku-Yamato Area" is a vast region called the frontier of Japan's rebirth, where untouched nature and deep history sleep despite being in the heart of Japan. From the World Heritage Kumano Kodo and Mt. Yoshino to mystical Tenkawa and Totsukawa villages, the whole area is packed with the origins of Japanese spirituality. There are no flashy theme parks, but there is the wisdom of people living with nature, traditional crafts backed by history, and "food" that reflects the power of the land. By traveling through this vast area, you can...

Nara
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Nara

Oyodo Town

Oyodo Town, connecting the Nara Basin and the mountains of Yoshino, is a fertile town known as the gateway to the World Heritage Mt. Yoshino and as the "Home of Pears." Especially in the pear orchards of the Oyada Plateau, white flowers cover the land in spring, and the area bustles with people enjoying the harvest in autumn. On the hills overlooking the clear streams of the Yoshino River, there are historical stages mentioned in the Manyoshu, as well as beautiful golf courses and campgrounds. It offers a pleasant landscape merging urban convenience with rich nature, making it a perfect...

Nara
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Nara

Shimoichi Town

Shimoichi Town, at the entrance to Mt. Yoshino, is a historical town that once flourished as a Yoshino timber and commerce hub, also known as the place where "disposable chopsticks" (waribashi) were first made in Japan. In the Edo period, it was so bustling it was called "Shimoichi Sen-ken" (a thousand houses), remnants of which can still be seen in the heavy townscapes. It is also a production area for "Shimoichi Persimmons," a famous autumn taste; trees laden with fruit symbolize the satoyama autumn. With traditional "hand-made washi" skills and many historic temples, it is a deep place to thoroughly...

Nara
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Nara

Nosegawa Village

Nosegawa Village, adjacent to Mt. Koya in southwestern Nara, is one of Japan's least populated municipalities, a place where overwhelming "silence" and "mystery" are preserved. Famous for being prone to sea of clouds, the sight of mountains floating in a sea of white mist in the early morning is truly an other-worldly heavenly realm. The Kohechi route of the World Heritage Kumano Kodo passes through, with a sacred air where pilgrims purified their minds still lingering. Home to "Tatsuri Kojin," one of Japan's three major Kojin shrines, the high-altitude precincts offer views of the Kii Mountains. It is the ultimate...

Nara
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Nara

Yamazoe Village

Yamazoe Village, in the Yamato Highlands of northeastern Nara, is a mystical and peaceful village featuring megalithic worship sites and beautiful tea plantations. Mysterious massive rocks like the "Ushigamine Iwaya Masugata" and "Mt. Kono," said to be related to stellar movements, allow you to feel the awe ancient people held for rocks and stars. At Mt. Kono, azaleas blooming in early summer and camping under starry skies are popular. It is also a production area for high-quality "Yamato Tea," with orderly tea plantations representing traditional Japanese beauty. It's a place for a spiritual satoyama experience of stones, stars, and greenery,...

Nara
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Nara

Kurotaki Village

Kurotaki Village, located almost in the center of Nara and called the "Navel of Yoshino," is a village full of wood warmth surrounded by beautiful cedar forests and clear streams. Forests cover about 97% of the village, and traditional Yoshino forestry skills still live on. Centered around the roadside station "Yoshinoji Kurotaki," it features extensive outdoor spots for families, such as suspension bridge adventures and BBQ along beautiful mountain streams. The food culture utilizing mountain blessings like local "konnyaku" and "wild boar dishes" is also a major attraction. Spending time listening to the murmuring river in deep green mountains teaches...

Nara
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Nara

Mitsue Village

Mitsue Village, at the eastern end of Nara on the border with Mie, is a sacred land with legends that Princess Yamato-hime-no-mikoto placed her staff (mitsue) here while searching for a place to enshrine Amaterasu-omikami. The village symbol, "Mt. Mitsune," is famous for its beautiful "soft rime" in winter, attracting many hikers seeking the crystalline spectacular view of white trees. With streetscapes retaining remnants of a post town on the Ise Hon-kaido and campgrounds known for beautiful starry skies, it is an area where seasonal nature and legends resonate. It promises a soul-cleansing experience for those wanting to feel the...

Nara
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Nara

Takatori Town

Takatori Town in central Nara is a historical town that developed as the castle town of "Takatori Castle," one of Japan's three major mountain castles. The castle ruins atop the 584-meter summit currently have no buildings, but the massive stone walls convey its former majesty, praised as "Japan's best mountain castle" for appearing to float in the sky. The "Tosa Kaido" at the foot is lined with old townhouses since the Edo period; the "Townhouse Doll Tour" in spring is particularly charming for its warm atmosphere valuing regional tradition. It also has history as one of Japan's leading "medicine towns,"...

Nara
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