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If you want to enjoy a relaxing trip, Wakayama is recommended!

​YuukiYamamoto, 2nd year student, School of Advanced Science and Engineering

When you hear Wakayama Prefecture, many people probably think of mandarin oranges and plums, but did you know that there are many other attractive places there too? So, as someone who has lived in Wakayama Prefecture for 18 years since I was born, I would like to introduce some recommended spots in Wakayama Prefecture.

First, let's start with a scenic spot. Shirarahama Beach, located in Shirahama Town on the west side of Wakayama Prefecture, is a beach with amazingly pure white sand, just as its name suggests. The contrast between the white sand and the blue sky and sea is so beautiful that it makes you feel as if you are in Hawaii. I have fond memories of going to the beach with my family and friends every summer since I was a child.

Shirahama Town is also home to a large rock formation called Senjojiki. The interesting shapes of the rocks, formed naturally by the action of the waves, are so appealing that you'll want to take photos of them. If you stand on the highest rock closest to the sea and spread your arms out, you can take a photo that makes you look like you're on top of the clouds, so be sure to give it a try when you visit!

Left: The white sand of Shirahama Beach. This is my favorite place in Wakayama Prefecture.
Right: A photo taken while standing on a high rock at Senjojiki

I have countless childhood memories from Wakayama Prefecture, close to the sea and with its clean air. One of those memories is Wakayama Castle, a memorable building that I first saw as a child and was deeply moved by. Wakayama Castle in Wakayama City stands high enough to be seen from far away, and during the cherry blossom season, many food stalls are set up and a cherry blossom festival is held where you can enjoy the castle and cherry blossom viewing. The size of the castle is so overwhelming that you will want to come back to see it again and again, so I would definitely recommend you visit.

Wakayama Castle and cherry blossoms

Next, I'd like to introduce a spot where you can enjoy food in Wakayama Prefecture. Toretore Market in Shirahama Town is a seafood market that offers fresh seafood from all over Japan, including Wakayama Prefecture, and I often visit this market to enjoy seafood when I go back home during summer vacation. In addition to tuna cutting shows, there are countless types of fish on display, such as crabs and red sea bream, so you can enjoy fresh seafood bowls and conveyor belt sushi near the market. No matter where you've traveled around the country, if you want to eat delicious seafood, this is the place to go! This is a food spot that will leave you very satisfied no matter how many times you go.

Toretore Market: Western Japan's largest seafood market

Compared to other prefectures, I think that not many people have been to Wakayama Prefecture, but it is my beloved hometown and has so many charms that I could not write about them all. It is the perfect place to spend some relaxing time surrounded by nature, so please do visit.

◎ This is what Wakayama Prefecture is like ◎

It is located on the southwest side of the Kii Peninsula, which juts out to the south of the Kinki region, and borders Osaka Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, and Mie Prefecture. It has a population of approximately 880,000 (as of April 1, 2024). Its area is approximately 4,726 square kilometers, with approximately 80% of it being mountainous. It is home to mountains that have been loved by people since ancient times, such as Mount Koya and the Kumano Sanzan, and a distinctive tourist attraction is visiting shrines and temples. Due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current that flows off the coast of the Kii Peninsula, the climate is warm throughout the year, and the cultivation of fruits such as mandarin oranges, persimmons, and plums is very popular, making it known as the kingdom of fruits.