A TRIP TO DISCOVER WAKAYAMA

How many times in recent months has it happened to us to watch videos of an old trip among the memories of our social networks and dream of making new ones? Or to remain speechless in front of photographs taken in remote countries of the world that we would like to leave for today ?

wakayama-tenoha-milano-kumanokodo-nachisan

Nachisan Temple on the Kumano Kodo trail © @tomvining

Unfortunately, the possibility of traveling in 2021 is still uncertain, but the good news is that, unlike last year, many tourist destinations are working to best organize the safe reception of visitors from all over the world.
At the forefront is Japan , where in order to guarantee a safe and protected environment for all travelers and limit the risk of contagion, clear guidelines to combat the pandemic have been implemented, from social distancing measures to the use of sanitizers. The national body Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is in fact engaged in a series of activities throughout the territory to encourage international tourists to visit the country of the Rising Sun and its splendid provinces.

A group of tourists on Mount Koya © Meishang@metrikfire

One of these is Wakayama, a prefecture in the Kansai region, on the island of Honsū , a place that still remains hidden from many, yet full of points of interest, beautiful and evocative: perfect for those who love the authenticity of Japan and prefer to get lost in history and nature .
From the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path to the white beaches of Shirara, passing through the Buddhist complex on the top of Koyasan and the great city Castle, Wakayama is famous for its beautiful panoramas , which every year over 5 million visitors choose as a destination for travel and several tour operators include it among the most important destinations in the central region of Japan.

A fantastic glimpse into the nature of Wakayama © Florent Herisson

The landscapes of these lands have remained unchanged over time and every season of the year is perfect in its own way for enjoying the beauty of this paradise. The white snow in winter merges with the absolute silence of the mountain, populated by monks, yamabushi , shamans and ascetics, to evolve into the bright colors of spring and blend in with the red roofs of the temples and the pale pink of the cherry blossom petals which, once faded, give space to vegetation.
To testify to the great importance of the link between nature and food culture in these territories there are also, on the one hand, the umeboshi , particular plums that grow here more than in the rest of the nation and, on the other, the mikan , citrus fruits sweet and tasty, reminiscent of mandarin and which have been cultivated in Wakayama since 1600 to be enjoyed or transformed into juices or liqueurs.

wakayama-tenoha-milan-waterfalls-nachifalls

Nachi Falls in the Nachisan area © @santesson89

The province of Wakayama, with its 6 districts , its 9 cities led by the capital of the same name and its 30 municipalities , borders to the north with that of Ōsaka and to the east with the prefectures of Mie and Nara, overlooking the inland sea to the west and to the south on the Pacific Ocean.
The attractions of the Japanese prefecture are many . To name a few: Tomogashima Island, Koyasan Okunoin, Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes, Kumano Houng Taisha Shrine, Wakayama Dentetsu, Kimiidera Temple, Hashigui Rock, Nachi Mitaki Falls, Wakayama Castle, Mt. Koya, Koza River, Shirarahama Beach, Tama Museum Kishi Station , Minabe Plum Forest, Shirasaki Ocean Park, Kawayu Onsen, Kamikura Shrine, Kannonyama Fruits Garden, Kokukuji Temple.

The Tama Densha of the station on the Kishigawa Line © Opasbbb

Wakayama is also a cradle of spirituality , hosting one of the most important mystical centers in all of Japan, the monastic complex of Koya-san , or Mount Koya. There are no hotels in this area and those who decide to get up here just have to stay overnight in the shukubo , the traditional Buddhist temples created to host pilgrims but which today also welcome tourists. Waking up at dawn, ritual prayer and shojin vegetarian cuisine: life in contact with the monks is one of the most intense experiences you can have in Japan . Those who wish can continue their spiritual journey along the Kumano Kodo, the pilgrimage paths that have been winding through the mountains for millennia and which, together with those of Santiago de Compostela, are among the only pilgrimage routes in the world included among the UNESCO sites .

Monks in the woods of Mount Koya © Hanna Eberhard

The purification of the spirit can only be followed by that of the body. Wakayama prefecture is also very renowned for its onsen - spa centers that offer refreshment all year round - where thanks to the numerous springs it is possible to indulge in a bit of relaxation between one excursion and another . These places, always immersed in breathtaking views, have attracted princes and emperors since ancient times: among the most famous spas are those of Kishu Kuroshio and Kawayu, the Wataze Onsen and the Ryujin Onsen, Shirahama and Nachi Katsuura.

A view over the rooftops of Wakayama city © Tanya Jones

The city of Wakayama is located on the Kii Peninsula - 1 hour from Osaka and 40 minutes from Kansai Airport - and is a place rich in culture and spirit. Easy to visit, even by bicycle , as well as with excellent public transport services such as buses and trains, it is far from the idea of a chaotic, nocturnal and busy metropolis .
Wakayama is in fact full of greenery and gardens (among the most famous the Momijidani), ancient temples and attractions . If in the city center it is possible to visit the Castle and taste the local cuisine and the famous ramen bars, in the marina area it is possible to go on excursions to splendid islands and spend the day on the beaches of the coast.

A sushi master fillets tuna at Kuroshio Market © Rei Imagine

Among the most important places in the city are the food and wine markets , where you can taste delicious fresh juices, ginger ale, the original soy sauce directly from the producers, sweets and local honey; but what cannot be missed is a fish market experience at Kuroshio Market . The Tuna Show takes place here three times a day, the tuna show where a chef explains and shows how to fillet and process freshly caught tuna. It is also possible to sign up for courses to learn how to make sushi, taste the best and freshest tuna sashimi and, of course, buy souvenirs.

Welcome to Wakayama!