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Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Daimonzaka
A trip to Nanki on the JR Kuroshio Express
This is a train journey that connects Kyoto and Shin-Osaka to Shirahama and Katsuura. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Adventure World's opening, the "Panda Kuroshio" train is also in operation, decorated with adorable panda designs.
Panda Kuroshio
Take a bus to Nakahechi, a World Heritage Site of the Kumano Kodo Trail
Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine Nachi Fan Festival
Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
The "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" are registered as a World Heritage Site along with Mount Koya, Yoshino and Omine. The center of the Kumano Kodo is the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi. It is a pilgrimage route of about 21 ri (84 km) that runs from Tanabe to the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha), and it is said that Emperor Shirakawa passed through it nine times, Emperor Toba passed through it 21 times, Emperor Goshirakawa passed through it 34 times and Emperor Gotoba passed through it 28 times. Kumano Hongu Taisha has been a sacred place supported by faith since ancient times, as the saying goes, "Go to Ise seven times, go to Kumano three times." It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Shirahama Onsen by Kumano Kodo bus (Meiko Bus Rapid Kodo-go, departing from Nanki Shirahama Airport). The view from the bus window is the wonderful nature of the Kii Mountain Range, which can be said to be an unparalleled asset in the world.
Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Daimonzaka
Cobblestones that make you feel like you've traveled back in time
It's about a 20-minute bus ride from Kii-Katsuura Station. Among the Kumano Kodo trails, the "Kumano Kodo Daimonzaka" trail is one that beautifully retains the original appearance. The 640m stone pavement continues to Kumano Nachi Shrine and Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of a time warp reminiscent of the Kumano pilgrimages of the time, including 800-year-old cedar trees and moss-covered stone steps. Near the Daimonzaka bus stop, you can rent Heian period costumes, and there is a plan for about 3 hours to stroll around the sacred ground of "Nachisan" wearing the rental costume.
The main shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha was built in 317. It was burned down by Oda Nobunaga, but was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Seiganto-ji Temple has a beautiful three-story pagoda. Another 15 minutes walk will take you to Nachi Falls. There are many great photo spots.
Seiganto-ji Temple Three-story Pagoda and Nachi Falls
Nanki Shirahama Onsen
It is easily accessible, about an hour from Haneda Airport and about two hours by car from Osaka. Its history dates back to the time of the Nihon Shoki and Manyoshu. Its symbol is Shirahama Beach, a stretch of pure white, smooth sand, and it is a popular base for marine leisure activities. Its famous sites include Engetsuto Island, known for the sunset that sinks into a sea cave, the magnificent Senjojiki, the impressive Sandanbeki, and the mysterious Sandanbeki Cave. Wakayama Prefecture's giants of natural history, the Giant Panda Family, live here, and the Minakata Kumagusu Memorial Museum and Adventure World are also nearby.
There are four basic types of hot springs: chloride springs, sulfur springs, bicarbonate springs, and simple hot springs. There are 10 hot springs to enjoy, including the open-air bath "Saki no Yu" on the beach. If you're looking for souvenirs, you can also enjoy Shirahama Ginza Footbath Yokocho.
Nanki Shirahama
three-stage wall
Engetsuto Island
Nanki Katsuura Onsen
Nanki Katsuura Onsen in the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." There are more than 170 hot springs. The spring quality is a sulfur-containing sodium calcium chloride spring, and you can enjoy foot baths at Kii Katsuura Station and Katsuura Fishing Port.
Nanki Katsuura
Nanki Katsuura boasts one of the largest catches of fresh tuna in Japan, and is number one in Japan for longline fishing. The delicious tuna dishes are a great attraction. At Katsuura Fishing Port, you can watch the tuna auctions, which begin at around 7am, up close. The area is also home to magnificent scenic views of the ria coastline, including Hashiguiiwa. We highly recommend the "Kinomatsuyama" cruise, which offers views of the coastline's beauty, with its strange reefs and rock formations, the best in Wakayama. From late April to the end of September, there are also tours available near Katsuura where you can enjoy spectacular whale watching.
Photo courtesy of Wakayama Tourism Federation, a public interest incorporated foundation
