Wakayama Castle
(Momijidani Garden)
Wakayama Castle's beautiful profile adorns the center of the city. In spring time, it is immersed in cherry blossoms, while the fall brings autumnal colors. Inside are exhibited artifacts unearthed from ancient sites and articles of the Tokugawa Family.

Okayama Belfry
This belfry was built in 1712. The bronze bell inside was used not only to toll the time but also to sound alarms such as fires and enemy ships approaching.

Sasutahiko Shrine
This shrine dates back to the birth of 8th shogun Yoshimune Tokugawa. It is commonly called “Okanomiya” and is known as the god of good fortune because of the success that Yoshimune had.

Kaizenji Temple
In this temple are the tomb of Confucian scholar Ri Shinei who was taken to Japan from Korea and served as lecturer for Kishu Lord Yorinobu Tokugawa and that of his son Ri Baikei, also a lecturer. Their monument is found in the Oka Park.

Hoonji Temple
This typical neighborhood temple retains the look of the castle town. It also serves as the mausoleum for the Kishu Tokugawa Family, having been built for Yorinin, the wife of 1st Lord, Yorinobu Tokugawa. The tomb of Yoshimune Tokugawa’s daughter, Kantokuin, is also found here.

Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama, and Wakayama Prefectural Museum
Adjacent to one another these two museums house some 9,000 works of art by local artists, Picasso and others, and works that recount the history and culture of Wakayama.

Wakaura Tenmangu Shrine
This shrine is located halfway up Mt. Tenjin with a marvelous view of Wakayama Bay. It reveres Michizane Sugawara, the god of learning. It is a popular destination for people who want to pray for scholastic achievements and passing grades.

Kishu-Toshogu Shrine
The scenic view of Wakayama Bay from the two-storied gate is magnificent. It exemplifies the masterful artistry of the early Edo Period.

Tamatsushima Shrine
This shrine has long been considered the patron deity of Waka. A climb up Mt. Tengu from the shrine takes you to a panoramic view of Wakayama Bay that poets have written about for over 1,000 years.

Mt. Imose
This once-before islet was found in Wakayama Bay and was accessed by the Sandankyo Bridge, a stone bridge that was modeled from a famous bridge in China. The grounds feature a tiered pagoda and a covered deck for viewing the water.

Kankaikaku
(Water Viewing Deck)
It is said that this covered deck was built as the sanctuary of Kimiidera Temple located halfway up Mt. Nagusa that is seen to the east. The mountain’s reflection on the sea and colorful sunsets are spectacles worth seeing.

Kimiidera Temple
This famous temple has a history of over 1,200 years. Located halfway up Mt. Nagusa, it is reached by 231 stone steps. The grounds have a wondrous view of Wakayama Bay. The temple is also known for its early blooming cherry blossoms.

Kada Walking Course (Kada Kasuga Shrine/Gyojado Temple)
Kada has been known for its beauty since long ago and the fragrance of the sea can be detected anywhere in this port town. The town is popular today with visitors who seek recreation by the sea and there is plenty of history and culture to be found in Kasuga Shrine, Gyojado Temple and other places.

Awashima Shrine
This shrine is famous for the Hinanagashi ritual performed every March 3, in which tiny boats loaded with dolls are pushed out to sea. Inside the shrine are found hundreds of dolls that have been dedicated to one thing or another. The shrine has been worshipped since long ago as a protectorate against women’s diseases and a guardian of safe childbirth.

Q-kamura Kishu Kada (Battery Ruins/Observation Deck)
This Japanese-style inn is perched on a hill 100 m above sea level with panoramic views of the town of Kada below and Kitan Straits. Walking paths from the inn lead guests to battery ruins and an observation point.

Kuroe Row Houses Walk
Known for its lacquerware, Kuroe is characterized by narrow streets lined with “saw tooth” row houses. In the area are found the Kishu Lacquerware Industry Pavilion and the Kuroe Lacquerware Hall.

Uruwashi-Kan
(Kishu Lacquerware Class)
This museum is the symbol of this lacquerware town. Inside are displayed traditional pieces such as trays, tiered boxes, and jewelry. Demonstrations are given and visitors can even try making a lacquerware piece themselves.

Onzanso Garden and
Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History
Onzanso Garden is a spacious and beautifully landscaped Japanese garden that plays off the surrounding natural environment and seascape. The museum of natural history has more than 100 aquariums for exhibiting the diverse wildlife that inhabits the coastal areas of the prefecture.

Chokyu Home and Gardens
These vast gardens feature large carefully positioned stones. Blooming flowers such as plums and cherries can be enjoyed in the various seasons. The pond is home to more than 1,000 carps that elegantly navigate its waters. Also on the premises is a sake brewery that is open for tours.

Fujishiro Shrine
This very socially prominent shrine is a part of the World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains. Here, while on pilgrimage from Kyoto to Kumano, nobles played sacred music and recited poetry in reverence to the gods of Kumano.