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Experience
A variety of activities are available in Wakayama. Wakayama Prefecture's coast is around 600 kilometers (or 372 miles) long and offers many beaches to enjoy swimming and marine sports. Shirahama is one of the largest beach resorts in the Kansai region and is visited every year by many people who come to have fun swimming. Kushimoto, at the southernmost tip of the main island of Japan, is home to coral communities and is a famous spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sea kayaking. Kushimoto's large coral communities are the furthest north in the world and are also registered with the Ramsar Convention. Trekking is also very popular along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also recommend riding in river boats on the Kumano River and logging rafts on the Kitayama River. Pandas, dolphin shows, and fireworks shows (a traditional Japanese summer event) are also worth seeing.
Shukubo (pilgrims' lodgings) Experience (morning scripture reading, shojin ryori [vegetarian Buddhist cuisine], sutra copying, Buddhist image copying, meditation)
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The 52 shukubo (pilgrims' lodgings) invite you to experience the world of the spirits. Experience beautiful gardens, shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine), and morning Buddhist services. Sutra copying, Buddhist image copying, and a type of meditation called "ajikan" are available at some temples; held irregularly. Payment is not accepted by credit card at many shukubo. |
Choishimichi (stone marker path) Walking
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The Koyasan Choishimichi (stone marker path) is the pilgrimage route to Koyasan, which was founded by Kobo Daishi 1,200 years ago. The distance from Jisonin Temple in Kudoyama Town to Okunoin in Koyasan via Danjogaran is roughly 24 kilometers. Enjoy magnificent views from high above and the serene atmosphere of the route. |
Wakayama Castle/Momijidani Garden
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Wakayama Castle was built in 1585 under the command of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In the Edo period it flourished as an important base for the Tokugawa Clan, which turned out great numbers of generals. Now it serves as a symbol of Wakayama City, and its tower offers great views of the whole town. With approximately 600 cherry trees, the castle is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring - Momijidani Garden located within the castle grounds also offers the chance to enjoy autumn foliage in a beautiful Japanese-style garden. |
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
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The Kumano Sanzan is made up of three holy sites which are the sources of nature worship and are home to huge rocks, trees, waterfalls, and rivers. You can walk along the pilgrimage routes around these sites while enjoying the many historical landmarks and stone Buddhist images that still remain. Several walking routes are available according to your preferences. |
Heian period clothing experience
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Why not try on beautiful clothes and visit the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route? This tour allows you to wear kimono recreated from 9th century clothing style and stroll about the Daimonzaka area (one of the loveliest areas on the Kumano Kodo) or near Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. Experience the deeper side of the mysterious world of Kumano. |
In addition to the above information, you can find
much more about “Experience.”
Please click on “Northern Area” or “Southern
Area.”
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