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Nature
Wakayama Prefecture is located on the west side of the Kii Peninsula, the largest peninsula in Japan. It is a place of great scenic beauty and is surrounded by mountains and ocean. Most of the prefecture is taken up by mountainous areas, and it has been called the “land of trees” since ancient times. Wakayama’s climate is comparatively warm and pleasant, with striking differences between each season, all of which have their own unique charm. Cherry blossoms burst into full bloom in the spring, summer is the time to enjoy a resort atmosphere at the oceans and rivers, and in the autumn you can view brilliantly colored foliage. Snow falls and piles up in the mountains at Koyasan and other locations during the winter, creating a truly mystical spectacle. The coastline stretches for about 600 kilometers (or 372 miles) in the southwestern part of the prefecture, where you can enjoy unique scenery such as the Hashigui Rocks in Kushimoto, a row of 40 large and small unusually shaped rocks. Warm climate of Wakayama is suited to a griculture (mainly fruit), and scenery with ume (an apricot like fruit) flowers around February is especially evocative of Wakayama.
Koyasan
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Koyasan was opened by Kukai(aka Kobo Daishi) as a place for secret training in Shingon Buddhism. Even now it is home to a majestic and mysterious atmosphere that charms the people who visit there. The pilgrimage routes that connect Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are also famous as a wonderful place for autumn foliage viewing. |
Nachi Falls
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This 133 meter tall waterfall boasts the longest drop in Japan, with one ton of water dropping down the cliff every second. It enshrines the deity of Hiro Shrine, the auxiliary shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. This awe-inspiring and dynamic view is truly unforgettable. |
Doro Valley/Speedboats
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Doro Valley is designated as one of Japan’s special natural monuments of scenic beauty. This ravine, located on the headwaters of the Kitayama River, is also called “Dorohaccho” and is beloved as a tourist attraction with great natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy scenery of cliffs and unusually shaped rocks on speedboat cruises throughout the ravine. |
Shiono-misaki Cape
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Shiono-misaki Cape is the southernmost location in Honshu, and is symbolized by the white-walled lighthouse which was built on the cliff in 1863. It features a sightseeing tower and a lawn plaza, as well as 180 degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. |
Hashigui Rocks
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This mysterious, natural work of art, featuring a straight line of large and small unusually shaped rocks which stretches for around 850 meters, appears to be the stakes of a bridge. The fantastic scenery colored by the sunrise is especially popular as a photo-taking spot. One legend says that the monk Kobo Daishi attempted to build a bridge here. |
In addition to the above information, you can find
much more about “Nature.”
Please click on “Northern Area” or “Southern
Area.”
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