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Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture

Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route

5.4
4.7/5
34 reviews
Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route is a historic pilgrimage route winding through the forests and mountains of the Kii Peninsula. It consists of routes such as the Nakahechi, Kohechi, Ohechi, and Iseji, connecting sacred sites like the Kumano Sanzan and linking to places like Koyasan and Ise Jingu. Since the Heian period, royals, nobles, and commoners have traveled along these ancient paths to worship, leaving behind a historical and cultural tradition that continues to this day. In 2004, the Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route was designated a World Heritage site as part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." The route is surrounded by dense forests and mountains, featuring moss-covered stone steps, ancient mountain paths, and the ruins of Oji shrines where pilgrims once rested and prayed. Each route has its own unique characteristics: the Nakahechi winds through forests and mountains, the Kohechi connects the Kumano Sanzan to Koyasan, and the Iseji extends along mountains and the coastline, offering views of terraced rice fields, streams, and the sea. The area surrounding the ancient path is also home to hot spring destinations like Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen, showcasing the blend of local natural environment and traditional culture.Tanabe · 19.1km from downtown
Sandanbeki Cliffs
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture

Sandanbeki Cliffs

4.4
4.9/5
62 reviews
The Sandanbeki is located in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. It is a natural attraction known for its spectacular coastline and cliff scenery. The cliffs here are about 50 meters high and stretch for 2 kilometers. Facing the vast Pacific Ocean, the scenery is magnificent and it is an ideal place to watch the waves hitting the rocks. Visitors can stroll along the guardrail-lined trails and safely enjoy the spectacular views of the cliffs. The Sandanbeki Cave is one of the highlights of the scenic area. Visitors can take the elevator down to the interior of the cave and explore this natural wonder formed by erosion by waves. The cave is illuminated to facilitate visitors to appreciate the unique texture and shape of the rock wall. Sandanbi is also an ideal place to watch the sunset. In the evening, the setting sun shines on the sea, forming a beautiful natural picture. There is a parking lot and a visitor center nearby, providing basic tourist information and facilities. Sandanbi is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also an ideal place for photography enthusiasts to capture magnificent scenery, providing visitors with an opportunity to get close to nature.Shirahama · 8km from Tanabe
Engetsu Island

Engetsu Island

3.8
4.6/5
16 reviews
Yuanyue Island is a small island inlaid in the Punan Sea of Linhai. loved. In summer and winter, the sunset scenery is especially beautiful. Shirahama is also a very famous hot spring town, one of the three ancient hot springs in Japan.Shirahama · 5.7km from Tanabe
Senjojiki Rock Plateau

Senjojiki Rock Plateau

3.6
4.8/5
46 reviews
Senjojiki is a rock plate formed by the sandstone of Neogene. Since sandstone is a rock solidified from sand, it is very soft in texture. After being eroded by waves over the years, it finally formed the complex and unique landscape today. The "stack" of the thousand joeski is pronounced as "tatami" in Japanese, and "fu" means to spread. So Senjojiki means to spread 1,000 tatami mats on the ground. The rock plate is about 4 hectares in size, enough to hold 1,000 tatami mats, hence the name. Senjojiki, Sandanbi and Engetsu Island are also well-known sightseeing spots in Shirahama Town. Coincidentally, the coast where Melaleuca is located belongs to the west coast, so it is naturally a good choice for watching the sunset. Standing on a flat rock plate and watching the fiery red sun slowly sink into the vast Pacific Ocean, it has been a place of interest since ancient times.Shirahama · 7.7km from Tanabe
Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano Hongu Taisha

3.6
4.3/5
28 reviews
Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine belongs to Yoshino Kumano National Park in the southeastern part of Wakayama Prefecture. It is listed as the Three Mountains of Kumano along with Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. It is the head shrine of more than 3,000 Kumano Shrines nationwide. The grand shrine with the crow as the servant of the gods was originally built on the Nakasu Osaihara at the confluence of the Kumano River, Otonashi River and Iwata River. It was rebuilt at its current location after being swept away by a great flood at the end of the 19th century. The Shinmon Gate as the main gate, the worship hall, and the shrine to worship the gods are calm and serene in the quaintness, as if explaining to people why people believe so much in Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. Since the 14th century, the habit of visiting Kumano has been formed in the lives of local people. At that time, there was a saying that "ants visit Kumano", which shows the large number of people who visit. There are monuments and stone monuments describing the history of shrines along the Kumano Kodo, which is covered with moss stone steps in the greenery, and many people like to use the Kumano Kodo as a walking route. In the Kumano Hongu area, there are hot spring pools built by the river, Kawanyu Onsen where you can enjoy open-air hot springs, and Yunomine Onsen, one of the best in the scale of open-air hot springs, with beautiful autumn leaves.Tanabe · 38.7km from downtown
Shirarahama Beach

Shirarahama Beach

3.6
4.5/5
30 reviews
Shirahama Beach is a beach located near Shirahama, Japan. The sand and water quality here are very good, the beach is fine white, the sea is blue, and there are not many tourists. Summer is the time when tourists are more busy here, diving, beach volleyball, beach motorcycles and surfing are good water entertainment here.Shirahama · 6km from Tanabe
Ōyunohara Sanctuary

Ōyunohara Sanctuary

3
5.0/5
4 reviews
Tanabe · 38.5km from downtown
Osaka Castle Park
2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Osaka Castle Park

8
4.8/5
7.5k reviews
Osaka Castle Park is located in the center of Osaka. The iconic view in the park is Osaka Castle tower, along with Nishinomaru Garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and Osaka Castle Plum Grove. It also has well-equipped public facilities such as a softball field, outdoor music hall, and rugby/soccer field. Osaka Castle Park is lush with vegetation, and during the flower season, groups of visitors come to enjoy the scenery. Scenery varies with the seasons Osaka Castle Park is surrounded by various vegetation and planted with numerous trees. Cherry blossoms are everywhere in Nishinomaru Garden, and you can also enjoy night cherry blossoms in spring. The plum grove has thousands of plum trees with many varieties. There is also the peach garden in the north and the stunning red leaves of the memorial forest. Its ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons captivates countless travelers. Stone walls and moats The massive stone walls built with huge rocks are a symbol of the impregnable Osaka Castle of the Tokugawa shogunate. The moat is 70-90 m wide, with towering stone walls on both sides, often exceeding 20 m in height. Travelers visiting the site are all amazed by the grandeur of the architecture. Osaka Castle Main Tower (Osaka Castle Museum) The Osaka Castle Main Tower standing in the park is very famous. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top floor of Osaka Castle Main Tower. Other facilities Osaka Castle outdoor music hall and Osaka Castle gymnasium often host concerts. In addition, there are sports facilities such as an archery range and a dojo.Japan · Osaka
Umeda Sky Building
2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Umeda Sky Building

7.5
4.7/5
1.5k reviews
•Unfind with the sky •A building connected by the Kuchu Teien Observatory •Take in the Osaka cityscape with a bird's-eye view from the 360-degree open air rooftop The Umeda Sky Building is located in the Umeda district of north Osaka. A rather uniquely designed building, it consists of two towers that are connected at with a rooftop observatory deck, from which visitors can view the dazzling streets below. The building has become a landmark in Osaka, with visitors coming to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. △ Space filled with excitement on the way to the sky  △ A 360-degree open air rooftop observation floor for changing views at any time △ Stand at the 173-meter-high Sky Garden Observation Deck and enjoy the dynamic night view of Osaka CityJapan · Osaka
Fushimi Inari Taisha
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Kansai Region

Fushimi Inari Taisha

7.1
4.7/5
2.3k reviews
Fushimi Inari Taisha is located at the western foot of Mount Inari in southern Kyoto and serves as the head shrine of all Inari shrines across Japan. According to legend, in 711 AD, the deity Inari, who governs bountiful harvests and prosperous commerce, was enshrined here, and the shrine has thrived with worshippers for centuries. Its signature view is the vermilion "Senbon Torii," a seemingly endless tunnel of torii gates stretching up the mountain behind the main hall. This iconic scene is not only one of Kyoto's most representative images but also widely recognized due to the famous scene in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," where a young girl runs through the torii gate tunnel. A short walk east from JR Inari Station brings you to the entrance. Passing through the towering vermilion torii gate and proceeding along the main approach, you'll encounter the romon gate, said to have been donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1589 to pray for his mother's recovery. Beyond it lie the main hall and other principal structures. Stone fox statues are ubiquitous throughout the shrine, as foxes are considered messengers of the rice god Inari, often depicted holding keys or rice ears in their mouths. Before worshiping, visitors can purify their hands at the temizuya beside the main hall following the illustrated instructions, then clap their hands to pray at the main hall - prayers here often relate to business prosperity and financial fortune. Drawing omikuji fortunes and writing ema votive tablets are common practices; fox-faced ema can be personally decorated with expressions, while miniature torii-shaped ema are equally charming. Fox-shaped omamori amulets make popular souvenirs. Go around to the back of the main hall to find the entrance to the Senbon Torii. Hundreds upon hundreds of torii gates line the path all the way to the summit of Mt. Inari, with weathered, faded gates densely interwoven with bright vermilion ones. When sunlight filters through the gaps, the scene is particularly spectacular, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Each torii gate was donated by an individual or company, with the donor's name and date inscribed on the back. The path up the mountain is not a straight line; it includes both wide passages that seem to stretch on forever and smaller, parallel paths. Rest areas and sacred sites are scattered along the way, and most travelers come specifically for this mountain trail. After walking for about half an hour, the torii gates gradually become sparse. Upon reaching the Yotsutsuji intersection halfway up the mountain, you can overlook the Kyoto cityscape. Many people also make a special trip up the mountain at night to see the night view. Many travelers turn back here, but if you persist to the summit, the mountain path forms a loop. Several small shrines are distributed around the summit area, and a round-trip generally takes two to three hours, which is also equivalent to experiencing a traditional "Oyama Meguri" (mountain pilgrimage).Japan · Kyoto

Experiences you can't miss in Tanabe

Featured Day tours in Tanabe

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1-day tour from Osaka to world heritage Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi pilgrimage route | Kumano Sanzan Hongu Nachi Hayatama
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FromNZD 203.08
[Private Charter] 1-Day Tour of Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route in Japan | Customize Your Itinerary
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
463 travellers saved
FromNZD 1,012.11
UNESCO Kumano Kodo: Complete 3 Grand Shrines & Nachi Hike
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4.9/5
· 92 reviews
Duration: 13 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
97.8% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromNZD 173.87NZD 183.03
1-day tour to Shirahama, Wakayama with Conan-themed experience, including train ride to Kishi Station and Senjojiki
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4.8/5
· 209 reviews· 1.8k booked
Duration: 10.4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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25 consecutive positive reviews
14% off
Limited-time sale
FromNZD 83.05NZD 96.58

Featured Spa & wellness in Tanabe

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1-day tour to Shirahama beach in Wakayama: Seafood market + Engetsu island Sandanbeki cliffs Senjojiki rock plateau | Small group optional
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4.9/5
· 57 reviews· 578 booked
Duration: 7.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
98.2% of travelers recommend
FromNZD 90.41
Wakayama Cat Stationmaster Train Experience & Nanki Shirahama Hot Spring Day Tour
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FromNZD 141.40
1-day tour to Wakayama & Shirahama hot spring: Visit the cat station master + seafood market + Senjojiki + Sandanbeki cliffs
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3.5/5
· 2 reviews· 48 booked
Duration: 5.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromNZD 117.30
Shirahama hot spring hotel one-day hot spring have fun in wakayama
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FromNZD 24.65
Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromNZD 104.65NZD 110.16

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What travellers say about Tanabe

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奔放肆的旅行之家24 December 2024
5.0
The hiking experience of Kumano Kodo is very unique and unforgettable. The scenery along this ancient road is picturesque and the natural landscape is rich and diverse. During the hike, I felt the tranquility and magnificence of nature. At the same time, the facilities of this ancient road are well maintained, and the signboards are clear and concise, which provides great convenience for hikers. In addition, the local services and catering are also quite good, and the food is fresh and delicious. In general, Kumano Kodo is a hiking route that combines natural beauty and comfortable facilities. It is worth recommending to all people who love outdoor activities.

Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route

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msms5 April 2025
5.0
You must go to the cave. The elevator goes down 36 meters, close to sea level, and the waves are rolling. 1500 yen is very worthwhile! The rocks are from the mines, and the colors are bright, which is the first time I have seen it in my life.

Sandanbeki Cliffs

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横竖是二温小迪26 November 2024
4.0
It is said that in winter or summer, you have a chance to see the sun set at the gap of Engetsujima. I made a temporary strategy and did not study the camera position or time. I searched on Google and came here to check in. It is not far from Shirarahama Beach, so I just went along to play. It was almost sunset when we arrived there. While waiting for the sunset, we can also soak in the foot bath next to it. We saw a few people on a dam and thought they were waiting for the sunset with us. We walked into the area and found that they were fishing. As the sun set, the light became more and more beautiful. At the same time, I also found that I was standing in the wrong position. Obviously, I couldn’t take pictures of the sun passing through the hole in this position, and I didn’t have time to adjust. Although I didn’t see the fantasy, the scenery was still good. Friends who encounter good weather, promise me to check the best camera position, don’t be like me, and navigate here stupidly.

Engetsu Island

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lienajiejie15 September 2023
5.0
It is very close to the Sandanbeki scenic area, suitable for one-line tourism. There are not many tourists, the scenery is pleasant, and it is also a niche tourist attraction. The rocks of Senjojiki are a strange rock landscape formed after years of impact by sea water. Let your imagination run wild. Overlooking the sea, the sea and sky are one color, sparkling, and beautiful.

Senjojiki Rock Plateau

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游侠半仙19 June 2024
5.0
Kumano Hongu Taisha belongs to Yoshino-Kumano National Park in the southeast of Wakayama Prefecture. Together with Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, it is the head shrine of more than 3,000 Kumano shrines across the country. The shrine, which has crows as its servants, was originally built on Nakasu Osaigahara, where the Kumano River, Otonashi River, and Iwata River meet. It was washed away by a flood at the end of the 19th century and was rebuilt in its current location. The main gate, the shrine, and the shrine for worshipping the gods make people feel calm and peaceful in the ancient and vastness, as if explaining to people why people believe in Kumano Hongu Taisha so much. Since the 14th century, the habit of worshipping Kumano has been formed in the lives of local people. At that time, there was a saying that "ants worship Kumano", which shows how many people worshipped. There are monuments and stone tablets describing the history of worship on the side of the Kumano Kodo, which is covered with moss stone steps in the greenery. Many people like to use the Kumano Kodo as a walking route.

Kumano Hongu Taisha

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西等记忆13 February 2020
5.0
The seawater is green. It was early in the morning of New Year so there were not many people. Two families were walking on the beach with their children. It was very nice! The beach was easy to walk on because it had just rained. If it was sunny, it would be very slippery! There is also a small pavilion for free foot bathing nearby! I also found a dolphin-shaped shower device by chance.

Shirarahama Beach

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fyqj12345 February 2021
5.0
The original Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine was not on the current mountain, but on the land of Osaigahara. It was just for historical reasons. Because of a big mountain torrent, the original Kumano Hongu Shrine was washed away. After the reconstruction, it was built on the mountain, and the original location of Osaigahara became a memorial. Now there is a super tall torii here, which is very domineering. With the surrounding flat land, it is also a very lonely existence. There is a forest behind the torii, which can barely be regarded as the Kumano Ancient Road. In general, although it is Osaigahara, there is nothing to see except the torii, and the surrounding area is basically farmland.

Ōyunohara Sanctuary

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_TI***sk10 October 2026
5.0
Hidden within this room lies the charm of nature. Pushing open the door, verdant greenery greets you first. Leaning against the window, the murmuring of a spring fills the air, while mist and haze drift into the room along the window sill. Each season presents its own unique beauty here: spring brings forth new bamboo shoots, summer offers lush shade, autumn fills the courtyard with the fragrance of osmanthus, and winter sees snow tapping against the window. Every detail in the room reflects thoughtful consideration: the mattress's firmness perfectly supports a tired back, the toiletries have a pleasant, non-irritating scent, and a warm, yellow light awaits you at the door when you return late at night. This is not just a temporary resting place, but a sanctuary for the soul. After a few days, even the most tense nerves gradually relax, allowing you to rediscover your most relaxed state.

Osaka Castle Park

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Aleksandr Petikov8 October 2026
4.0
Довольно неплохая смотровая площадка с интересной архитектурой. Будьте готовы к очередям в предзакатное/ закатное время и к тому, что выход из здания занимает даже больше времени, чем вход в эти часы. В целом довольны посещением.

Umeda Sky Building

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_TI***dv2 August 2026
5.0
Fushimi Inari Taisha was a magical place. So beautiful for pictures. We went early evening before it got dark and it was perfect as not too many people. Highly recommended in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

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Frequently asked questions

You can give Osaka Ochi Beya Sumo Show + Sumo Experience & Kimono Experience + Optional Chanko Nabe and Other Japanese Cuisine and Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

As of 15 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Tanabe is around NZD 83.05 – NZD 1,220.48. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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