Wakayama

Wakayama, or Wakayama Prefecture, is a prefecture in the Kansai region of Honshu, Japan. Its capital is Wakayama City. The prefecture covers the southern part of the Kii Peninsula, with a rugged interior of mountains and a long Pacific coastline. The Kumano region in the south is known for its natural scenery, pilgrimage routes, and hot springs.

Historically, Wakayama formed part of the Kishu Domain during the Edo period and became a modern prefecture in the Meiji era. The region includes the UNESCO World Heritage site Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, which encompasses the Kumano Sanzan shrines and related routes along the mountainous coastline.

The economy is mixed, with agriculture, forestry, and fishing playing traditional roles alongside growing tourism. The prefecture attracts visitors to its pilgrimage trails, historic shrines, hot springs, and coastal scenery. In addition to cultural sites, natural attractions such as Nachi Falls and the surrounding mountains are popular for hiking and scenic viewing.

Transportation infrastructure links Wakayama with the rest of the country. Railways include JR West lines such as the Hanwa Line and the Kisei Main Line, as well as private railways that connect coastal towns to Osaka and Nagoya. The Nanki-Shirahama Airport serves southern Wakayama, and several ports support regional commerce and tourism.

Tourism highlights include Shirahama Onsen, a well-known hot-spring resort, and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes leading to Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. The region’s cultural landscape and natural beauty reflect Wakayama’s historical role as a bridge between inland Japan and the Pacific coast.