Top 20 Best Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Adventure Worldtop_1
    󰺂6.4
    2607.22
    Shirahama65 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Wakayama Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱓊Breathtaking ocean views & seaside
    󱨜Dolphin show: spectacular & thrilling
    󱨠Saved by 394 users󱨠140 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    AdabadcatAdabadcat

    It is a really good place for family! its fun and many amazing animal show!

  • Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Routetop_2
    󰺂5.8
    Tanabe59.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Wakayama Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󰋄Experience ancient culture & traditions
    󱓊Millennium pilgrimage ancient path
    󱨠38% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    到处玩玩到处玩玩

    The journey is a truly remarkable one, with world cultural heritage sites intertwined throughout. Many years from now, I might still recall these mountain streams, waterfalls, and creeks, the rain, dew, and gentle breezes, and my reverence for the gods!

  • Wakayama Castletop_3
    󰺂5.4
    Wakayama412m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoWakayama Castle Drone Show "Festival of the Sky"
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Wakayama Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󰋄Castle surrounded by pink blossoms
    󱓊Skydeck views of Ji River & city
    󱨠Saved by 134 users󱨠42% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    BiancaArielBiancaAriel

    There is a post office building next to Wakayama Castle and a bus stop at the entrance of the castle. It seems to be easily accessible from JR Wakayama Station by bus. There are a zoo and a garden together in the castle, and you can find the direction of the castle keep with the sign. The admission ticket is 410 yen. I went to the observatory on a very hot day, and the cool wind blew, so I wanted to stand for a long time.

  • Nakishirahama Onsen
    4
    󰺂5.2
    Shirahama63.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Pacific views & hot springs
    󰋄Interact closely with red pandas
    󱨠Saved by 152 users
    4.8/5
    _TI***j0_TI***j0

    enjoying and relaxing in this onsen...very much , the trip is enjoyable and with a comfortable stay for a very nice recharge

  • Senjojiki Rock Plateau
    5
    󰺂5.2
    Shirahama63.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Autumn leaves create stunning scenery
    󱓊One of Shirahama's top attractions
    󱨠40% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    AcismeAcisme

    The landmark of Shirahama, a must-visit spot The visual effect of the thousand-layer chocolate cake 🍰 The aerial photography is also very impressive, and it is also a scenic spot with a wasteland style If you want to take pictures, it is suitable to wear bright and bright colors, such as red

  • Sandanbeki Cliffs
    6
    󰺂5.2
    Shirahama64.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊50ft cliffs & 1.2mi views
    󱓊Explore 118-foot-deep sea cave
    󱨠43% positive reviews
    4.9/5
    msmsmsms

    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.

  • Shirarahama Beach
    7
    󰺂5.0
    Shirahama62.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Diving & surfing water activities
    󱓊Summer diving & beach volleyball
    󱨠35% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    西等记忆西等记忆

    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.

  • Kuroshio Market
    8
    󰺂4.9
    Wakayama8 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Savor Wakayama's specialty sashimi
    Watch the Tuna Cutting Show at noon
    󱨠Saved by 145 users󱨠42% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    夜遊関西夜遊関西

    The Kuroshio Market, not far from Wakayama, is a classic tourist attraction. The tuna there is a specialty, fresher and cheaper than the Kuromon Market in Osaka. You can use the Kansai Pass and take the bus for free.

  • Kishi Station
    9
    󰺂4.8
    Kinokawa13.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Cherry blossoms: a photographer's paradise
    󱓊Photo with cat stationmaster
    󱨠30% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    armsmanarmsman

    It's quite interesting to take a trip. You can take the JR from downtown to Wakayama and then transfer (pay attention to the Kansai Express train, don't take it to the airport). There is a yakiniku set meal restaurant outside Kishi. The price is not cheap, but the meat tastes good, and the boss and his wife are quite polite. The rest is to take pictures and look around. Two hours is enough to get out of Wakayama.

  • Kimii-dera
    10
    󰺂4.7
    Wakayama5 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Wakayama Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱨜Cherry blossoms bloom in spring
    󱓊1200 cherry blossoms bloom early
    4.5/5
    小白兔艾米小白兔艾米

    The temple is situated on a mountainside, offering panoramic views of Wakayama City and Utamara Bay. A cable car is available for a round trip, costing 400 yen, and the entrance fee is also 400 yen. The temple grounds boast approximately 1200 cherry trees, and its early blooming season has earned it a place among Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots. I visited Kisui-dera Temple in autumn, and the autumn leaves there were also very beautiful. As the second of the 33 sacred sites for Kannon (Avalokitesvara) in western Japan, the temple houses a standing statue of the 11-faced, 100-armed Kannon. It's about a 10-minute walk (500 meters) from Kisui-dera Station on the JR Kise Main Line to the temple's main gate.

Best things to do in Wakayama Prefecture (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Wakayama Prefecture? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Wakayama Prefecture offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Wakayama Prefecture

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Wakayama Prefecture experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Adventure World

• Shirahama | 65 km from downtown

• : Breathtaking ocean views & seaside,Dolphin show: spectacular & thrilling

Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route

• Tanabe | 59.4 km from downtown

• : Experience ancient culture & traditions,Millennium pilgrimage ancient path

Wakayama Castle

• Wakayama | 412m from downtown

• : Castle surrounded by pink blossoms,Skydeck views of Ji River & city

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Wakayama Prefecture

If you want to explore attractions just outside Wakayama Prefecture, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Wakayama Prefecture, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Wakayama Prefecture special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Wakayama Prefecture

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Wakayama Prefecture

Ready to explore the best of Wakayama Prefecture? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Wakayama Prefecture?
These are all Best Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture:Adventure World, Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route, Wakayama Castle, Nakishirahama Onsen, Senjojiki Rock Plateau
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture include:Adventure World:4.8, Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route:4.6, Wakayama Castle:4.6, Nakishirahama Onsen:4.8, Senjojiki Rock Plateau:4.7
At what locations in Wakayama Prefecture can Best Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture be found?
The Best Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture are mainly located in:Adventure World:Shirahama, Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route:Tanabe, Wakayama Castle:Wakayama, Nakishirahama Onsen:Shirahama, Senjojiki Rock Plateau:Shirahama
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