view of sunset behind giant rocks in the water

Wakayama

Enjoy An Oceanside Holiday

Located on the Kii Peninsula, Wakayama offers a range of culinary and outdoor activities, including ancient trails on the Ohechi route of the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo. The area is also great for relaxation with its many hot spring facilities, which draw in locals and visitors alike.

Participating Hotels
front of fairfield hotel at dusk

Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kushimoto

Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kushimoto is located next door to Michi-no-Eki Kushimoto Hashigui Iwa an area that has an abundance of seafood thanks to the Kuroshio Current. With its comfortable spaces and meticulous service, our hotel promises a pleasant place to stay as you enjoy an ocean-ide holiday.

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view of fairfield hotel behind some green plants

Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano Kodo Susami

Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano Kodo Susami stands next to Michi-no-Eki Susami, which looks out onto the Pacific Ocean. The region’s food is a major attraction, including Kenken Katsuo (bonito) and Japanese spiny lobster. Relax and enjoy a heartwarming moment, gazing out on the scenery woven by the magnificence of nature.

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Featured Attractions
View of Hashigui Iwa rocks at sunset

Hashiguiiwa Rocks

Rock formation created by a huge eruption of the Kumano caldera around 15 million years ago. This straight row of large and small rocky pinnacles stretching into the ocean is a must-see!

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1549-8 Kujinokawa, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

Kashinozaki Lighthouse tower during the day

Kashinozaki Lighthouse

Japan’s oldest stone lighthouse. Located on the easternmost point of Kii Oshima island, this lighthouse is the origin of a strong friendship between Japan and Turkey.

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Kashinozaki, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

Exterior view of Cape Shionomisaki Tourist Tower

Cape Shionomisaki Tourist Tower

Located on the southernmost point of Honshu, Shionomisaki has a wide green lawn stretching towards the edge and a horizon view that gives a sense of the curvature of Earth.

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2706-26 Shionomisaki, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

A view of the lake and nearby mountains at Michi-no-Eki Ichimaiiwa Camp & Food Monolith

Michi-no-Eki Ichimaiiwa Camp & Food Monolith

The massive single piece of bedrock is one of the largest in Japan. Designated as a national natural monument, its towering presence in the middle of nature is an impressive sight. 

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290-2 Kozagawa Aise, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

A river flowing through the rocks at Michinoeki Takinohaitaro

Michi-no-Eki Takinohaitaro

Takinohai is a spot along the river in Kozagawa. The most beautiful sight of this clear blue channel is a dramatic eight meter high waterfall.

774-1 Kogawa, Kozagawa-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

Rocks at Michinoeki Mushikuiiwa

Michi-no-Eki Mushikuiiwa

Designated as a national natural monument, Mushikuiiwa is one of the sights of Kozagawa. Wind and erosion have carved countless pits into the rock face, giving it the appearance of the holes in a bug-eaten leaf.

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705-1 Ikenoyama, Kozagawa-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

View of the Umikongo Rocks in Wakayama Prefecture

Umikongo Rocks

Umikongo is an area of unusual rock formations on Kii Oshima island in Kushimoto. The sight of waves crashing against these pyramid-shaped rocks jutting out of the sea is breathtaking.

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Kashinozaki, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

A fish tank with colorful fish swimming inside at Kushimoto Marine Park

Kushimoto Marine Park

See the northernmost coral reef in Japan! The Undersea Tower goes straight down into the ocean, allowing visitors to see fish in their natural environment up close. 

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1157 Arita, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

Exterior of Taiji-cho Whale Museium in Wakayama Prefecture

Taiji-cho Whale Museum

The world’s only full-scale museum dedicated to whales! Learn more about whale ecology and whale hunting through a collection of more than 1000 valuable artifacts.

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2934-2 Taiji, Taiji-cho, Higashimuro, Wakayama

A shrine standing in front of the Nachi waterfall

Nachi Falls

Huge waterfall with the biggest drop in Japan. Revered as one of the Three Great Waterfalls of Japan, Nachi Falls is surrounded by the impressive scenery of the Kumano mountains.

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Nachisan, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

Exterior view of Susami Aquarium of Crab and Shrimp in Wakayama Prefecture

Susami Aquarium of Crab and Shrimp

This aquarium has a collection of about 150 species of crustaceans, with a special love for crabs and shrimp. Check out the Touch Zone where visitors can touch live crabs, starfish, and sharks.

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808-1 Esumi, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

View of Koibito Cape in Wakayama Prefecture

Koibito (Lovers) Cape

The rough ocean current is split in half when it meets the Kuroshima island rocks, flowing around to rejoin in a crashing peak that is known as husband-and-wife waves (or praying hands waves). Koibito Cape is a symbol of Kareki-nada Bay.

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Mirozu, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

View of the waterfall at Shizuku Falls in Wakayama Prefecture

Shizuku Falls

This beautiful two level waterfall drops 30 meters along the main branch of the Susami River. The fresh green of summer and red leaves of autumn are wonderful.

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Okauchi, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

A statue standing in the Japanese Nursery Song Garden with a view of the ocean.

Japanese Nursery Song Garden

Spread your lunch out on the grass and enjoy a picnic with your family or friends on a warm, sunny day. One of the 100 best spots to watch the sunrise and sunset in Wakayama.

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Esumi, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

A view of Shirarahama Beach with palm trees and resort hotels in the distance

Shirarahama Beach

White sand beach stretching 620 meters. Beautiful white sand, emerald green sea, and rows of palm trees make Shirarahama Beach feel like a tropical resort.

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Shirarahama, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

A view of Engetsu Island at sunset in Wakayama Prefecture

Engetsu Island

Engetsu Island is ranked as one of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Sunsets. The colors of the setting sun are amazing, and in spring and autumn the sun lines up exactly with the hole in the stone arch for just a moment.

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Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

View of the Senjojiki Rock Plateau in Wakayama Prefecture

Senjojiki Rock Plateau

Set against the blue Pacific Ocean, this large outcrop of bedrock has been carved away by rough ocean waves for centuries to create a unique rock formation that looks like stacked tatami mats.

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Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

Water flowing through the Sandanbeki Cave in Wakayama

Sandanbeki Cave

This legendary cave is said to have been where the Kumano Suigun Navy hid their ship when they fought in the Genpei War during the Heian Period. It is also a popular spot to seek spiritual energy and has a shrine to Murodai Benzaiten.

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2927-52 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

A panda playing with a piece of bamboo

Adventure World

Theme park best known for its pandas. Enjoy seeing nature and animals in Safari World, Marine World, and the interactive Play Zone.

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2399 Katata, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

Dinosaur mascot standing at the entrance of Shirahama Energy Land

Shirahama Energy Land

Play and learn at this hands-on theme park inspired by “People & Energy.”

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3083 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

Featured Restaurants
Hot tea being poured over a bowl of rice and fresh fish

Manko

Japanese Cuisine

This restaurant is famous for katsuo ochazuke rice. Experience the fantastic flavor of the secret dipping sauce during your visit.

42-17 Kushimoto, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

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Ohashi

Japanese Cuisine

Check the lunch menu offering large servings with fresh fish. The boiled food is also amazing.

2304 Kushimoto, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

Fried shrimp and hamburger steak served with vegetables

Restaurant Kukai

Japanese Cuisine

Explore regional ingredients from Wakayama including Kishu Kumano beef, Kushimoto tuna, local fish, seafood, and vegetables.

1489-1 Kujinokawa, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

A bowl of hot udon in broth with a small bowl on the side for serving

Udon & Soba Hashigui

Japanese Cuisine (Soba)

Popular local udon shop with a long history. In addition to udon and soba, you can try local Kishu sanma sushi and mehari sushi.

1548-1 Kujinokawa, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

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Cape Town

Cafe

Very close to the hotel. The large lunch sets are only 500 yen. Breakfast is also available.

1489 Kujinokawa, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

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Kairi

Cafe

Cafe close to the Hashiguiiwa Rocks. Try the Wakayama ramen.

1548-1-3 Kujinokawa, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

A plate of sliced sashimi served with wasabi

Izakaya Kagura

Japanese Cuisine

Experience amazing fish in every season as sashimi or fried. Unusual local fish are also available here.

40-54 Kushimoto, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

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Seaside bal Nansea's

Italian

Authentic oven-baked pizza! Try the original Kushimotore featuring local seafood or the cheesy quattro formaggi.

1293-7 Kujinokawa, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

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Restaurant Sokai

Japanese Cuisine

Restaurant inside Michi-no-Eki Susami. Classic everyday dishes including set meals, noodles, rice bowls, and curry.

808-1 Esumi, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

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Susami Yoichi

Izakaya

Restaurant inside Michi-no-Eki Susami, open until 9pm. Enjoy drinks with Inobuta pork, seafood, and other local ingredients.

808-1 Esumi, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

Interior of Sushikiri with a wooden counter and chairs

Susami Sushikiri

Japanese Cuisine

The head chef personally selects Wakayama ingredients. Take a slow night and relax with fantastic food.

4043-1 Susami, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

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Miki Shokudo

Japanese Cuisine

Restaurant run by Inobuta pork producer Miki Farms. Menus such as Inobuta koopa and Inobuta yakiniku-don are recommended.

805-1 Esumi, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

Pasta topped with a white cream sauce

BUSH DE COFFEE

Cafe

Italian Cafe on Koibito (Lovers) Cape. Enjoy a fashionable lunch of pasta and pizza with a great view of the Pacific Ocean.

2-1 Mirozu, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

Curry rice topped with deep-fried cutlet

Taikobo

Cafe

Founded in 1982. Relaxing Cafe with homemade food on the coast. Awesome breakfast spot!

384-5 Kuchiwabuka, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

Freshly baked melon shaped bread and pastries

Fresh Bakery Fukujudo

Bakery

Retro bakery loved by locals. Check out their crispy croissants and other popular breads.

4143-6 Susami, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

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Tatsunoya

Japanese Cuisine

Enjoy seafood dishes made with plenty of seasonal ingredients and reasonably priced.

1203 Hiki, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

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Kaisen Kokorozushi

Japanese Cuisine

Conveyor belt sushi restaurant offering authentic sushi with great freshness and quality. Try the amazing taitencha, an original soup made from red snapper fish broth, which has been a best-seller since this restaurant was founded.

10-16 Horai-cho, Tanabe, Wakayama

A plate of grilled fish with Japanese sake on the side

Gyosaikeishoku Kou

Japanese Cuisine

An izakaya that catch fish on their very own boat to prepare fresh seafood dishes. Shochu, wine, and a variety of other menus are also available.

1062-12 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

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Seafood Restaurant Kanpachiya

Japanese Cuisine

Dishes featuring locally sourced fresh fish and vegetables that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

2926-15 Shinjo-cho, Tanabe, Wakayama