Wakayama Prefecture is a region dotted with fascinating sightseeing spots, such as Kumano Kodo, the spiritual center of Japan, and the spectacular Nachi Falls. In this 2-day/1-night road trip starting from Kansai International Airport, which I actually experienced this time, I will introduce a course to fully enjoy the charms of Wakayama, from World Heritage sites to hot springs and gourmet food!
Day1: Road to Nachikatsuura
Beginning of the trip: Arranging a rental car
There are several car rental companies at Kansai International Airport, but we recommend Toyota Rent-A-Car, which offers a full range of English-language services. For detailed procedures from reservation to pick-up, please see this article. Easy access from the airport allows you to start your trip smoothly.
- Address: 1F Aeroplaza, Senshu Kuko Naka 1, Tajiri-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, 549-0011, Japan
- Business hours: 7:00-22:00 (open year round)
- Parking: Use airport parking lot (fee required)
- Reservations can be made from this site
Roadside Station Susami
Roadside Station Susami, located on the Pacific coast of the Kii Peninsula, is a rest spot boasting fresh seafood. Inside the spacious facility, there is a restaurant that uses fresh seafood purchased by local fishermen, and the “Tuna Donburi” is especially exquisite. The restaurant overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the horizon. Local seafood and agricultural products can also be purchased at the store inside the facility.
- Address: 4857-1 Shusami, Susami Town, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture, 649-2621
- Business hours:
- Product center: 8:00-18:00
- Restaurant: 11:00-15:00
- Parking: 100 regular cars, 10 large cars (free)
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, multipurpose restroom available
Roadside Station Taiji
Roadside Station Taiji in Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a facility where visitors can experience the culture of Taiji Town, known as the town of whales. The restaurant also offers locally caught whale dishes.
I had curry udon with whale cutlet and whale sashimi here. Other dishes such as ramen and udon were also available.
- Address: 2071-1, Taiji, Taiji-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5171
- Hours: 8:00-17:00
- Restaurant: 11:00-14:00
- Parking: 50 regular cars (free)
- Facilities: restrooms, free Wi-Fi, souvenir shop
Nachi Waterfall
Nachi Falls is the highest waterfall in Japan, with a drop of 133 meters and a width of 13 meters. It is also worshipped as the sacred body of Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine, one of the three mountains of Kumano, a World Heritage site. It is a 5-minute walk down stone steps from Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine to the waterfall. There is an observatory where you can view the vermilion three-story pagoda and the waterfall at the same time, allowing you to experience both traditional Japanese worship and the grandeur of nature at the same time. On rainy days, the volume of water increases and you can enjoy an even more powerful view.
- Address: 1 Nachisan, Nachi-Katsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5301
- Visiting Hours:
- Nachi-Taisha Shrine: open 24 hours (Shrine Office: 8:30-17:00)
- Nachi-no-taki Waterfall: sunrise to sunset
- Parking: parking available nearby (fee, 500 yen for regular cars)
Hotel Urashima
Hotel Urashima, built on a cliff, is a hot spring resort famous for its “Bokido” cave hot springs. Please click here for a detailed description of Lodging Experience The hot spring facilities are located approximately 28 meters below the sea floor, and it is a rare opportunity to bathe while listening to the sound of the waves. The hotel has five bathhouses, each with a different atmosphere. Guest rooms offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, and for dinner, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat or kaiseki meals featuring fresh seafood. Reservations for Hotel Urashima can be made here. 
- Address: 1165-2 Katsuura, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5334
- Check-in: 15:00
- Check-out: 10:00
- Parking: 300 cars (free)
Day2: Enjoy the coastal area
Yunomine Onsen (hot spring)
With a history of over 1,800 years, Yunomine Onsen is known as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The “Tsuboyu” in particular is a wooden hot spring building designated as a National Important Cultural Property, and is characterized by its atmospheric appearance. A walk first thing in the morning will allow visitors to enjoy the cobblestone alleys of the hot spring resort area and the emotional scenery of the steam smoke rising from the hot spring. At the public bathhouses, where locals also go to bathe, you can experience the traditional onsen culture. You can also enjoy hot spring eggs.
- Address: 56 Yunomine, Motomiya-cho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama 647-1731
- Tsubo-yu hours: 6:30-21:30
- Parking: Yunomine Onsen public parking lot (free)
Hashigui-iwa Rocks
Hashigui-iwa Rocks, located in the town of Kushimoto, is a strange sight of more than 40 large and small rocks that are strung together in the sea for about 850 meters. Formed by volcanic activity, these rocks have been carved by waves into unique shapes. The view is especially spectacular when illuminated by the morning sun, attracting many photographers. Many stores selling local products are located nearby, and visitors can purchase souvenirs such as Wakayama’s pickled plums, soy sauce, and marine products.
I had a tuna bowl at a restaurant near Hashigui-iwa Rocks,. The tuna was fresh and very tasty.
- Address: Hashikai, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-3503
- Tours: Open 24 hours
- Parking: Hashikaiwa Parking Lot (free, 20 cars)
- Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, observation deck available
Shirahama
Shirahama is known as a beautiful beach with white sand and blue ocean. The beach, curved into a bow, is popular with families because of its shallow waters and gentle waves. At the nearby Adventure World, visitors can enjoy encounters with rare animals, including pandas. Visitors can also admire the rugged coastal beauty from a rocky beach called Senjyojiki. The Shirahama hot spring resort area is lined with many hot spring facilities, cafes, and restaurants, and is bustling with tourists.
- Address: 1384 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-2211
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Parking: Shirarahama Parking Lot (fee-based, 800 yen per day)
- Facilities: showers, toilets, changing rooms available (availability varies by season)
Practical Information and Advice
Driving time for this itinerary is approximately 5 hours on day 1 and 7 hours on day 2. The best season is March through November, and the estimated budget for two people starts at 50,000 yen. This includes car rental, lodging, and meals.
One thing to note during your trip is that cell phone reception is weak in some parts of the Kumano Kodo area. In addition, since the distances between tourist attractions are long and there is a lot of driving on mountain roads, we recommend that you plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your visit.
Wakayama Prefecture is a tourist destination where traditional Japanese culture and nature are in perfect harmony. With a rental car, you can efficiently tour around at your own pace. This 2-day/1-night itinerary will allow you to fully enjoy Wakayama’s rich tourist resources.
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