Turn yourself into a war time Samurai

Wakayamajo (Wakayama Castle) – Samurai armor experience

War time Samurais are just as popular as warriors of the Three Kingdom! War time Samurais can be found in games, comic books and Japanese movies. At Wakayamajo (Wakayama Castle), the Wakayama City Tourist Information Center offers you an opportunity to experience wearing the Samurai armors for free of charge. You can try wearing the armor and turn yourself into one of Tokugawa Gosanke (three great families of Tokugawa) and feel the manliness of Samurais for yourself. Don’t forget to take photos!

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A walk through the ancient atmosphere

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano Hongu Taisha was designated as a World Heritage. Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of the three mountains of Kumano and is the grand head shrine of all of the 3,000 Kumano shrines in Japan. In the Heian Period, many people came here to offer their prayers. Ooyunohara at the original location of Kumano Hongu Taisha has the largest Torii (gate to the shrine) in Japan and the road covered with green grass is a nice place to visit. The historical view of tall trees and old shrine buildings is just beautiful.

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Come visit the water falls and the shrine

Kumano Nachi Taisha

Kumano Nachisan is the last mountain of the three mountains of Kumano and Kumano Fusuminokami is worshiped here. Kumano Nachi Taisha is known for its very long 467 stone steps to the gate. Here, Yatagarasu (the legendary crow with three legs) is also enshrined. Yatagarasu is the motif of the emblem of Japan Football Association. And for this reason, many football players come here to offer their prayers before their games. Here, you can also see the famous Nachi Falls that looks just like a fine painting.

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The sacred area of Kumano

Nachi no Taki (Nachi Falls)

Nachi no Taki is known as the three best water falls of Japan along with Kegon no Taki (Kegon Falls) and Fukuroda no Taki (Fukuroda Falls). Its height being 133m and width being 13m, Nachi no Taki has the longing falling distance among the water falls in Japan. UNESCO also recognized Nachi no Taki as a World Cultural Heritage. Nachi no Taki is seen as the sacred place of Nachisan (Mt. Nachi) and there is also a shrine at the basin of the falls.

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A natural fort, A mysterious cave

Sandanbeki Cave

Comparing to Nachi-Katsuura, Shirahama is the place to enjoy sceneries of the nature and Sandanbeki is the place that represents such beautiful sceneries of Shirahama. The 60m high cliff continues for about 2km, this is like a great screen appeared in the sea. What a splendid scenery! Sandanbeki cave is famous for being the hub to the Tagamaru pirate who scared the fishermen in the area in the time of Empero Kanmu (781-806). In the Heian Period, this was the sea fort of Kumano navy.

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A natural rock of unique shape and a romantic view just like a painting.

Engetsuto (Engetsu Island)

In addition to Sandanbeki, Engetsuto is another unique natural scenery of Shirahama. In the middle of Engetsuto, there is a round cave formed due to erosion by waves. This is where the name, Engetsuto (round moon island), came from. When the sun sets passing the round cave, the setting sun and the cave be just like a romantic painting. Every year, many couples come here to see this sunset view.

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The oldest seaside hot spring

Saki no yu

Saki no yu is one of the oldest hot spring in Japan having the history of 1000 years. This is a small hot spring bath located only 10m from the sea. You can take a bath as you look at the vast Pacific Ocean and listen to the endless sound of waves hitting on rocks. This is a spectacular experience, looking at the waves splashing at the edge of the hot spring bath.

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The city that doesn’t sleep – Osaka

Dotonbori

This is the most festive downtown area in Osaka. Shopping malls and shops near the station are opened until around 10:00pm at night. Dotonbori is full of tastes of the local authentic food and snacks of Osaka. No wonder Dotonbori is called the war district of snacks and food. Try octopus balls, Osaka-yaki pancakes, kushiyaki (BBQ sticks), and more? If you want to step further in to the authentic taste of Osaka, don’t miss the specialty restaurants of puffer fish and crab.

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Experience the warmth and charm of Osaka Naniwa district

Tenjinbashi suji shotengai (shopping street)

From the south to the north, it is about 2.6 km long from Tenjinbashi 1 chome through Tenjinbashi 7 chome. Tenjinbashi suji shotengai is the longest shopping street in Japan. If you walk through the entire street, it will take about 40 min. The shopping street includes about 600 shops and eateries such as noodle eateries, snack stands, little shops selling miscellaneous goods, fashionable clothing, etc. They are all there! Enjoy window shopping here.

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Come empty handed and enjoy skiing – welcome to the snow park

Rokkosan Snow Park

Located in the Rokkosan ski resort, the snow park has a long history of 50 years. From ski wears, sleighs, snow boots, gloves, etc., you can rent them all so that you can come here empty handed and yet enjoy snow activities at any time. This season, they close at March 21, 2016. Admission fee is 2,100 yen (day time ticket).

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