2

Nanki Kumano
Geopark

Yoshino-Kumano
National Park

Centuries of volcanic activity have sculpted the Kumano area into a land ofmighty rivers and waterfalls, honeycomb rocks, and towering monoliths steepedin Wakayama legend.

The Kumano area is dominated by a rich natural environment and imbued with culturaland spiritual heritage. The Kumano area of Wakayama joins sections of Mie and Naraprefectures to form an expansive national park.

The convergence of tectonic plates has shifted and shunted much of Wakayama,
forming many areas of geological interest. Much of the expansive Kumano area,
the prefecture’s southern region, has been established as a geopark to protect andcelebrate this distinctive geology. Geopark visitors can wander along jagged coastlines,
ride rafts through dramatic gorges, take in picturesque rock formations, and hikethrough dense forests to reach waterfalls considered to be deities.

The national park is a centre for outdoor activities and quests for spiritualenlightenment. Trekking trails thread through forested mountains and the coral reefs
off Wakayama's southern coast are prime diving areas. The Kumano Sanzan—the three
grand shrines of Kumano and Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple—have long been pilgrimage
destinations for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes
criss-cross Wakayama Prefecture, leading to these beautiful shrines and temple.

3

NambaShin-Imamiya
Tengachaya

N

Tennoji

Nara

Osaka

Kansai International
Airport (KIX)

OSAKA Pref.

Oji

NARA Pref.

Tokyo

Explore Kumano's dramatic terrain andexperience the area's rich spiritual connections to nature.
HinenoMatsuzaka

Hashimoto

Gojo

Ise Jingu
ShrineWakayama City

Koyasan

Kongobu-ji Head Temple
KainanEngetsuto Island

Phoenix Fold

Senjojiki Rock Plateau
c
he

Ko

WAKAYAMA Pref.

hig

21 Minakata Kumagusu Museum P14

Gobo

hi

ic

m

e
ak

i

m

O

23 Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium P14

neku

MIE Pref.

O

11 Doro-kyo Gorge P8

Ogumotori-goe Route P11
Kogumotori-goe Route P11
Kumano-shi

Nakahechi

Hashigui-iwa RockIchimai-iwa Monolith

Gotobiki-iwa Rock P10

Takinohai Waterfall

Shingu Castle Ruins P17

Kii-Tanabe

Nachi Waterfall P918
17

Daimon-zaka Slope P11

Shirahama

26

Index

12

Sukuma-dani Kannon Temple
P16

Nanki Kumano Geopark

P2

Things to Do

P12-17

Yoshino-Kumano National Park

P3

Outdoor Activities

P12-13A Birds’-Eye View of the Parks

P4-5

Cultural Activities

P14-15

History & Culture

P16-17Sights to See

P6-11

By the sea

P6-7

General Information ­­P18-20

By the river

P8-9

Enjoying the ParkP21

In the mountains

P10-11

Flora & Fauna in the Park

P22

Disaster Prevention

P23

Wakayama Access Guide

P24

19

3 Sandanbeki Rock Cliff P6
1 Senjojiki Rock Plateau P6

P6

8

16

Susami6 Benten-jima Island P7

24
9

Taiji Whale Museum P15
Kajitorizaki Point P7

14

10

Takinohai Waterfall P9

5

Takaike Mushikui-iwa Rock P10

4

Phoenix Fold P7

Asuka-jinja Shrine P16

ShinguKii-Katsuura

Ichimai-iwa Monolith P8

P7

25

28 Katsuura Onsen P16

13

2 Engetsuto Island

15

Ohechi Route P11

Nanki-Shirahama
AirportShihara Coast

27

Hashigui-iwa Rock P7

22
7
20

Kushimoto Marine Park P14
Cape Shionomisaki P7

Kushimoto

Nanki Kumano Geopark Center P14

Nanki Kumano Geopark & Yoshino-Kumano National Park

Nanki Kumano Geopark

Nanki Kumano Geopark

Yoshino-Kumano National Park
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes

45Sights to See

Phoenix Fold

Hashigui-iwa Rock
MAP 4

MAP 5

This extraordinary formation of around 40 rocks
stretches 850 metres into the ocean like a pier. Legend
has it that the formation was created by Kobo Daishi(Kukai, 774–835), the famed Buddhist monk believed
to be preserved in an eternal state of meditation at
Okuno-in in Koyasan, in northern Wakayama.

The Phoenix Fold is an excellent example of a tectonic
fold. It was formed underground about 30 million years
ago when one tectonic plate moved under another,
forcing the fold to the surface. The distinctive shapeof the fold and sandstone veins around its core resultsfrom sustained geological forces.

By the sea
Centuries of coastal erosion has sculpted the dramatic Wakayama coastline.
Towering cliffs and sea caves, along with jagged monoliths and tectonic folds,
are some of the natural sculptures dominating the prefecture’s coastal areas.

Benten-jima Island

Senjojiki Rock Plateau

6

Engetsuto Island

Sandanbeki Rock Cliff

MAP 1

MAP 2

MAP 3

Senjojiki Rock Plateau is a raised
coastal terrace in Shirahama. Literally, ‘a thousand tatami mats’,
the name refers to the wide, flat
surface of layered sandstone andmudstone, giving the impressionof an expanse of tatami floor
mats. Senjojiki Rock Plateau waspart of the shallow seabed morethan 15 million years ago.

Engetsuto (meaning ‘round-moon

The Sandanbeki Rock Cliff rises
more than 40 metres above thesea. These sandstone cliffs wereonce part of the shallow seabed,but tectonic plate movement
has pushed them upwards overmillions of years. The cliffs are famous for their caves, which can bereached by elevator.

island’) is just off the coast of Shirahama. The island has a 9-metre-wide hole, through which thesetting sun aligns perfectly during
the spring and autumn equinoxes.
It was once part of a chain of islands, but continued erosion has
left only the islet we see today.

Cape Shionomisaki

Shihara Coast

MAP 6

MAP 7

MAP 8

Benten-jima Island is a small, sacred islet just off the Ojaura seashore. Its dramatic, craggy rockis punctuated by a red torii gate,
which marks the entrance to theshrine on the island. Hakuja-benten, the white snake goddess, isenshrined here. She is the deity of
all that flows, such as water, music,
and art.

Cape Shionomisaki is the southernmost point of Honshu, Japan’slargest island. It is the point where
the warm Kuroshio Current, originating in the Philippines, comesclosest to the shore, allowing
some of the world’s northernmost
coral communities to thrive. At
the tip of the cape is Shionomisaki
Lighthouse.

The rugged Shihara Coast near
Shirahama Town is a volcanic sandbeach. The terrain is made up ofalternate layers of sandstone andmudstone, and fossils of worms
and wave patterns can be seen
imprinted into the rock. A highlight of the coastline is the Torige
Caves.

Kajitorizaki Point
MAP 9
Kajitorizaki Point is a beautiful coastal lookout across the
Kumano Sea in Taiji, with bright green lawns and a whitelighthouse. Kajitorizaki Point once played an importantrole in the whaling industry. It served as a lookout and,
when a whale was spotted, smoke signals were sent toalert and guide boats.

7

Sights to See

Nachi Waterfall

Takinohai Waterfall
MAP 12

MAP 13

Nachi Waterfall is Japan’s longest single drop waterfall, plunging 133 metres. The waterfall’s hard bedrock
was formed 14 million years ago when a magma chamber cooled and hardened. The weak surrounding rocklayers eventually eroded, leaving a ledge over whichmore than a tonne of water per second flows.

Takinohai Waterfall is a 200-metre stretch of the Kogawa River which cuts through pot-holed bedrock, forming a small waterfall. A shallow sea once covered thesandstone and mudstone riverbed. An undergroundmagma chamber heated it, leaving it hard and brittle
when it cooled. Stones rotated by the current eroded
the rock and created pot-holes.

By the river

From the worship of thundering cascades to white-water rafting, Kumano’s
waterfalls and rivers are a focal point for spirituality and outdoor adventure.
Rivers have also played a role in shaping the natural landscape, creating thedistinctively pot-holed area around Takinohai Waterfall.

Ichimai-iwa Monolith

Koza-gawa River

Kitayama-gawa River

Kumano-gawa River

The 40-kilometre-long Koza-gawa River winds down through theKii mountain range before emptying into the Pacific Ocean in
Wakayama’s southwestern corner.
The crystal-clear river flows pastvarious points of geological interest, including the Ichimai-iwa
Monolith. Kayaking on the river is
a popular activity.

The source of the Kitayama-gawaRiver is deep in the Kii mountain
range. The river’s upper reaches are
fast-flowing and the location for
the traditional log-rafting activity.
It winds through mountainous terrain before joining the larger Kumano-gawa River around 10 kilometresfrom Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of
the grand shrines of Kumano.

The 183-kilometre Kumano-gawa River weaves through the Kii
Peninsula, flowing past Kumano
Hayatama Taisha before draining
into the Pacific Ocean. A sectionof the river is a designated partof the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage
routes; pilgrims on their journeyto spiritual enlightenment travel
along the waterway.

Doro-kyo Gorge
MAP 10Ichimai-iwa Monolith is a towering rock on the bankof the Koza-gawa River. It is more than 500 metreswide and 100 metres tall. The earth continues to push
the rock upwards, making it grow taller. Ichimai-iwa isremarkably smooth compared to other nearby rocks,
which have a honeycomb texture.

8

The RiversofNanki Kumano Geopark

MAP 11The Kitayama-gawa River’s turquoise waters run
through 31 kilometres of rocky ravines known as the
Doro-kyo Gorge. This picturesque gorge was formed bymillions of years of erosion, leaving it with steep, forested cliffs and unusual rock formations. The river is atributary of the Kumano-gawa River that runs throughNara, Mie, and Wakayama prefectures.

9Sights to See

The Kumano Kodo
Pilgrimage Routes

In the mountains
The Ohechi RouteMAP 16The Ohechi route is a 92-kilometre-long coastal routefrom Tanabe in western Wakayama to Nachikatsuura insoutheastern Wakayama. It is one of the most popular
trails on the Kumano Kodo because of its environmental
diversity and ease of access from several railway stations. The steep Nagai-zaka Slope trail quickly climbs
350 metres, providing views over the Kushimoto coastand of Kuroshima Island. The path leads through a
black ridge oak (ubamegashi; Quercus phillyraeoides)
forest. Wild cherry (yamazakura; Prunus serrulata), redbayberry (yamamomo; Myrica rubra), and azalea allgrow along the route. Most of it is a natural forest trail,
but a short section is a simple pathmade from shaped, compacted
mud in a style known as ‘danchiku’.

Densely forested mountains dominate the Kumano area, with a maze of trekking paths running through the undulating terrain. These paths are the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, where for centuries pilgrims have wandered thetracks in search of spiritual enlightenment.

Takaike Mushikui-iwa RockMAP 17

MAP 18MAP 19Ogumotori-goe Route

Kogumotori-goe Route

Daimon-zaka Slope

The challenging 14-kilometre section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage connects Nachi Waterfall withThis 13-kilometre section links Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrinewith the Koguchi area. The path

This 600-metre long cobblestone
staircase in the Kumano forest
runs up to Kumano Nachi Taisha

Koguchi in the peninsula’s central
area. The path runs through forested mountains with some steep
climbs and descents. The routepasses by Waroda-ishi Rock, amythical gathering spot for the Kumano deities. Ogumotori-goe forms
part of the longer Nakahechi route.

rises and falls through the Kumano
mountains, reaching elevations ofaround 500 metres at its highest
point, the traditional observation
point of Hyakken-gura. The routeis less challenging than the Ogumotori-goe route.

and Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple.
Hikers can view thundering Nachi
Waterfall near the top of the staircase. The towering cedar, cypress,and camphor trees, that line thepath date back centuries.

Gotobiki-iwa RockMAP 14

Takaike Mushikui-iwa is a 60-metre-high rock in Kozagawa Town. This rock is a remnant of an explosion that
occurred 14 million years ago, leaving a circular volcanic depression. The magma cooled and hardened,
forming a wide chain of rocks 22 kilometres long and
800 metres wide, now called the Kozagawa Dyke.
10

Other Routes & Sights

MAP 15

Gotobiki-iwa Rock is a huge boulder sitting adjacentto Kamikura-jinja Shrine on Mt. Gongenyama. Legend
suggests that the deities of Kumano descended fromthe heavens and landed upon the rock. The boulder
and shrine are located at the top of around 500 steep
stone steps.

11Things to Do

Outdoor Activities

River Activities

The Kumano area’s ocean and rivers offer opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. From diving and snorkeling in
the waters off the coast, kayaking, and white-water rafting on
the meandering rivers, to boat tours of gorges and tiny islands.

Kitayama-gawa River
Log-Rafting
Kitayama Village was a logging centre from the Edo
period (1603–1868) through to the mid-twentieth century. Logs felled in Kitayama were sold in Shingu after being transported down the Kitayama-gawa andKumano-gawa rivers. Villagers would fasten the logs
together and create long rafts, which they would navigate downstream. Today, you can tour a section of the
Kitayama-gawa River on log rafts similar to those previously constructed in the village. The rafts are steered
along a relatively peaceful, scenic 5.5-kilometre stretchof the river. The rafts measure 30 metres in length andare made up of several rafts tied together.

Ocean Activities
Diving at Kushimoto Diving Park

Snorkeling Lesson in ShirahamaThis diving park on Wakayama’s southern coast provides opportunities to explore the coral communities
that thrive in the warm ocean waters off the coast.
More than 120 coral species have been discovered inand around the area. All necessary diving equipment
is available to rent.

The clear waters off the Shirahama coast in the southwest corner of the peninsula are ideal for snorkeling.
Tropical fish swim amongst the colourful coral, andstretches of interesting geographical features make foran exciting snorkeling experience. All necessary equipment is available to rent.

Sea Kayak Tour in Kushimoto

Boat tour of the Ki-no-Matsushima Islands

Sea kayaking allows adventure-seekers the opportunity to paddle on open water and enjoy the clear andrelatively calm ocean off the Kushimoto coast. Enjoy
views of tropical fish and coral from above on this family-friendly activity. The tour begins with an instructional
lesson to ensure safety.

12

The coastal waters off the coast of Katsuura are dotted with islets and rock heaps that rise from the ocean
floor. By weaving in and around the rocky outcrops, thetour boats allow visitors a close-up look at these distinctive geographical features. Tours begin and end at
Katsuura Fishing Port.

Canyoning Tour in Kitayama

White-Water Rafting in Kitayama

Thrill-seekers can slide down some of Kumano’s geological features on a canyoning tour. The tours takeplace in the clear waters of the Kitayama-gawa River.
Participants wear wetsuits and jump from rocks andslip down natural slides into the river basin.

Outdoor adventurers can board a dinghy and ride thewhite water of the Kitayama-gawa River. Professional
instructors provide a safety briefing before guiding thegroup down the choppy waters. Experience a thrilling rideon clear waters through the dramatic Doro-kyo Gorge.

Find more activities here13

Things to Do

Cultural Activities

Taiji Whale Museum

Heian period clothing experience
MAP 24

Learn more about the Kumano area’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage by visiting a museum or visitor centre. Cultural experiences, such as dressing in period clothing and crafting traditional pottery, offer visitors an authentic travel experience.

Nanki Kumano Geopark Center
Nanki Kumano Geopark Center is a state-of-the-art facility providing in-depth information on geological formations in the Nanki Kumano Geopark, including features likethe Phoenix Fold, Senjojiki Rock Plateau, the Hashigui-iwa
Rock, Doro-kyo Gorge, and Ichimai-iwa Monolith.
Interactive displays suitable for both adults and children
explain how the features of the geopark were formed andhow these formations have impacted the people and the
local culture of Nanki Kumano. The Geopark Center utilizes projection mapping, 3D models, touchscreen games,
and videos to show how tectonic plate movements haveshaped the area over millions of years. Exhibitions tie
together disparate geological formations and create a
coherent narrative, demonstrating the earth’s immense
power.

MAP 20

Minakata Kumagusu
Museum14

Kushimoto Marine Park

Kyoto University
Shirahama Aquarium

MAP 21

MAP 22

MAP 23This museum documents the life of
Wakayama-born botanist Minakata Kumagusu (1867–1941). Minakata is remembered for his environmental conservation, his expertiseon slime molds, and his unconventional learning style. Minakata devoted his life to intensive research,becoming an expert in botany,
folklore, philosophy, language, andanthropology.

Kushimoto’s waters are home tosome of the world’s northernmost
table coral communities. Tropicalfish and corals can survive here
because of the Kuroshio Current,
which brings warm waters fromthe southern oceans. Kushimoto
Marine Park includes a research
centre, an aquarium, an undersea
observation tower, and an underwater sightseeing boat.

This aquarium showcases a selection of marine flora and fauna discovered off the Shirahama coast.
Browse various exhibits ranging
from a tank of sharks to hundredsof invertebrates, including species
rarely displayed in other aquariums. Other exhibits highlight diverse marine habitats from tidal
flats to the ocean floor.

Visitors to this coastal museum can observe various
whale and dolphin species up close in the outdoor
pools. Exhibits inside the main building highlight thehistory and traditional culture in the Taiji area. The
small aquarium displays a range of local marine life.

Wander a section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage
route in authentic Heian period (794-1185) garb. The
cultural experience occurs around the Daimon-zaka
Slope area of the Kumano Kodo, the long cobblestone
staircase that leads to Nachi Waterfall, Kumano Nachi
Taisha Grand Shrine, and Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple.

Washi paper lamp workshop

Aroma extraction experience

Create a colourful souvenir of your time in the laidback
coastal town of Shirahama. Craft a rustic, signaturelamp from local, naturally warped twigs and Japanesewashi paper. The result is a stunning, simple piece. Reservations for this artistic workshop are not necessary
but are preferred.

Capture the ancient Kumano Kodo atmosphere with asignature essential oil extracted from the plants thatgrow in the Kii Mountains. Transport yourself back tothe beauty of the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage
trails, every time you savour your personally extracted
aroma.

Find more activities here15

Things to Do

History & Culture

Explore regional history and spiritual culture by visiting Wakayama’s
centuries-old shrines and temples, castle ruins, and historical hot
spring towns. Discover foods with a distinctive local twist and witness
vibrant festivals that celebrate Shinto deities through water and fire.

Asuka-jinja Shrine
Asuka-jinja Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site andan ancient place of worship. It is located at the foot of Mt.
Horai on the banks of the Kumano-gawa River. It is considered one of the most important sites of the Kumano
faith, an ancient fusion of Shinto and Buddhism rooted innature worship. Asuka-jinja venerates Mt. Horai, a mountain with a history of worship spanning two millennia. The
shrine and mountain are on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage
route between Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine
and Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, two of the faith’s
three grand shrines. The Chinese scholar Jofuku (Xu Fu) is
enshrined here, at Asuka-jinja. Over 2,200 years ago, he
was ordered by the Chinese emperor to sail east to discover the elixir of eternal life on Mt. Horai. He is celebrated
locally for introducing new farming and fishing methods.

MAP 25

Oto Matsuri
Festival

Mifune Matsuri
Festival

Sukuma-dani Kannon Temple
Sukuma-dani Kannon is a temple on top of a small mountain. It was established by En no Gyoja (634–706 CE), thefounder of Shugendo, a folk religion based in mountain worship that involves ascetic practices. En no Gyoja and otherpractitioners abandoned village life to settle in a cave here,
where they practiced Shugendo. En no Gyoja is believed tohave lived in this cave for more than 30 years.
The temple was built around the mountain’s rock formations, incorporating them into its structure. Although it has
its roots in Shugendo, the temple is now Buddhist. Several
Shinto shrines are also within the precinct. These remainfrom the Edo period (1603–1868) before Buddhism and

MAP 27

MAP 26
Shintoism were formally separated as part of nationwide reforms carried out during the Meiji era (1868–1912). The Buddhist deity Bato (Horse-Headed) Kannon is enshrined here.
The Bato Kannon bodhisattva is considered a protector ofanimals and is also worshipped to ward off misfortune.

Shingu Castle Ruins
The ruins of Shingu Castle are located in a municipal park in Shingu. It is a popular picnic spot, especially during the cherry blossom season, from late Marchto early April. Little remains of the castle other than stone walls and steps. The
castle that once stood here was constructed between 1619 and 1633.

MAP 28

Katsuura Onsen
Katsuura Bay has almost 200 hot springs, with water bubbling to the surface at
40 degrees Celsius. This bath-perfect temperature has made Katsuura a popular onsen town for generations. Ships from Osaka started docking at the port
during the Meiji era (1868–1912), bringing crowds of visitors. The shipping line
stopped operating in 1938, but the town’s popularity has endured.

Nachi-no-Ogi Matsuri(Nachi Fire Festival)

Jabara citrus
Jabara citrus is a seedless, natural hybrid between yuzu (Citrus junos) andkunenbo (Citrus nobilis). It was discovered in the village of Kitayama, Wakayama Prefecture. Jabara was registered as a new fruit variety in 1979 and, until
recently, agricultural regulations stipulated that this was the only region that
could produce the fruit, making it a highly localized specialty.

Inobuta
Every year on 6 February, thegrounds of Kamikura-jinja Shrine
are wreathed in flame as around2,000 men, clad in white, charge
down the shrine’s steep stone
staircase wielding flaming torches. The festival, which dates backover 1,000 years, has a reputation
as one of the country’s most vibrant fire festivals.

16

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand
Shrine, one of the three Kumano grand shrines, holds its annual Mifune Matsuri Festival on
16 October at the estuary of the
Kumano-gawa River. During thefestival, a portable shrine carrying
the deity enshrined at Kumano
Hayatama Taisha is transported
to an ancient ritual site on a red
ceremonial vessel.

Daimon-zaka Slope, the cobblestone staircase that leads between Nachi Waterfall and Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine,is the stage for this annual festivalthat takes place on 14 July. During
the event, men in traditional costumes carry large flaming torches
down the steps to purify the route.

Inobuta is a local delicacy. The boar (inoshishi) and pig (buta) hybrid was bred
at a local agricultural research centre. The meat is sold at local restaurants,
farm shops, and festivals. Inobuta meat is savoury and has a rich fatty flavour,
without the toughness of wild boar. It is served stewed, roasted, and sliced or
grilled over charcoal.

Find more activities here
17

General Information
Wakayama is easily accessible from Japan’s major cities, and a network of reliablepublic transport makes getting around within the prefecture simple. There areaccommodations to suit all budgets, an abundance of natural hot springs, andmany eateries serving authentic local cuisine.

Where to stay

Getting to Wakayama
Hot springs

Flights from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Nanki-Shirahama
Airport in Wakayama’s southwestern corner take around
90 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can fly to Kansai International Airport (KIX) and board a bus or train to Wakayama’s
major locations, such as Hongu, Kii-Katsuura, and Koyasan.

There is a variety of accommodation options within the Wakayama region, from Western-style hotels to traditional lodgings. For the most authentic experience, choose tostay at a traditional-style hot spring inn. They are generally located on the coast or deepin the mountains. Campsites are an alternative to hotels, and some of the region’s sites
are in prime locations for viewing the area’s distinctive geology, including a site near the
Ichimai-iwa Monolith.

Volcanic activity has not only shaped the Kumano landscape; it has created opportunities for relaxation. The natural hot spring water that flows underneath the Kumano
terrain is piped into the tubs of the region’s hot spring resorts. While some of the mineral-rich onsen baths are reserved for staying guests, there are plenty of options forday-bathers. There are hot spring areas on the coast, such as Shirahama and Katsuura,
and in the mountains, such as Ryujin Onsen.

Express trains from Osaka and Nagoya can transport visitors to Wakayama’s coastal towns and cities. The Kuroshio
Limited Express train from Osaka skirts the prefecture’s
coast from west to east. Trains from Nagoya, such as the
Nanki Limited Express, travel down the eastern side of thepeninsula.
Daytime and overnight expressway buses bound for the
Wakayama region depart from locations around the country.

Shirahama Onsen

Katsuura Onsen

Getting aroundA network of bus services criss-crosses the peninsula, opening up its inland areas for exploration. Many multi-day
travel passes are available for bus travel; research online orvisit a tourist information centre to learn more. Visitors wishing to explore the area without relying on public transport
timetables should consider renting a private vehicle. Thereare car rental options at most major locations.

Eat & Drink

Wakayama’s eateries offer opportunities to enjoy seasonal delicacies and regional twists on traditional cuisine. Many restaurants in the prefecture’s port towns serve
freshly caught seafood, while visitors to mountain locations are likely to find local gamesuch as deer or wild boar on the menu. Local ramen styles and dishes accentuated with
Wakayama-grown citrus like yuzu add to the gastronomic experience.

Wakayama’s coastal paths and mountain roads are ideal for cycling, and there are multiple options for bicycle
rental. An 800-kilometre network of cycle paths, known
as Wakayama 800, weaves through the region. Blue roadmarkings denote cycle paths, and designated Cycle Stations along the routes are available for repairs or simply totake a break.

Wakayama Ramen
18

Mehari Zushi Rice Ball

Tuna Rice Bowl
19

Visitors wishing to take home a memento of their stay in the Kumano region shouldhead to one of the region’s many souvenir outlets. Railway stations, Michi no Eki roadside stations, and designated souvenir shops offer a wide variety of local goods, including craft items and local snacks. These facilities often provide information for visitors,
such as pamphlets detailing the local area.

Souvenirs

The forested mountains and volcanic terrain of thegeopark and national park are fun to explore.
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, we ask you tofollow our regulations and advisories.

Suzuyaki Cake

Kumano Aroma Oil

Yuzu Honey Juice

1 Dress appropriately and carry enough water for your journey.
Usukawa Manju Dumpling

Whale Ornament

Kumano Whisky

2 Graffiti ruins the natural landscape for everyone—please don't do it.
3 Keep the natural environment clean and take all rubbish homewith you.
4 Light fires only in areas designated safe to do so.

Emergency
Facilities

Wakayama has several English-speaking hospitals and medical centres that can serve
the needs of non-Japanese-speaking visitors. In cases where urgent medical attention
is required, dial 119 for ambulance, fire, or emergency rescue. To contact the police,
dial 110.

5 Bathrooms are not always available in the great outdoors,

so make sure you know where they are before embarking on
an outdoor adventure.
6 Stick to designated pathways.

Name

Phone

Address

Minami Wakayama Medical Center0739-26-7050

27-1 Takinaicho, Tanabe

Shingu Municipal Medical Center

0735-31-3333

18-7 Hachibuse, Shingu

Shirahama Hamayu Hospital

0739-43-6200

1447 Shirahama, Nishimuro

Japan Safe Travel Information

The official Wakayama Travel Guide

20

7 Make sure wild animals stay wild—don't feed them if you

encounter them.
8 All plants, rocks, and animals belong to the park.

Leave them where they are.

When Cycling
Cycling is a great way to explore Wakayama’s
natural scenery. When taking to two wheels, besure to abide by the rules of the road. Ride on theleft side of the road and be careful of traffic. Make
sure you are covered by adequate insurance incase of any accidents.

21

Flora & Fauna in the Parks

Visitors exploring the Nanki Kumano Geopark and YoshinoKumano National Park can discover a diverse range of flora andfauna on their travels. The region has a warm climate with plentyof rainfall—ideal conditions for a variety of plant, fungus, andanimal species.
The coastal areas are dominated by evergreens, with blackridge oak (ubamegashi; Quercus phillyraeoides) and Japanesecheesewoods (tobera; Pittosporum tobira) growing in the forests.
Keen-eyed visitors may discover luminous fungus in these areas.
Many deciduous trees thrive in the mountain forests, and visitors
to these locations are likely to find beech trees and several
endemic varieties such as Kinokuni-suzukake (Veronicastrum
tagawae).

Disaster Prevention

Volcanic activity has shaped the otherworldly rock formationsin the geopark and heats the rejuvenating hot spring waterthat fills the area’s onsen resorts. However, these destructive
forces of nature must be respected, and preparations in theevent of a disaster must be taken seriously. Over the centuries,
the coastal areas have succumbed to powerful tsunamis
and earthquakes, and typhoons have caused landslides andflooding across the region.
The local community continues to work on a range ofpreventative measures, such as diverting rivers away fromtowns and farmland, improving evacuation facilities, andshoring up the base of mountains in the case of falling rocks
and landslides. Visitors to Kumano should be aware of thepotential hazards and plan accordingly.

Safety Tips●

Don’t panic in the event of an earthquake●

If a tsunami warning is issued,head to higher ground●If a typhoon is approaching,
avoid going outside●

Know the location of evacuation facilities
in the area where you are exploring●

Carry water and food in the case ofan emergency●

Inform your accommodation of your hiking
plan before leaving●

Consider downloading the Safety Tips
app from the Japan Tourism Agency( jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/eng/app.html )The forests and marshlands provide a habitat for rare wildlife.
Listen for the trills of Styan’s grasshopper warblers in the woods
and look for eastern bent-wing bats, for which the area is a large
breeding ground. The Japanese serow, a large goat-antelope endemic to Japan, lives in the dense Kumano forests. Giant mottled
eels thrive in the Nanki Kumano marshes.
Both subtropical and temperate-zone marine life can be found
off the coast. Large coral communities thrive in the warm, nutrient-rich coastal waters and, on occasion, visitors can spot spermand humpback whales. Loggerhead turtles that live in these waters come ashore to nest on the Kumano beaches.

Have any thoughts or tips you’d like to share?

Be Aware22

Note that some wildlife can be dangerous if disturbed or antagonised. Bees,
wasps, hornets, snakes, and centipedes live within the parks’ boundaries. Carrya suitable cream or lotion in the case of bites or stings. Wild boar, monkeys, anddeer also live in the Kumano mountains. While they are likely to flee in the presence of humans, be aware that unexpected encounters may aggravate them.

Share your experiences in the Nanki Kumano Geopark and Yoshino-Kumano National
Park. Add your thoughts, feelings, and recommendations to help all visitors have an
enjoyable time in the parks.

23