Wakayama Prefecture, Prefecture in Kansai region, Japan
Wakayama is a prefecture in the Kansai region on the main island of Honshu, stretching along the Pacific coast and linking mountainous forests with shorelines. The capital shares the same name and sits on a natural bay, while the interior is crossed by steep mountain ranges and pilgrimage routes.
The region formed the old province of Kii, which played a central role in trade along the west coast during the Edo era under Tokugawa clan rule. The current administrative area emerged after the Meiji Restoration and took the name of the castle town.
The name comes from Wakayama Castle and literally means bay-mountain, reflecting the location between coast and inland. Pilgrims have followed the Kumano trails through forests and villages for centuries, with many waymarks and rest stations still in place today.
Trains from Osaka reach the capital in about an hour and connect the region with the wider rail network. Buses run from there into more remote mountain areas and to starting points for hiking routes.
The prefecture produces more than half of Japan's ume fruit, which covers the hillsides in white blossoms in spring. Large parts of the area lie in protected natural zones, forming some of the largest connected forest areas on Honshu.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
