MICHELIN GUIDE

Outdoor Activities

The Great Outdoors of Wakayama

With lush green mountains, spectacular costal scenery and rivers ranging from fast-flowing to ambling, Wakayama is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure.

Koza is blessed with a beautiful waterway, the Koza-gawa river. At the local tourist office, you can rent a canoe and take youeself on an adventure downstream.

Ride a Boat to Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine

The Kumano River, part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride a slow-moving boat down the river to Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine along the route that connects Hongu and Shingu. Spend around 90 minutes experiencing magnificent nature and listening to the calls of wild birds as well as an explanation of points of interest provided by a "storyteller".

The Unique Experience

This is the only place in Japan where tourists can experience log rafting. Feel the soul-stirring paddling of rafters as you go down the currents of the Kitayama River. Its origin is in lumber transportation in which felled lumber was assembled into rafts and brought to the mouth of the river. This practice was carried out for over 600 years.

Ocean Activities in Kushimoto

Kushimoto is known as a divers' paradise. This area is the northernmost point in the world where many coral varieties, including elegance coral, are found. Its crystal clear waters – no deeper than 20 m – average a surface water temperature of 21ºC, making it a great spot year-round to discover the mysteries of the undersea world.

Explore Wakayama on Two Wheels

Wakayama has spectacular coastal paths and mountain roads that you can now explore on two wheels. World renowned for its mountains, oceans and rivers, Wakayama is a cycling kingdom with designated cycling routes that crisscross the prefecture. Courses range from beginner to professional. Look out for battery-assisted and conventional bicycle rental services typically located near train stations and information centers.