Things to Do in Wakayama
Hand-picked sights and experiences across Wakayama.
When to catch the colours in Wakayama?
Average red maple, golden ginkgo and cherry blossom dates for Wakayama, from the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991–2020 normals — the fortnight to aim for, not a promise for any particular year.
- Red maples
- Leaves turnDec 6
- Peak viewingDec 6 – Dec 20
- Golden ginkgo
- Leaves turnNov 23
- Peak viewingNov 23 – Dec 7
- Cherry blossom
- First flowersMar 24
- Full bloomApr 3
Where to look next?
The prefectures we've mapped so far, nearest to Wakayama first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kōyasan — the mountaintop monastery town where you sleep in temples — the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage trails, Nachi Falls beside its pagoda, and the onsen and beaches of Shirahama. It's Japan's spiritual deep south.
It's the whole point: temple lodging (shukubō) with vegetarian shōjin ryōri dinner, morning prayers, and Okunoin's lantern-lit cemetery after the day visitors leave — one of Japan's singular experiences. Book temples well ahead.
No — the classic Nakahechi sections can be walked in comfortable day stages between villages with luggage shuttles, and buses bail you out at many points. Serious multi-day treks are there if you want them.