Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture is located in the south of the Kansai region. Facing the Pacific Ocean on two sides, it offers some of Kansai's most popular beaches and hot springs (onsen) with a view of the sea. It is also a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. Wakayama Prefecture has a rich religious and spiritual heritage, not unlike its neighbour Mie, including Mt. Koya and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage which have attracted notable visitors and pilgrims throughout the ages. You can join in the experience by staying at a Buddhism temple on Mt. Koya (shukubo) and trying shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine).