We visited Fukuoka and other fascinating Kyushu prefectures in the last edition of The Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint. The route highlighted Kyushu’s culinary kingdoms and their distinctive, exquisite flavours at every stop, from Fukuoka to Nagasaki to Saga. Instead of listing daily activities for you and your family, we’re introducing two lesser-known regions of Japan in this edition, both of which are accessible by train from Osaka.
With hidden treasures for those who are prepared to venture outside the boundaries, Japan’s splendour extends well beyond the bustling streets of Osaka. Make the most of your trip to Japan by visiting Wakayama and East Nara Nabari if you’re going to be at the World Expo Osaka in 2025! These neighbouring areas, which provide tranquil temples and picturesque scenery, offer a welcome diversion and open up new facets as you take in Japan’s uniqueness.
WAKAYAMA
Located in the south of Osaka, Wakayama’s beauty stretches corner to corner through their peaceful coastlines and towering mountains. The region serves as a gateway to the world of age-old traditions, where majestic shrines, temples, and sacred sites illustrate the ideology of Buddhism and Shintoism. You can get to Wakayama through the JR Kuroshio Limited Express from Shin-Osaka Station.
Koyasan/Mount Koya
Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization
Explore the spiritual heart of Wakayama and take a trip to the towering Mount Koya. With over 100 temples across the sacred grounds, fans of history will be treated to 1,200 years of Buddhism in Japan. The site offers accommodation, where you can enjoy Monk-style bed and breakfast in their traditional shukubo temple lodging.
Kongobuji Temple, established in 1593, is the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect, known for its stunning architecture and serene rock gardens. Inside, visitors can partake in a traditional tea ceremony in the beautiful tea room. Guided tours provide deeper insights into the temple’s spiritual significance and the rich traditions of Koyasan, offering a peaceful setting for reflection on centuries of Buddhist heritage.For a tinge of mysticism in your travels, venture through Okuno-in. The cemetery, with over 200,000 tombstones set among towering cedar trees, creates an ethereal atmosphere. Strolling through its ancient pathways, you’ll encounter iconic torii gates and lanterns–an unforgettable, profound experience. A guided night tour unveils the legends surrounding Okuno-in, offering a deeper connection to Japan’s Buddhist legacy.
Ultra Stationmaster Tama
DESIGNED BY EIJI MITOOKA + DON DESIGN ASSOCIATES
Pay a visit to the esteemed, celebrated, and undoubtedly adorable Stationmaster, Tama the calico cat! Tama was officially appointed executive officer of Wakayama Electric Station in 2009, rising through the ranks over the years. Visitors may pay respects to the original Tama with the station’s shrine, where she continues to watch over the passengers and trains.
Kannonyama Fruit Parlor
While in Wakayama, indulge in their staple fruit parfait at the Kannonyama Fruit Parlor. Using only fresh seasonal fruits, take this opportunity to enjoy local tastes, with orange parfait and plum wine being served in the winter to compliment the cold with mouth-watering, tangy sweetness.
Nachi Waterfall
Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization
Gaze at Japan’s true majesty at Nachi Waterfall, the tallest single-drop waterfall in the country. The brilliant falls release one ton of water per second, forming a harsh yet elegantly diffused mist. For the best view, ascend the steps and torii gates to visit the Hiro Jinja Shrine. Getting both the falls and the shrine in one long-exposure shot is worth the entire trip.
Katsuura Onsen
Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization
Unwind at the intersection between Japan’s natural beauty and some relaxing hot spring downtime at the Katsuura Onsen. Housed inside a natural, eroded cave by the ocean, the open-air Katsuura Onsen offers an incomparable experience, with a full view of the Pacific Ocean, especially unforgettable should you time your visit with the sunset.
EAST NARA NABARI
Get drawn into the allure of East Nara Nabari, where nature and tradition blend harmoniously. This region, just east of Osaka, features lush landscapes and serene valleys, inviting you to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage. With traditional wooden architecture and peaceful gardens, East Nara Nabari provides a perfect escape for those seeking adventure and tranquility in a historically rich setting. You can get to East Nara Nabari via private car, a 1 to 2 hour drive, or Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka if you have a Limited Express ticket.
Akame 48 Waterfalls
Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization
As a historical former training ground for ninjas, the Akame 48 Waterfalls are equal parts mysterious and fascinating. Hike through the lush green trails to see the falls, or take the trip in the autumn to add more golds and reds to the palette. When you reach the falls, take the time to not only snap some photos, but to appreciate the natural wonder with your own eyes, and internalize nature’s superior craftsmanship.
While there, put yourself in the shoes of the ninjas of old and sign-up for Ninja Training. The different courses and activities for all ages makes for a fun afternoon for the whole family, creating memories to take home long after leaving.
Mount Takami
Photo courtesy of East Nara Nabari Tourism
Known as the “Matterhorn of Kansai,” Mount Takami stands at the edge of East Nara Nabari at a height of 1,249 meters. Its strikingly sharp pyramid shape makes it a coveted camping and hiking spot year-round, especially popular when snowing. Atop the summit sits the Takasumi Shrine, which, when embraced by the winter, paints a powdered portrait that perfectly captures Japan’s one-of-a-kind mystique.
Forest Park Konoyama
Forest Park Konoyama offers a delightful outdoor experience throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking and exploring natural landscapes, including unique rock formations at Nabekura Valley. The park harbors the charming Mee-Mee Farm, where friendly sheep greet passersby with their warmth. The summit of Mount Kono reveals the area’s vibrant views, especially beautiful with azaleas in bloom during spring. Guests can delight in the local cuisine with a view at the Eizanko café.
Maruyama Park
Photo courtesy of East Nara Nabari Tourism
Maruyama Park in Mitsue Village is famous for its wild mountain cherry trees, especially vibrant in mid to late April. In autumn, the park showcases stunning foliage, while the rainy season reveals the mesmerizing sight of enchanting fireflies. The Himeishi Myojin Shrine, dedicated to blessings of childbirth and marriage, adds to the magical aura of the park With its tranquil atmosphere, Maruyama Park is an ideal spot to marvel at the beauty of the changing seasons.
For those who are prepared to look for it, wonder may be found everywhere in Japan. Every area invites exploration and discovery with its own tapestry of culture, history, and scenic beauty. Every sight, from the historic temples to the breathtaking scenery, evokes awe and forges a lifelong bond with the natural world. Wakayama and East Nara Nabari are hidden gems of life-changing experiences just waiting to be discovered for those who are prepared to venture outside of Osaka and take the less-traveled routes.