The train during rush hour is standing room only and many stations hire “pushers” to push the people inside so the doors can close and the trains can go. Once inside, you are surrounded by so many people, there’s no room to move. You just have to wait until the next stop when people get off and on.
Although this might be a strategy for staying warm in the cold wintertime, it’s a worst case scenario for the hot and humid summers. Being surrounded by hot sweaty people is no fun.
Once you get out to famous places like Kyoto where the cultural sites are so well-known and exciting, you would think that it has to get better. Getting that selfie in front of the bamboo forest or the famous Kiyomizudera Temple is what you dreamed of before visiting Japan. The pictures in the brochures looked so serene and mystically quiet, but the reality is that the crowds have followed you to the bamboo forest and any other temple you planned to visit in Kyoto.
Visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
Japan has seen a surge in tourism since opening again after the pandemic. Not only are there many tourists in these three most sought after travel destinations, the number of foreign residents is now at an all-time high in Japan.
Don’t get me wrong, these cities are definitely attractive and worth the visit. Tokyo is the capital and by far one of the most popular travel destinations in Japan. Exploring its city centers of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Ueno, and Ginza is what many people, especially shoppers, want to do in Japan. Notable attractions include the electronics city of Akihabara, Tokyo Tower, Kaminarimon at Asakusa, and Tokyo Disneyland.
Kyoto is probably the second most popular travel destination in Japan. The former capital until 1868, Kyoto is rich with history and culture. Ancient temples like Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji are a must-see, as well as the red torii gates at Fushimi-Inari Shrine, the bamboo forest, and the Kabuki theater. Kyoto is also a great place to watch demonstrations of the green tea “matcha” ceremony and see exhibitions of historical weapons like swords.
Did I forget to mention Japanese food? Well, Osaka is the commercial center of Japan and offers some of the best food you can imagine. Thousands of people visit Osaka just for the food. The people who live in Osaka are friendly and provide a humorous side of Japan that everyone loves.
If you want to visit any of these top three travel destinations, you will find a lot of excitement and an experience that may satisfy you. They are world-class cities with a lot to offer. You will also find higher prices, longer lines, and that chaotic feeling of constantly being surrounded by people.
As for me, I’ll choose the calmer and quieter places without the stress of navigating the crowds.
This post will introduce you to three travel destinations in Wakayama, Japan, where you can experience all that is great about Japan in a context that is less crowded and less stressful for a vacation.
#1 - Kumano Kodo
The Kumano Kodo is a series of hiking trails in the Kii Peninsula. These hiking trails have been in use for over 1000 years by people taking religious pilgrimages to the famous temples and shrines of this region. The hiking trails are a key part of the region’s World Heritage designation and are the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a World Heritage site.
Centrally located in this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha. These three shrines are often referred to as the Kumano Sanzan.
Not only were these three well known shrines of the Kumano Sanzan sought after destinations by pilgrims from Kyoto, Osaka, and other parts of Japan, the pilgrimage itself was considered a religious experience because of the challenging trails of this difficult-to-hike mountain terrain.
I have my hopes of completing one of these hiking routes this summer and look forward to telling you and showing you more about it in upcoming posts.
#2 - Shirahama
Shirahama is the place I would like to call home. Shirahama is a beautiful and small beach town known for its hot springs. Not only are the hot springs world-class, there are many other attractions to enjoy in Shirahama. To name a few:
- Shirarahama – A relaxing beach with white sand imported from Australia and worth the comparison with Waikiki. This beach actually does get a little crowded between July 20 to the end of August, but if you visit any other time of the year, it isn’t crowded at all.
- Adventure World – If you are traveling with kids, you should definitely visit this marine park. There are shows with dolphins, seals, orcas, penguins, and other sea animals, as well as a walkable safari park with lions, tigers, giraffes, and other safari animals. There are even a few roller coasters and other rides to enjoy. However, the main attraction at Adventure World are the giant Pandas. We have even had the chance to see some baby pandas there shortly after they were born. Adventure World is the place where some of my best memories with my son, Jay, took place when he was small.
- Toretore Ichiba – I’m willing to bet that this fish market rivals the best of any of the fish markets in Japan. You can sit down and eat inside or you can take home the freshest of sashimi with you. The staff there are even willing to slice up a live fish of your choice into sashimi for free for you. We have figured out the timing of when they sell the day’s sashimi for half-price, so our evening meals are cheap and incredibly delicious.
- Sandanbeki Rock Plateau, Senjojiki Rock Cliff, and Engetsuto – Marvelous rock formations along the Shirahama coastline. These places make for a perfect location to watch the sun set over the ocean.
- And more . . . there’s the fisherman’s wharf, scuba diving, soft boiled eggs cooked in hot springs, foot baths, pickled plums, and shaved ice to mention a few of the many sites and delicacies to enjoy.
#3 - Wakayama Castle
You might be surprised to hear that this is the place where I proposed to my wife. Little did I know that there were some weird superstitions around the future of couples who make marriage proposals at the Wakayama Castle, so she was shocked that I proposed to her there, but I’ll save that story for another day.
Although you could easily spend several days to a week in Shirahama or on the Kumano Kodo, you only really need a day to visit Wakayama Castle. The best time of the year to visit is definitely in mid-March/early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
In the late 1500s just a couple years after the construction of the Osaka Castle had begun, Toyotomi Hideyoshi initiated the construction of the Wakayama Castle. This castle was built for the purpose of controlling the Kii Peninsula and was occupied by one of the three most important Tokugawa sub-branches after the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867). Along with Himeji Castle and Iyo-Matsuyama Castle, Wakayama Castle is considered one of Japan’s “Three Great Coalition Flatland Mountain Castles.” The architecturally curved walls are an original design that were built to fit the contours of the hill.
As the highest structure in Wakayama City, the 360 degree view of Wakayama City and the bay are worth the visit. For those with kids, there is a small zoo next to the castle. There is also a Museum of Modern Art within walking distance with a collection of over 10,000 art pieces, including pieces from non-Japanese renowned artists such as Picasso and Rothko.
Easy Travel Access
Before you assume that Wakayama is too far off the typical travel path, let me share with you how easy the access is to these three travel destinations.
If you fly into Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, there are 1-hour and 10-minute direct flights to the Kumano-Shirahama Resort Airport. From the airport, a 10-minute taxi ride will take you to the starting point of the Kumano Kodo or to the heart of Shirahama. If you fly into Kansai Osaka International Airport, then a 2-hour express train will get you to the same place. Wakayama Castle is just a 40-minute bus ride from the Kansai Osaka International Airport.
It really is more convenient than most people assume. The advantage of choosing these destinations is that you can see some of the best representations of Japanese culture while avoiding the touristy crowds.