What to do
Active
- Walk the Kumano Kodo World Heritage pilgrimage route
- Go Kayaking
- Go to the beach
- Experience Canyoning
- Go Rafting
Cultural
- Soak in an isolated Onsen (hot spring)
- Take in a local festival or event
- Tour the area with an Audio Guide
- Try on a Traditional Kimono from the Heian Era (794-1185)
- Visit the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center
- Visit the Minakata Kumagusu Archives
- Visit an Art Museum
Sightseeing
Active
Walk the Kumano Kodo World Heritage pilgrimage route
Walking the Kumano Kodo World Heritage pilgrimage route is a fantastic way to get out into Japan‘s spiritual country.
more Kumano Kodo >>
Kumano Kodo Suggested Walks >>
Go Kayaking
The crystal clear rivers of Kumano are perfect for kayaking. The Kumano River is part of the World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and spending a day or two on this historic river is a unique way to experience the Kumano pilgrimage.
more kayaking >>
Go to the beach
There are a scattering of beaches along the coast of Wakayama which are great places to pass away a hot summer day. Ogigahama beach is located in Tanabe city (10 minutes walk from JR Kii-Tanabe station) and Shirahama beach is located across the Tanabe Bay, a short day trip from Tanabe.
more beach >>
Experience Canyoning
Canyoning (Sawa Nobori) is for the exploring spirit, a combination sport where you hike/scramble up and down secluded creeks and canyons, playing and swimming in beautiful waterfalls along the way. Some waterfalls make ultimate natural waterslides!
Go Rafting
This rafting tour is on the beautiful Kitayama river in the extraordinary Dorokyo gorge. This scenic natural landscape features sheared cliffs, oddly shaped rocks, deep pools of water, and swift running rapids. Exploring by raft is a thrilling way to get up close and personal with the Dorokyo gorge.
Cultural
Soak in an isolated Onsen (hot spring)
This remote area of Japan boasts onsen each with its own unique history and atmosphere.
more onsen >>
Take in a local festival or event
There are festivals and events happening all year round. We are working on updating our database, please be patient.
more festivals and events >>
Tour the area with an Audio Guide
Using one of Tanabe's audio guides is a great way to experience the local culture, history and lifestyle of the fascinating culture of Japan's spiritual landscape. There are two versions available for free download: One for the area around JR Kii-Tanabe station and one for the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. More audio guide >>
Try on a Traditional Kimono from the Heian Era (794-1185)
During the Heian era the Kumano Pilgrimage was extremely popular with Japan‘s elite. This period was considered the Golden Age of the Imperial court and one of the world‘s most exquisitely refined cultures. Try on a tradition Kimono from this era!
more kimono experience >>
Visit the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center
This new visitor center is a great place to familiarize yourself with the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" World Heritage Site. There are a diversity of services and facilities available for travellers.
more Kumano Hongu Heritage Center >>
Visit the Minakata Kumagusu Archives
The Minakata Kumagusu Archives is a collection books and writings of Minakata Kumagusu, a local eccentric genius researcher and pioneering environmentalist who devoted his life to learning. His well preserved residence is located beside the archives.
more Minakata Kumagusu Archives >>
Visit an Art Museum
There are two art museums in Tanabe. One in Nakahechi along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route and one close to Shimin Shogo center close to Shirahama.
more art museum >>
Sightseeing
Visit the Kushimoto Marine Park
The Kushimoto Marine Park Center is a set of educational and sightseeing facilities focused on the outstanding marine environment in Kushimoto including an aquarium, underwater observation tower, glass-bottom boat tour, restaurant, souvenir shop, research station and diving park.
more Kushimoto Marine Park >>
Ride the Dorokyo Jet Boat
Dorokyo is a gorge on the Kitayama-gawa River famous for its steep cliffs, clear emerald waters, and unique rock formations. Travelling by jet boat is a fun and easy way to experience this natural treasure from water level.
more Dorokyo Jet Boat Tour >>
- Honmamon Taiken Programs to experience Wakayama (Japanese Site)
