What to do
Active
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
Other
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 >>
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 >>
Other
Join a Photo Contest
Enter the "Tanabe City Kumano International Photo Contest" to share your photos with the rest of the World and possible win something along the way!
- Honmamon Taiken Programs to experience Wakayama (Japanese Site)
