Wakayama
Combination of magnificent nature and religious experiences from a pilgrimage trail
Wakayana prefecture is located on the Kii Peninsula on the main island of Honshu. 80% of the prefecture occupies forest and it has made traditional crafts by woods that are locally grown.
Wakayama is best known for two tourist attraction; Kumano Kodo, a pilgrimage trail, and Mount Koya that is the head of Shingon Buddhism.
Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage trail that connects three shrines in Kii Peninsula. Visiting those shrines already became popular around 1,000 years ago.
Although those shrines are very far away from anywhere and Kumano Kodo is not an easy trail, going through this tough path was a religious experience for pilgrims.
Mount Koya is one of the most sacred places for Japanese Buddhism. It is widely known as a place that a monk named Kukai found Shingon Buddhism and Kongobu-ji Head Temple serves as the head of Shingon Buddhism.
Meharizushi - sushi wrapped in pickled takana leaves that originates from lunch for workers in mountains
Chagayu - porridge made of rice cooked with tea instead of water
Plums - No.1 production of plums in Japan
Kishu Lacquerware is one of the major lacquerware in Japan. The production started by using cypress grown in Wakayama around 500 years ago.
Kishu Herazao are bamboo fishing rods that have been made for 130 years. Almost all procedures are hand made so it takes one year to make it.
Kishu Tansu are traditional clothing storages that are made of paulownia wood. Its manufacturing technique was established in Kishu, which is an old name of Wakayama.