If you are a serious Aikido buff, you will have heard of Tanabe. This little town on the shores of the Pacific Ocean on the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula is the birthplace of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba who is also referred to as Ōsensei (“Great Teacher”). Born in 1883, Ueshiba spent..
Visitors to Shingu should make time to enjoy some of the city's best food offerings. In summer, cool off with some shaved ice at Nakakori-ten, a popular kakigori shop. Dine on tasty organic dishes at Tani-no-hana. Or, enjoy fresh maguro, caught l..
For a delicious and reasonable meal in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, look no further than the restaurant Tensui. The restaurant has been open for about 30 years and is housed in a Showa Era building. Located in a quiet neighborhood, it is only a ..
You’ve probably heard a lot about Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo. But do you know about Kuroshio market in Wakayama? Take a short bus ride from Wakayama City to the nearby man-made island and enjoy fresh sushi or sashimi of the just cut maguro or..
With the sound of waves rolling on shore and a white crystal sandy beach at the doorstep, Shiraraso Grand Hotel warmly invites holiday-makers to enjoy a relaxing break at Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan’s best-known hot spring resorts. Located r..
I’ve stayed in many hostels, but honestly I can't remember one that beats Guesthouse RICO in Wakayama City. The completely refurnished old building has a great atmosphere and extraordinary facilities. A relaxed and comfortable stay is guara..
Visiting the holy site of Koyasan is not complete without an overnight stay at one of the temples. There is a wide selection of temples and I believe that your experience at Koyasan is strongly influenced by the individual temple you choose to stay a..
Located in northeastern Wakayama in the Koya Ryujin Quasi National Park, Mount Koya, (or Koyasan as it is more commonly known as) is a popular day trip from Osaka. If coming from Osaka, it is most easily accessible by taking Nankai Railways from Osak..
It seems puzzling, a self-defence strategy that doesn’t go for the jugular. But this is Aikido, the way of harmonious spirit, which topples all my preconceptions of what fighting an enemy is, formed mainly of course by the movies. With Aikido, ..
A small seaside city in the south of Wakayama Prefecture, Shingu is a treasure trove of holy sites set in beautiful natural surroundings. Whether searching for original history or unique culture, trekking forested mountain paths or searching for a sp..
