‘Intriguing’ Wakayama full of rich experiences
The next time you visit Japan, take the time to journey to a part of the country that many foreign visitors never see.
The Wakayama prefecture, or district, is a favorite destination for Japanese travellers, but it’s off the radar of most tourists flying to Japan from abroad.
Don’t make the same mistake. Wakayama is rich in intriguing destinations and experiences, including the Kumano Kodo pilgrim age route and hot springs dotted throughout the region. Visitors can also explore Sh into shrines and Buddhist temples to learn about their captivating history, while foodies can dine on world-class seafood, including wild bluefin tuna.
Japan Airlines makes it easy to get to Wakayama, with direct flights from Vancouver to Tokyo’s Narita airport on a Boeing 787 Dream liner, which offers enhanced air quality and large windows with electronically controlled dimmers. Combine that with spacious overhead compartments for carry-on bags, high ceilings and a roomier seat configuration in economy class than other airlines flying the same aircraft, and you’ll arrive refreshed and ready for your journey.
If you want to stop over in the Tokyo area before heading to Wakayama, the Chiba prefecture (which includes the city of Narita) is a good option — room rates there are significantly cheaper than in central Tokyo.
Two big attractions in Chiba are Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, “must sees” especially if you have youngsters with you. For a more contemplative and traditional experience, visit the Naritasan Shinshoji temple in the old part of Narita, then walk up the nearby shopping street to the 300-year-old restaurant Kikuya Chrysanthemum House for the region’s special dish, grilled unagi (eel).
From Tokyo, you can take a Japan Airlines flight to Shirahama, in the heart of the hot springs region in Wakayama prefecture. Many of the world’s major cruise lines embark and disembark passengers in Yokohama or Kobe, and offer pr e-and post-cruise excursions to Wakayama.
Richmond-based LTA Holidays (604-207-1178 or info@ltaholidays.com), has specialized in travel to Asia for many years. Their enthusiastic and knowledgeable team can put together a customized itinerary, including pre- and post-cruise packages and special air fares on Japan Airlines to destinations throughout Asia.
One highlight of your visit to the Wakayama region should be a hike on the Kumano Kodo, a traditional Japanese pilgrimage route for more than 1,000 years. Followers of Shintoism regard a journey on the Kumano Kodo as a way to reconnect with their spirituality. For others, it’s a way to see some beautiful scenery and spectacular shrines.
There are several routes on the Kumano Kodo, but the Nakahechi route, which stretches from the western to the eastern coast of the Wakayama peninsula, is one of the most popular.
While in Wakayama, don’t miss the chance to stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Ryokans have been around since the Edo period (1603 to 1868) and feature rooms covered in tatami (woven straw) mats and futons to sleep on.
Many ryokans include communal baths, and in Wakayama they are fed by the onsens, or hotsprings, for which the area is known. Lounging in the steaming waters of an onsen after a day of hiking the Kumano Kodo is nothing short of blissful.
You don’t want to miss Wakayama City, the largest city in the district with a population of about 370,000. Spend some time at the Kuroshio Ichiba market, where you can watch a demonstration of tuna filleting three times a day and shop for Japanese delicacies to take back home.
Resort enthusiasts may want to visit Shirahama, famous for its white-sand beaches and dramatic coastal scenery.
And don’t miss some of the region’s local food and drink specialties, which are equally memorable: plum wine, yuzu (Asian citrus) liqueur, ramen (especially in
Wakayamaand vegetables City), cooked yakinikuon a table- ( beef top larly grill) fresh and, wild of bluefin course, tuna spectacu-sushi and sashimi.
Back on your Japan Airlines flight expect headed somethingfor more home, than you stan-can dard class, airline thanks fare,to evenits partnershipsin economy with restaurants.some of Japan’sYou might most be popularserved a country’stasty creation best-knownby Yoshinoya, beef-bowlthe chain, or a hamburger from Mos Burger, one of the country’s most popular burger chains.
Wherever you fly on Japan Airlines, you can expect to be treated like an honoured guest. The Japanese have a term for that — omotenashi — which can be loosely translated as attentive but unobtrusive hospitality. In practice, that means the flight crew knows what passengers want even before they know they want it, from a hot towel before meals to a selection of snacks available in the galley throughout the flight.
The same spirit of hospitality extends to the complimentary services that Japan Airlines offers to all passengers, even those traveling in economy, from Vancouver to Narita until Sept. 30. Passengers in all classes are eligible for free limousine bus service to local hotels and will receive free delivery of one bag directly from the airport to their destination in Japan.
Business-class passengers will also receive complimentary taxi service from Narita to their local destination. These services must be booked through a travel agent. For more information, contact LTA Holidays.
Even after you’ve landed back home in Vancouver, the omotenashi doesn’t end. Passengers looking back from the terminal to aircraft can see the pilot and co-pilot waving at them from the plane’s cockpit. Their message is “goodbye, but come back soon on Japan Airlines to enjoy the beauty of Japan.” Who could argue with that?