The Kii Peninsula has a rich culinary heritage with unique dishes and specialties that differentiate the cuisine from the rest of Japan but, have also helped shape the nation’s cuisine over time. These foods reflect the region’s natural resources and cultural traditions, making every bite culturally immersive. 

read more…

Pristine ocean views, abundant nature and delicious fresh seafood invite visitors to Toba from all over the world. However, nothing is as influential and fascinating as the longstanding Ama culture. The Ama divers are a pillar of the Toba community in the Kii region, actively maintaining 2,000-year-old diving techniques and fishing seafood delicacies and pearls. ‘Ama’ translates to ‘Sea Woman’ and represents an incredibly unique and special culture that the community adores sharing with visitors. There’s a variety of experiences available that facilitate an immersive snapshot of the Ama diving culture. 

read more…

Onsens, traditional Japanese hot springs, hold significant cultural importance in Japan with a history of serving as spaces for communal bonding, spiritual renewal and a serene, therapeutic experience. More and more of Japan’s visitors are seeking the most luxurious and traditional onsen offerings for an immersive experience. The practice of bathing in onsens couples seamlessly with the spiritual and with-nature landscape and activities of the Kii region. Traditionally, it is seen as a ritualistic cleansing of body and soul, promoting harmony with nature and fostering a sense of wellness for the ultimate tranquil holiday experience.

read more…

Wakayama is in the west of the Kii region and is brimming with traditional activities and experiences offerings amongst the pristine rivers, rugged lush green landscape and spiritual havens. Opportunities for culturally immersive experiences are boundless since the Kii Peninsula maintains the practices of centuries-old traditions and there are several activity offerings for visitors to participate in. 

read more…

When you walk the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, located in the south of Wakayama Prefecture, you come to Hongu Town and the Hongu Taisha, one of the Three Kumano Grand Shrine. If your walk happens in mid-April, then you might have a chance to witness the Hongu Taisha Spring Festival. This event is a local spectacle that is rarely swarmed by visitors like other spring festivals in Japan. Therefore, this festival is incredibly culturally immersive since you mingle with locals and witness the traditional prayer rituals and spiritual ceremonies. Following this, the festival consists of eating and drinking local delicacies. 

The Formula One Grand Prix returns to Japan. The Japanese Grand Prix will see the practice rounds of the drivers and the qualifying race before the actual race takes place. Mean, demanding, and unforgiving, it’s precisely the toughness of conquering the Suzuka Circuit that gives it a special spot in the hearts of many racers and fans alike. The Suzuka Circuit is in Suzuka City in the Mie Prefecture which is 50 km south of Nagoya in central Japan. It is an unmissable event for all F1 fans. 

Meat-based dishes are extremely popular in Japan and the Kii Peninsula is no different with meats like Matsusaka Beef and Kumano Chicken as regional specialties. The All Meat Festival in Wakayama serves as a celebration of this, and over a million people attend each year. Around 60 stalls will be at the event serving up all manner of tasty eats, along with stage performances, wine tasting, and even a kids play area. The festival will operate on weedays from 12pm until 9pm, but on weekends that extends to 10am until 9pm, throughout late March 2025.

The Shirahama Light Parade is a spectacular annual event where the streets and beachfront of Shirahama are illuminated with colourful lights and lanterns. The parade features dazzling floats adorned with intricate light displays, traditional Japanese decorations, and performances such as taiko drumming and traditional dance. The atmosphere the parade creates is enchanting with the glow of lanterns and lights against the backdrop of the beach and ocean. Locals and visitors alike attend and enjoy the music and dance at this summer event, running from early November to Late December 2024.