Wakayama Prefecture is located on the Kii Peninsula (the largest peninsula in Japan) in the Kansai region, which is also home to Osaka and Kyoto. The Kii Mountains tower over central Wakayama Prefecture wrapped in a veil of green. To the north and south are two sacred areas registered as World Heritage: Koyasan and Kumano. Here you will encounter the allure of a spiritual world that has drawn mankind in a search of faith for more than a thousand years.
Koyasan, the holy site at the top of the mountain was founded by the famous Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi about 1,200 years ago. The site welcomes visitors and worshippers regardless of their sect. Temple lodgings are available to visitors at 52 temples. You can experience the daily life of monks by joining meditation, morning ceremony and trying shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
Since long ago, Kumano, at the southern end of the Kii Mountains, has been a pilgrimage destination. Faith in Kumano Sanzan – the three grand shrines of Kumano Hongu, Kumano Hayatama, and Kumano Nachi – led emperors and nobility to these unexplored regions in search of heaven on earth.
Kumano is blessed with a rich cultural and natural heritage and is also known for its soothing hot springs, delicious cuisine and authentic accommodations.
For more information on Wakayama, please click on the link:
http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/index.html