Our Memorable Wakayama Getaway
Every spring, my family and I embark on a little holiday. It’s become a beloved tradition of ours, and last year, we decided to explore Wakayama Prefecture. While planning our itinerary, I stumbled upon something that made my heart race: the chance to catch the best sunrise in Wakayama. I got so excited that I convinced my family to leave at 1 a.m. for the perfect view. And so, off we went, sleepy but eager for the adventure ahead.
Sunrise at Hashigui-iwa Rocks
By the time we arrived at Hashigui-iwa Rocks around 5:30 a.m., we’d beaten the crowds. It was the perfect moment. The air was crisp, still chilly from the early May morning, and a few groups and couples were already gathered, eager for the same sight. The excitement was palpable, everyone waiting, eyes on the horizon, ready for that first glimpse of the sun. The anticipation in the air was almost tangible. Just as the first rays began to stretch across the sky, people started pouring in, and we knew the show was about to begin.
As I stood there, I watched as the dark sky slowly transitioned, shifting from deep blue to delicate pinks, oranges, and purples. The first soft rays of light began to pierce the horizon, and it felt like the sun was about to make its grand entrance. A gentle warmth started to seep into the air, even before the sun fully emerged. When it finally did, the golden light stretched across the sky, touching everything below, including the rugged beauty of the Hashigui-iwa Rocks. The light danced off the jagged formations, casting long, soft shadows and creating a magical, almost surreal glow. It felt like time had paused, and I was caught in the middle of a beautiful movie scene, in awe of the breathtaking moment unfolding in front of me.
Off to Adventure World!
After that unforgettable sunrise, we were all buzzing with energy, ready to head to Adventure World to see the pandas. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the sight of a panda happily munching on bamboo leaves: its breakfast, and it was just as adorable as we had imagined. We couldn’t help but smile and cheer for the panda as it savored each bite. After spending time with the pandas, we wandered over to the food area, where we treated ourselves to the cutest animal-shaped steamed buns. They were almost too cute to eat—but not quite! And of course, they were delicious.
With our bellies full and hearts happy, we made our way to the animal show. It was so much fun watching the talented animals show off their skills, each one more impressive than the last. The energy was infectious, and we couldn’t help but laugh and cheer along with the rest of the crowd. It was the perfect way to kick off our day!
Exploring More of Adventure World
After the show, we decided to continue our exploration. We strolled through the park, marveling at the playful sea lions, graceful dolphins, and vibrant, chirping birds. Each exhibit brought something new, whether it was the lively wildlife or the peaceful natural surroundings that made us feel like we were in our own little world. We took our time, savoring every moment, appreciating the harmony between the animals and the beautiful, serene setting.
Before wrapping up our visit, we made our way to Safari World, where we saw majestic lions, gentle giraffes, and so many other incredible animals. It was like taking a trip around the world in one day. Tired but incredibly happy, we left Adventure World with big smiles on our faces, already chatting about when we could come back.
Our Second Day in Wakayama: The Marina City
On our second day, we made our way to Marina City. As we drove, we were greeted by the impressive bridge connecting Wakayama City to the marina. We couldn’t contain our excitement as we caught our first glimpse of the beautiful yachts and boats gently floating on the sea. Feeling a bit hungry, we headed straight to Kuroshio Market to sample some fresh sushi. The timing was perfect, we arrived just in time for the famous Tuna Cutting Show. I found myself in the front row, eagerly watching as the skilled chef expertly sliced through the tuna with precision. The whole process was fascinating, and afterward, I couldn’t resist grabbing a fresh slice of tuna from the display. Each bite melted in my mouth, and I couldn’t get enough of the incredible flavor.
After that sushi treat, we were in the mood for something sweet. So, we picked up some dango (団子), a traditional Japanese rice flour dumpling often served on a skewer. To pair with our snack, we grabbed a refreshing Wakayama orange slushie. The combination was absolutely delightful, the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Feeling pleasantly full and content, we decided to take a walk around the area. The buildings at Porto Europe were just as charming as I’d imagined. Designed to resemble a Mediterranean seaside village, the colorful facades, narrow alleys, and sun-kissed tones created a warm, inviting atmosphere. The architecture blended classic European style with a relaxed coastal vibe, making it feel as though we had stepped into a picturesque town along the Mediterranean. The quaint balconies and tiled roofs were the perfect backdrop to the serene marina, and I couldn’t resist snapping photos of everything that caught my eye. As a photography lover, it was a dream come true.
As the afternoon wore on, we began to feel the effects of a busy day and decided it was time to relax. We headed to the Kishu Kuroshio Onsen, hoping to soak away our tiredness. The onsen was incredible, with a stunning ocean view that made the experience even more peaceful. Though it was partly covered for privacy, the sight of the vast ocean in the distance added to the tranquil atmosphere, and we all left feeling completely rejuvenated.
After our relaxing soak, we headed back to the marina for a final stroll. I was particularly eager to get a closer look at the yachts. The yachts in the marina looked like elegant, floating works of art, their sleek bodies glistening in the sunlight. Gently swaying with the rhythm of the water, they seemed to embody a peaceful serenity, as if they were perfectly at home in the calm harbor. The soft reflection of the boats on the water’s surface created a mirror image, adding to the beauty of the scene. The bright white sails and polished exteriors shimmered against the backdrop of the clear blue sky, making the marina feel like a picture-perfect postcard come to life.
It was the perfect end to a wonderful day of exploration, as we marveled at the beauty of the yachts and the peaceful atmosphere around us.
On Our Last Night…
On our last night, the kind staff at the hotel’s front desk offered us a special treat—a chance to spend the evening on the hotel’s rooftop. They provided us with free drinks and cozy blankets to keep us warm as we settled in. The rooftop was equipped with a projector that showcased beautiful information about Wakayama Prefecture, giving us one last glimpse of its charm. As we watched, we couldn’t help but reflect on how wonderful this trip had been. We spent the rest of the evening chatting, marveling at all the memories we’d made, and dreaming about future adventures. It was the perfect way to end such a memorable getaway.
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