SIGHTSEEING
近隣スポット

A beautiful, expansive sandy beach stretching approximately 800 meters. Recognized for its stunning scenery and safe water quality, it was selected as a “Special Selection” in the “Sea Category” of the Ministry of the Environment’s “Top 100 Excellent Bathing Beaches.” Even outside the swimming season, many visitors come to stroll and relax in the adjacent lawn park.
【Approx. 18 min walk or 4 min drive from Pension SORA】
https://visitwakayama.jp/en/attractions/detail_96.html

The departure point for the “Fudaraku Crossing,” a life-or-death pilgrimage where monks set sail toward Mount Fudaraku, the Pure Land of Kannon believed to lie beyond the southern seas. A branch temple of Seigantoji Temple on Mount Nachi, its principal image, the Thousand-Armed Kannon, is designated a National Important Cultural Property
【Approx. 20 min walk or 4 min drive from Pension SORA】
https://www.fudarakusanji.or.jp/

Daimon-zaka is a section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route that particularly beautifully preserves its original appearance. Surrounded by moss-covered stone steps and ancient cedar trees over 800 years old, this ancient path offers numerous highlights such as the “Couple Cedars,” the “Remains of the Juichimon Pass,” and the “Furigasebashi Bridge.”
[Approx. 11 min by car from Pension SORA]
https://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/courses/detail_34.html

Nachi Falls, revered as the sacred object of Hiryū Shrine, a branch shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha. One of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls. A staggering 133m drop! The pool at the base is 10m deep, with a water volume of 1 ton per second. The cascading spray paints the surroundings white, creating a magnificent scene.
【Approx. 14 min by car from Pension SORA】
https://kumanonachitaisha.or.jp/pavilion/waterfall/

One of the Kumano Sanzan. The head shrine of the approximately 4,000 Kumano shrines nationwide. Six shrine buildings stand at an elevation of about 500 meters, exuding a sacred atmosphere. Revered as the “Yui-no-Miya” (Temple of Bonds), it is venerated as a shrine that ties bonds between people and fulfills various wishes.
【Approximately 15 minutes by car from Pension SORA】
https://kumanonachitaisha.or.jp/

Standing alongside Nachikumano Taisha Shrine, this temple is the first temple of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. The current main hall was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The view from behind the main hall offers a perfect photo spot to enjoy the beautiful harmony of Nachi Falls and the vermilion-lacquered three-storied pagoda.
[Approx. 17 min by car from Pension SORA]
https://seigantoji.or.jp/

Katsuura Fishing Port boasts Japan’s largest landings of fresh tuna caught using longline fishing methods. Fresh tuna offers a firm, springy texture and the authentic deliciousness of tuna, rich with umami! Don’t miss the fresh tuna auction and tuna dissection show.
[Approx. 9 min by car from Pension SORA]
https://nigiwaiichiba.com/

A museum where you can interact with whales and dolphins. It displays various materials about whale history and their relationship with humans. Interactive experiences are also abundant; during the feeding experience, you can directly give fish as food to dolphins and whales.
[Approx. 17 min by car from Pension SORA]
https://www.kujirakan.jp/en/

It is said that ships passing through the Kumano Sea used this cape as a landmark to set their course and take the helm. Included within both the Yoshino-Kumano National Park and the Nanki-Kumano Geopark, it is an outstanding scenic spot offering the contrast of blue skies and green grass, as well as views of the sea from sheer cliffs.
【Approx. 20 min by car from Pension SORA】
https://taiji-kanko.jp/visit-history/kandorizaki.html

Photo courtesy of: Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation (Public Interest Incorporated Association)