Wakayama Prefecture
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| Wakayama Prefecture | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Wakayama Prefecture |
| Native name | 和歌山県 |
| Settlement type | Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 34, 13, N, 135... |
| Region | Kansai |
| Island | Honshu |
| Capital | Wakayama |
| Area rank | 30th |
| Area total km2 | 4724.69 |
| Population rank | 39th |
| Population total | 910,687 |
| Population as of | 1 October 2020 |
| Governor | Yoshinobu Nisaka |
| Website | https://www.pref.wakayama.lg.jp/ |
Wakayama Prefecture is located in the Kansai region on the Kii Peninsula of Honshu, Japan's main island. Its capital is the city of Wakayama. The prefecture is renowned for its sacred sites and pilgrimage routes, including the Kumano Sanzan shrines and the sacred mountain of Koyasan, which are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also famous for its Kishū region mikan and premium bonito flakes.
Geography
Wakayama Prefecture occupies the western and southern portions of the Kii Peninsula, bordered by Osaka Prefecture to the north, Nara Prefecture and Mie Prefecture to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the Kii Mountains forming its rugged spine, including peaks like Mount Kōya and Mount Ōdaigahara. Major rivers include the Kinokawa River and the Kumano River, which flow through deep valleys. The coastline features dramatic landscapes such as the Nachi Falls, Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall, and the intricate ria coastline around Shirahama. The southernmost point is Cape Shionomisaki.
History
The area has been a center of Shinto and Buddhist worship since ancient times, with the Kumano Sanzan shrines attracting imperial pilgrimages during the Heian period. In 816, the monk Kūkai founded the Shingon sect monastery complex on Mount Kōya, which became a major religious center. During the Sengoku period, the region was controlled by the Saika ikki warrior monks and later came under the rule of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In the Edo period, the Kishū Domain was established as a branch of the ruling Tokugawa clan, producing two Shōgun, Tokugawa Yoshimune and Tokugawa Iemochi. The modern prefecture was established in 1871 following the Meiji Restoration.
Demographics and administration
As of 2020, the prefecture has a population of approximately 910,000. The capital and largest city is Wakayama, a major political and commercial hub. Other significant cities include Kainan, an industrial center, and Tanabe, the gateway to the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage routes. The prefecture is divided into 30 municipalities: 9 cities, 20 towns, and 1 village. The current governor is Yoshinobu Nisaka. The prefecture forms part of the Kansai economic bloc and is represented in the National Diet by members from the Wakayama At-large district.
Economy
The economy is supported by agriculture, forestry, fishing, and tourism. The region is a leading national producer of mikan (mandarin oranges), particularly the high-quality Kishū mikan, and ume (Japanese plums) used for umeboshi. Coastal cities like Shingū and Kushimoto have active fishing fleets, with Katsuobushi (dried bonito) production being a renowned local specialty. Forestry remains important in the mountainous interior. Major industrial activities are concentrated in the coastal areas, including steel production by Sumitomo Metal Industries in Wakayama City and petrochemical complexes. Tourism centered on the Kumano Kodō, Koyasan, and hot spring resorts like Shirahama is a vital sector.
Culture and attractions
Wakayama is a spiritual heartland, home to the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage routes connecting the three grand shrines of Kumano Hongū Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha, collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kongōbu-ji temple on Mount Kōya is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism and features the Okunoin cemetery. Traditional festivals include the Nachinokatsuura Ebisu Festival and the Shirahama Onsen firewalking ceremony. The prefecture is the birthplace of notable figures such as the poet Minamoto no Sanetomo and the modern architect Tadao Ando. Natural attractions include Nachi Falls, the sand beaches of Shirahama, and Adventure World, a major zoo and amusement park in Shirahama.