Wakayama

Overview

Wakayama is a first-level administrative division of Japan in the Kansai region. Its area is about 4,725 km2 and its population about 0.0 million (2024), with its capital at Wakayama.

History

Part of old Kii Province governed by the Kishu domain, a Tokugawa collateral branch, from Wakayama Castle; the prefecture was created in 1871.

Geography and industry

Mount Koya (World Heritage), the Kumano Kodo, Nachi Falls and Shirahama Onsen are famous. Mandarin and plum (Nanko-ume) production lead the nation; tuna landings at Katsuura are notable.

Transport

No Shinkansen passes through, but the JR limited express Kuroshio links Osaka and Kyoto; from Shin-Osaka the Kisei Main Line continues to the southern Kii Peninsula.