Looking for a scenic escape into the countryside to pause away from the hustle of major Kansai cities? Head to the Kii Peninsula and the sacred heartland of Kumano Kodo. Make your base in Kii Katsuura, a charming coastal resort town celebrated for its Shinto shrine, thriving fishing heritage, and exceptional collection of hot springs.

History

Kii Katsuura, also known as Nachi-Katsuura, was established in the 1950s following the merger of the towns of Nachi, Katsuura, Wakamura, and Ukuimura. The region is home to Kumano Nachi Taisha, recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". Landslides in Wakayama Prefecture have taken a toll on Kii Katsuura, leaving numerous abandoned buildings scattered throughout the town.

Discovering Kii Katsuura

Transformed from a humble fishing village into an inviting coastal resort, Kii Katsuura now draws both pilgrims and leisure travelers in equal measure.

The Kii Katsuura Fish Market

While less renowned than the Tsukiji market in Tokyo Bay, the Kii Katsuura fish market nonetheless stands as Japan's largest supplier of tuna. Restaurateurs from Osaka and Kyoto visit daily to source their premium catches.

As dawn breaks, local fishermen carefully arrange their wares on the market's concrete plaza. The action begins promptly at 7 a.m.: auctioneers invite buyers to inspect the goods while announcing the start of bidding. You'll occasionally spot tuna specimens exceeding one meter in length and weighing 150 kg, with prices reaching 300,000 yen. The auction continues until every fish finds a buyer, watched by fascinated onlookers.

Adjacent to the market, shops offer freshly cut tuna and other seafood products packaged in various forms. The commercial arcade also houses a string of restaurants for discerning palates. The sashimi is exceptional, but to truly taste Kii Katsuura's signature dish, order maguro katsu served with ponzu sauce.

Unwind in an Onsen

Carve out time to rejuvenate at Kii Katsuura's hot springs. Harness the therapeutic benefits of natural thermal waters to improve circulation, ease skin conditions, or simply melt away tension. Two particularly popular addresses are accessible only by boat: Hotel Urashima with its Bokido bath, nestled in a spectacular seaside cave, and Hotel Nakanoshima on a private island, whose rotenburos offer sweeping coastal vistas.

For a complete list of onsens and foot baths in Kii Katsuura, visit the Nachi-Katsuura Tourist Information Center, located near JR Kii-Katsuura Station.

Visit Sacred Sites

Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine and Nachi Falls are essential stops when visiting Kii Katsuura. This is the iconic scene featured in Japan travel guides: a vermillion pagoda framed by a slender, soaring waterfall, all enveloped in lush vegetation. It ranks among the most accessible segments of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Along the serene, scenic path to the shrine, pause at small roadside shops for refreshing drinks. You'll discover a charming practice: vendors submerge beverage cartons in the cool mountain streams flowing down the hillside, dispensing with refrigeration entirely.

Every July, Kumano Nachi Taisha hosts Nachi no Ogi Matsuri, one of Japan's three most important fire festivals. Massive torches line the approach to the shrine complex, creating an enchanting spectacle.

Take a Boat Excursion

Regular sightseeing cruises depart from Kii Katsuura's port, just beyond the fish market. Over approximately one hour, these trips explore some of the beautiful islands off Matsushima. Pine-studded islets are nicknamed according to their unusual shapes—the camel island, the lion island, and so forth.

Excursions typically pass Taiji Whale Beach Park, a museum dedicated to whales, across Katsuura Bay. The center chronicles the history of these marine creatures and the evolution of hunting methods over time. A small selection of whale meat is available for purchase if desired. From April through September, dedicated cruises are organized for whale and dolphin watching.

Practical Information

Climate

Situated in southern Kii Peninsula, Kii Katsuura enjoys a warm, temperate climate. The region receives substantial annual rainfall—averaging 2,596 mm—particularly in September. January is the driest month, though rain can fall at any time. Temperatures range from a January low of 6°C to an August high of 26°C.

JR Kii Katsuura Station sits on the JR Kisei Line and is covered by the JR Pass. Allow approximately 4 hours from Shin-Osaka or Nagoya. From Ise, the route requires a connection at Taki or Matsusaka, with the total journey taking roughly 3 hours.

With its relaxed coastal atmosphere, Kii Katsuura is best explored on foot. To reach surrounding attractions—unless you have a rental car—local buses and taxis provide convenient access.

What to Do in Kii Katsuura?

• Witness the fish market auctions at dawn
• Relax in a rotenburo
• Marvel at Nachi Taisha shrine and Nachi Falls
• Enjoy a scenic cruise through Katsuura Bay
• Encounter dolphins and whales during summer season
• And much more