Heavy Rain and Four Days in Wakayama: An Unexpected Encounter with Hidden Treasures

Our originally planned trip to Wakayama unexpectedly coincided with three continuous days of heavy rain. Despite the unfavorable weather, this compact itinerary (classic attractions are indeed scattered) uncovered many unexpected surprises.

Here are some firsthand highlights for your reference:

* **Kuroshio Market Tuna Cutting Show:** Want to see a tuna dissection? Be sure to check the schedule in advance; no showings if you miss it.
* **Kishi Station Cat Stationmaster:** If you’re not a cat enthusiast and your schedule is tight, you can skip this.
* **Shirarahama Beach:** The white sand is incredibly fine, and even on rainy days, the seawater remains as clear as glass.
* **Shirahama Footbath:** Soaking in the hot spring footbath to shelter from the rain is so comfortable you won’t want to leave.
* **Engetsu Island Viewing:** The scenery is greatly diminished in bad weather, so you may choose to skip it depending on conditions.
* **Hama Chidori no Yu Kaishu:** Highly recommended! Still fondly remember the unlimited ice pops.
* **Sandanbeki Caves:** A place that defies expectations. Standing inside the cave, listening to the crashing waves, feels like entering another world. The mist brought by the heavy rain adds a mysterious atmosphere.
* **Sendai Rock Formations:** The coastal rock formations are spectacular but slippery, so be extra careful. Beauty with a wild edge.
* **Nachi-Shimpū Morning Market:** The highlight is the one-hour tuna auction starting at 7 AM, with hundreds of tunas lined up in a stunning display.
* **Urashima Hotel:** Facilities are a bit dated, but the cave hot spring experience is absolutely amazing.
* **Benten Island Transportation:** To and from Kii-Shimpū, you can only walk or take a taxi (about 750 yen). Taxis usually don’t wait, so you might have to walk back.
* **Nachi Taisha Shrine and Waterfall:** A pleasant surprise! The three-story pagoda and Nachi Waterfall can be visited for free.
* **JR Kuroshio Train:** It’s recommended to reserve seats in advance for peace of mind.

**Itinerary Overview:**
* **Day 1:** Kansai Airport → Wakayama City (stay near JR Wakayama Station)
* **Day 2:** Wakayama City → Shirahama (about 1.5 hours on JR Kuroshio, stay at Hama Chidori no Yu Kaishu)
* **Day 3:** Shirahama → Nachi-Shimpū (about 1.5 hours on JR Kuroshio, stay at Urashima Hotel)
* **Day 4:** Nachi-Shimpū → Kansai Airport (about 3.5 hours travel)

**Photo Index:**
* P2: Three-story Pagoda + Nachi Waterfall
* P3: Benten Island
* P4-5: Nachi Waterfall + Kumano Kodo
* P6: Bus timetable from Kii-Shimpū Station to Nachi Waterfall
* P7: Kuroshio Market
* P8-9: Seascape outside Kuroshio Market
* P10: Eel Rice Bowl at Niyoro (near Wakayama Station)
* P11-13: Sandanbeki
* P14-15: Sendai Rock Formations
* P16: Engetsu Island
* P17-18: Hama Chidori no Yu Kaishu