Enjoy the Quiet, Mystical Charms of Kimino Town (Wakayama)

Kimino, Wakayama: Japan’s Hidden Gem You Need to Explore

Kimino is situated in north-central Wakayama Prefecture, offering convenient access to Kansai International Airport to the north and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Koyasan to the east—both roughly an hour away by car. Despite its accessibility, Kimino Town’s own records reveal that just a few years ago, not a single overseas tourist visited the area! But they’ve been missing out. Here’s why Kimino deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

Taste the Freshness: Kimino’s Gourmet Vegetables

There are shops throughout the town where you can enjoy local vegetables and fruits.

Kiminoka

Gelato Cup Double (Sansho Milk and Dried Persimmon Sake)

Kiminoka is a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious gelato full of the rich aroma of fruit grown by the shop’s owners.

Mominoki Shokudo

Lunch Set

Located in a renovated sake brewery, Mominoki Shokudo serves lunches that include over twenty kinds of local vegetables, tofu, and potato patties. Since lunch ends when servings are sold out, advance reservations are recommended.

Take a Piece of Kimino Home: Unique Souvenirs to Treasure

Yama-no-ie Oishi

Hemp products

One of the town’s traditional products is natural hemp brooms for keeping floors and tatami mats clean and beautiful. Another great souvenir item is palm-sized desktop bowls from Yama-no-ie Oishi.

The resident goat, Sumire-chan, is super cute!

Aserina Washi Workshop

Handmade Japanese “washi” and paper products

The “Washi” paper products from Aserina are wonderful. Found in a refurbished storehouse, the shop produces handmade Japanese paper using traditional methods. You can even try making small washi items yourself (if spaces are available).

Midorinosato Farmers Market

And, of course, there are edible souvenirs. You can get seasonal fruits and jams at a reasonable price at the Midorinosato Farmers Market.

Breathtaking Beauty: The Golden Waves of Susuki Grasslands

At an altitude of 870 meters, the Oishi Kogen Highlands offer a sweeping, unobstructed panorama. The plateau’s susuki grasslands are particularly stunning from late September to mid-November, shimmering silver in the morning sunlight and glowing golden at sunset.

Stargazing: See the Milky Way in Kimino’s Clear Skies

Perched atop Matsugamine at 430 meters above sea level, Misato Observatory is renowned as one of Japan’s premier star-viewing locations. During weekly stargazing events, visitors can use Wakayama’s largest telescope, with a 105 cm diameter, and the grassy surroundings make it an ideal spot for meteor watching. While waiting for the night sky to unfold, you can explore the observatory’s planetarium and 3D theater for an engaging daytime experience.

Stay in Harmony: Nature-Inspired Hotels in Kimino

Ueminami

Ueminami, a charming inn housed in a 150-year-old mountain home, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. With no TVs or vending machines on site and a policy of hosting only one group per day, it provides an intimate experience. Staying here with family or friends feels like visiting a relative’s countryside home, where you can unwind and enjoy the serene scenery.

Misato Spa Kajika-sou

At Misato Spa Kajika-sou, you can relax in outdoor baths and savor delicious meals, whether you’re staying overnight or visiting on a day trip. A highlight is the botan nabe, a hot pot featuring thinly sliced boar meat cooked with vegetables. Traditionally a winter specialty, this dish is available here year-round.

Kamataki Yakushi Kongo Temple

Kamataki Yakushi Kongo Temple

Kamataki Yakushi Kongo Temple provides a unique lodging option at the western gateway to Koyasan, one of Japan’s oldest temple complexes. Pilgrims en route to the mountain can enjoy a tranquil stay in the shukubo (guest rooms). Even if you’re not staying overnight, visitors are welcome to join activities such as meditation, sutra copying, and Buddha observation, each priced at 1,000 yen (including tax).

Kimino is an adorable and charming area, perfect for a getaway during your time in Japan. Seeing as it is relatively untouched by tourists, you can get to know the true Japan and really make use of the peace and quiet.

As there’s no train service to Kimino, so you’ll need to book a rental car in Wakayama City to get there. Free information pamphlets packed with highlights are available in Japanese, English, and Chinese at the city office. If you haven’t seen Kimino’s PR video, check it out!

Written by:

Kiko Matsuda, Keiko Kimura, Risa Tsuji, and a team of female writers familiar with Kansai. We love eating, drinking and traveling! We share fun information based on our experiences.