Wakayama Private Customizable Full Day Tour

Wakayama , Japan

Wakayama Private Customizable Full Day Tour

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About this experience

This private and customizable tour for Wakayama is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.

Discover Wakayama at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour, full-day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences.

After booking, you'll receive a form with various themes, facilitating easy selection based on your interests. Whether it's culture, history, cuisine, nature, or special events, you can highlight your preferences and must-see spots, streamlining our planning process.

Available options

Private: 1 Driver + 1 Guide

Private Car: This tour includes private chartered vehicle (1 driver) with a tour expert (1 tour guide). All transportation costs included.

Public Transport

Bus, Trains or other: This tour includes public transportation costs with your tour expert (1 tour guide only). All transportation costs included.

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center)

Choose 4 to 5 sites for a personalized tour of Wakayama

English-speaking professional tour guide

8-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf

Transportation within the city only

Detailed itinerary

Upon confirmation of your booking, you will be provided with a dedicated Tour Form containing key city highlights and essential information for your tour. Through this form, you can specify any attractions you wish to visit and share additional preferences. We will carefully review your input to craft an itinerary uniquely suited to your interests

This shrine is dedicated to Sugawara-no-Michizane, who was also known as the god of academics. It is noted as one of three major types of Japanese shrines.

A Japanese castle located in the city Wakayama, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. For most of the Edo Period, it was the administrative center of Kishū Domain, which was controlled by a cadet branch of the Tokugawa clan

Ancient temple site known for clear spring waters, seasonal flowers & views over Wakayama Bay.

One of the oldest shrines in the area. The shrine mainly worships the god of medicine 少彥名命, which is famous for healing women’s diseases, body healthy, and peaceful birth; it also worships the god of marriage 「大己貴命」, so it attracts many men and women to pray for good destiny.

A Shinto shrine located in the city of Wakayama Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. It enshrines the deified first Shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is also known as the Wakayama Tōshō-gū

The shrine has been worshipped as the God of Waka (Japanese poems). It is said to be that the islands of Tamatsu-shima including the Tamatsu-shima itself were originally worshipped as God.

What's not included

Gratuities (optional)

Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide

Meals, food and drinks not specified

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event

We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 21 days or less before event

We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before event

PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM:

After your booking, you will receive a link to the Wakayama Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Wakayama Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date

Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences

If you cancel the tour any time after we have sent you the custom Itinerary, the service fee of 15% of your total tour cost will be nonrefundable

Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today

Mode of transportation: Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)

Custom Itinerary:

Organizing and planning a trip requires a lot of time, and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and responses from the Custom Tour form, we’ll begin creating your itinerary and organizing the necessary arrangements for your tour

How far in advance should I book?

Preparing a customized tour takes time, especially if restaurant or venue reservations are needed. We recommend booking as early as possible—ideally 3 months in advance, or at least 1 month before your travel date. For requests made within 7 days of travel, we may not be able to arrange the tour in time, and your booking request may be canceled with a full refund

What if I'm late?

We ask that all guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time

Guests are provided with the tour guides’ phone number before the tour and you can call the tour guide if you need help

Although this is a private tour, the tour guide will only wait for you for up to 30 minutes of start time before the tour is cancelled

Attire: Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions

Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour

Children that are age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult that is age 18 or older

Meeting point

If guests are already in Wakayama City, the tour guide will pick up the guest at their hotel (if it's within the city center). If not, pick-up location will be provided to the guest before the tour date (the pick-up location will likely be at a convenient location, such as a train station).

About Wakayama

Wakayama is a coastal city in Japan known for its beautiful beaches, hot springs, and rich cultural heritage. It's home to the famous Koyasan (Mount Koya), a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, and offers a mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and traditional Japanese experiences.

Top Attractions

Koyasan (Mount Koya)

A sacred Buddhist site and pilgrimage destination, Koyasan is home to numerous temples, including the famous Kongobu-ji and Okunoin Cemetery.

Historical/Cultural/Religious Full day Moderate to Expensive

Nanki-Shirahama Onsen

A famous hot spring resort town known for its beautiful beaches and therapeutic hot springs.

Nature/Relaxation Half day to full day Moderate

Wakayama Castle

A reconstructed castle with a museum and beautiful gardens, offering insights into the region's feudal history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Budget

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kishu Beef

Tender and flavorful beef from the Kishu region, often served as sushi or in hot pot dishes.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians

Kakinoha-zushi

A local specialty of sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians

Ishikiri Shabu-Shabu

A hot pot dish featuring thinly sliced meat and vegetables cooked in a flavorful broth.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Koyasan Beach activities in Shirahama Hot spring bathing Temple stays Temple visits Traditional crafts workshops Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers beautiful fall foliage.

15-25°C (59-77°F) 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Wakayama is a very safe destination with low crime rates. However, as with any travel, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of unlicensed taxis or guides offering services at high prices
• Follow basic safety guidelines when using public transport, such as keeping an eye on your belongings

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 60 km (37 miles)

By train

Wakayama Station

By bus

Wakayama Station Bus Terminal, Kain Line Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and punctual, with frequent services. IC cards like ICOCA can be used for easy payment.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Wakayama City Center Koyasan Town Shirahama Town

Day trips

Koyasan (Mount Koya)

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

A sacred Buddhist site with numerous temples, cemeteries, and hiking trails.

Nanki-Shirahama Onsen

60 km (37 miles) • Half day to full day

A popular hot spring resort town with beautiful beaches and therapeutic baths.

Festivals

Koyasan Fire Festival • August 13-15 Shirahama Summer Festival • July to August

Pro tips

Visit Koyasan early in the morning to experience the peaceful atmosphere before the day-trippers arrive
Try a shukubo (temple lodging) experience for a unique and authentic cultural immersion
Sample local specialties like Kishu beef and Kakinoha-zushi at traditional restaurants
Use an IC card (like ICOCA) for convenient and seamless payment on public transportation
Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring historical sites and natural attractions