When traveling in the Kansai region of Japan, don’t just focus on Osaka and Kyoto! Wakayama Prefecture, known as the “spiritual capital,” is home to the mystical sacred site of Kumano Kodo, as well as incredible local cuisine that will keep you coming back for more. From premium seafood in Nachi-Katsuura and high-quality fruits to traditional dishes passed down for generations, Wakayama is truly a hidden gourmet paradise.
Here is a curated list of 11 must-try foods in Wakayama that you definitely don’t want to miss!
Must-Try Wakayama Seafood: Ultimate Freshness Straight from the Source
Nachi-Katsuura “Fresh Tuna”
Nachi-Katsuura Fishing Port in Wakayama is the largest tuna landing port in Japan. Its biggest specialty is serving “fresh” non-frozen tuna (nama-maguro). With peak freshness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, the tuna is incredibly sweet and rich in flavor. One bite is enough to crown it as some of the freshest tuna you will ever taste!
- Nigiwai-Ichiba (にぎわい市場)
- Address: 7-12 Tsukiji, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
Yuasa Town “Fresh Shirasu Rice Bowl”
Yuasa Town in Wakayama Prefecture is one of the top producers of shirasu (baby sardines) in Japan. Freshness is essential when it comes to shirasu, as only the freshest can be eaten raw. A bowl of translucent raw shirasu rice topped with a savory soy-based sauce infused with ginger delivers an incredibly fresh and flavorful experience. It is so delicious that you might find yourself ordering another bowl without realizing it!
- Kadoya Shokudo (かどや食堂)
- Address: 1109-1 Yuasa, Yuasa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture
Classic Must-Eats: Authentic Signature Flavors of Wakayama
Rich Broth “Wakayama Ramen”
Also known as “Chuka Soba” (Chinese-style noodles), Wakayama ramen is characterized by its rich pork bone broth combined with Yuasa’s famous soy sauce. The soup is deep and flavorful without being overly heavy. Thin noodles soak up the broth beautifully, and when paired with chashu pork and classic fish cake, it delivers a well-balanced and satisfying depth of flavor.
- Menya Hishio Wakayama Station Store (麺屋 ひしお 和歌山駅前店)
- Address: 5-7-12 Misono-cho, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
Premium Specialty “Kishu Nanko Ume”
Minabe Town in southern Wakayama is the birthplace of the premium “Kishu Nanko Ume” variety. The plums are large and plump, with thin skin, thick flesh, and a refreshing tartness. Whether made into traditional pickled plums, plum juice, plum wine, or given as souvenirs, their refined sweet-and-sour flavor makes them one of the region’s most iconic specialties.
Fruit Kingdom Pride “Arida Mikan”
Image source：photo AC
Wakayama is one of Japan’s top three mandarin orange-producing regions, and “Arida Mikan” is the most famous variety. Thanks to abundant sunlight and a warm climate, these mandarins are known for their high sweetness, thin skin, rich aroma, and juicy texture.
Insider Picks: Centuries-Old Traditional Local Cuisine and Seasonings
Giant “Mehari Sushi”
Named “Mehari Sushi” because you have to open your mouth wide when eating it, often leaving others amazed. It is made by wrapping rice and pickled mustard leaves with mustard stems. Rather than sushi, it is more like a rustic rice ball with a simple, traditional flavor. This is a centuries-old local specialty that is a must-try along the Kumano Kodo area.
- Sohonke Mehariya Wakayama Store (総本家めはりや 和歌山店)
- Address: 2-14-9 Ota, Ota Building 103, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
Rock-inspired “Usukawa Manju Gihei”
Inspired by Wakayama’s famous scenic spot “Hashigui-iwa” rock formations, this century-old specialty features an ultra-thin, delicate pastry skin wrapped around smooth and refined red bean paste. The shop carefully uses low-sugar filling, with a well-balanced texture and sweetness. It is gently sweet without being overwhelming, making it a highly popular traditional Wakayama confection.
- Usukimanju Gihei main store (うすかわ饅頭儀平 本店)
- Address: 1851 Kushimoto, Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
Soy Sauce Homeland “Yuasa Soy Sauce”
Yuasa in Wakayama is considered the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce. It is made using carefully selected domestically grown whole soybeans and naturally fermented in traditional cedar barrels. The result is a rich, deeply flavorful soy sauce with complex layers of taste.
- Yuasa Soy Sauce Co., Ltd.
- Address: 1464 Yuasa, Yuasa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture
Rice thief “Kinjiraji Miso”
A traditional fermented food originating from Wakayama, this is a type of “table miso” that can be eaten directly as a side dish. It is made by adding vegetables such as eggplant, melon, and ginger, and is brewed using rice koji, barley koji, and soybean koji.
The flavor is a well-balanced mix of sweet, salty, and savory notes with a smooth and mellow richness, making it an incredibly rice-friendly local specialty.
- Kinjiraji Miso
- Address: 1464 Yuasa, Yuasa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture
Dessert Lovers’ Dream: Wakayama Exclusive Specialty Sweets
World’s First “Matcha Soft Serve Ice Cream” (Gyokurin-en)
A must-buy for matcha lovers! The long-established tea house “Gyokurin-en” offers the “Green Soft (グリーンソフト),” made with high-quality stone-milled matcha. It has a refreshing taste, rich tea aroma, and a well-balanced sweetness. When purchasing, look for the cute duck mascot on the packaging to make sure you’ve got the real one!
Shirahama Exclusive Souvenir “Fukubishi Kagerou”
A century-old wagashi shop passed down through three generations, its signature item “Fukubishi Kagerou” features a light, crisp outer shell with a specially crafted cream filling inside. With a texture similar to a Taiwanese macaron, it is one of the most popular souvenirs in the Shirahama area.
- Kagerou Café
- Address: 1279-3 Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
After reading all this, are you already craving these foods and ready to book a flight? Wakayama not only offers soul-soothing natural scenery and historic pilgrimage routes, but its hidden gourmet treasures are truly a highlight you should not miss on your trip!
