Owase(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Wakuya City, the top family-friendly hotel with ocean views is Wakuya Port Resort Hotel. This seaside resort offers spacious rooms with direct views of the Kii Peninsula’s azure waters, perfect for relaxing and enjoying sunrises over the Kii Strait. Amenities include a hot spring bath, children’s playroom, and a kid-friendly restaurant serving local seafood. Located steps from Wakuya Port and Wakuya Fish Market, guests can enjoy fresh eel and sea bream dishes. Nearby attractions like Wakuya Castle Ruins and Shirahama Beach make it ideal for family outings. Book early during summer to secure your preferred room and location.

The best time to visit Wakuya City is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and sea breezes are refreshing. Spring brings cherry blossoms along the Wakuya River, while autumn features vibrant foliage and seasonal festivals. The highlight is the Wakuya Fire Festival held every July, featuring spectacular fireworks and lantern displays that illuminate the night sky. For quieter visits with excellent food, consider traveling in September or October—perfect for sampling fresh Wakuya eel and sea urchin at local restaurants.

Visitors to Wakuya City can immerse themselves in authentic local traditions through the Wakuya Eel Cooking Experience and traditional fisherman’s tour. At Wakuya Harbor, join a morning fishing tour led by local fishermen to learn about sustainable harvesting and even help prepare fresh eel. In the evening, enjoy a Wakuya Eel Banquet at a historic machiya inn, where you’ll taste delicately grilled or soy-braised eel using age-old methods. Don’t miss the guided tour of Wakuya Castle Ruins, which reveals insights into the feudal Wakuya Domain and its military history. These experiences offer deep connections to the region’s rich Kii culture and heritage.

For short-term travelers, the Wakuya Port area is the most convenient and charming district. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Wakuya Station, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and scenic spots. Stay at Wakuya Portside Villa, a boutique-style inn blending minimalist Japanese design with modern comfort. Its balconies overlook the harbor, offering peaceful views of boats returning at dusk. Nearby, Wakuya Shopping Street sells local specialties like dried eel and nori mochi. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or on a quick weekend getaway, this area delivers an authentic and cozy experience.

Wakuya City’s hot spring hotels stand out due to their natural seawater baths, with Wakuya Sea Spa Onsen Inn being the most renowned. This resort features open-air baths directly facing the Kii Strait, where guests can soak while listening to waves and watching the sunset. The mineral-rich seawater originates from deep underground, known for its skin-soothing and joint-relief benefits. Some rooms come with private onsen pools for added privacy. The inn also serves regional cuisine, including Wakuya eel stew and sea urchin rice bowls, making each stay a full sensory journey. Visit on weekends to enjoy a complete "sea and spring" wellness retreat.

Must-try foods in Wakuya City center around fresh seafood, especially Wakuya eel, famed for its tender texture and rich flavor due to its origin in the clean waters of the Kii Strait. Enjoy it grilled over charcoal or simmered in sweet soy sauce. Another highlight is sea urchin, harvested daily by local fishermen—try it in a sea urchin donburi or as sushi. Don’t miss Wakuya tofu and salt-cured mackerel, traditional snacks available at Wakuya Shopping Street and the harbor market. For a hands-on experience, join a seafood cooking class to learn how to prepare eel dishes, taking home a memorable culinary souvenir.

Transportation in Wakuya City is practical for tourists. Take the JR Kishu Line from Namba Station in Osaka to Wakuya Station, a 2-hour ride, then walk or take a taxi (10 minutes) to downtown. The city operates a Wakuya Tourist Bus covering key sites like Wakuya Castle Ruins, Shirahama Beach, and Wakuya Harbor—affordable and reliable. If driving, follow National Route 42, passing the Omine Trail head near Kumano Kodo. Use the Mie Prefecture Tourist Bus Pass for unlimited rides on local buses, saving time and money.

Top photo spots in Wakuya City include Wakuya Harbor Seaside Plaza, where a white lighthouse and blue docks create a dreamy backdrop, especially at golden hour. Shirahama Beach’s sandy shores and rocky formations offer dramatic coastal shots. The Wakuya Castle Ruins, with ancient stone walls and moss-covered trees, provide a timeless, historical aesthetic. For cultural photography, visit Wakuya Machiya Inns, whose traditional wooden architecture and shoji screens exude quiet elegance. Bring a tripod for sunrise or sunset shots—ideal for capturing reflections on the water and soft ambient lighting.

Nighttime highlights in Wakuya City include strolling along the Wakuya Harbor Promenade, lined with warm lanterns creating a serene atmosphere. Every Friday evening, the Wakuya Harbor Night Market buzzes with energy, offering grilled eel skewers, fresh sea urchin bites, and cold local beer, often accompanied by live folk music. The Wakuya Sea Spa Onsen Inn hosts a special "Stargazing Onsen" event, where guests soak under open skies, combining relaxation with celestial views. For a tranquil escape, book a stay at a garden-view ryokan and enjoy tea under the moonlight, embracing the city’s peaceful rhythm.

The main attractions in Wakuya City revolve around the fusion of coastal beauty and historical legacy. Key sites include Wakuya Castle Ruins, whose preserved stone walls and ancient trees reflect the domain’s Edo-period past. Wakuya Harbor offers a lively glimpse into daily fishing life and fresh seafood markets. Shirahama Beach provides pristine sands and stunning views of the Kii Strait, perfect for beach walks. The annual Wakuya Fire Festival in July combines fireworks, lanterns, and traditional dance, showcasing community spirit. For nature lovers, explore the Kumano Kodo trail section near Wakuya, offering a peaceful, centuries-old pilgrimage path through lush forests.