Wakayama in Half a Day: Wakayama & Wakayama ramen lunch — Guide Yuki

What Is a Private Cruise Port Tour of Wakayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Ahead of this tour, I visited the tourism division of Wakayama City. Because the guests' ship was making its first-ever call at Wakayama City, I was told that no shuttle bus would run from the port to the city center this time (until now they had mostly relied on buses arranged by the cruise company). I complained that, with no subway like Osaka and having to rely on taxis, or walk a long way from the port to wait for infrequent buses, tourism in Wakayama City would only decline. When I arrived at the port today, however, they had hurriedly arranged a shuttle bus. (Was it because of me?) It turned out that one of the guests could barely walk. I explained that if we could just get to Wakayama Station, we could use the local bus for 230 yen and also catch a taxi from the station, so we took the shuttle bus to Wakayama Station. Along the way I gave a brief introduction to the city. (I felt a bit like a tour conductor.) Since the guests were fine with getting around by taxi to make things easier, we used taxis after that. Reaching the main keep of Wakayama Castle requires climbing slopes and stone steps, so we walked a little through the Momijidani Garden in front of it and took photos. We had matcha at Kosho-an within the garden. Since guests could sit on chairs, it was comfortable. I had prepared kaishi paper decorated with camellia flowers, and since the guests liked it, I gave it to them. My knowledge of tea ceremony comes only from a little I studied while preparing to become a National Guide-Interpreter, but this was the first time I was able to make use of it. The best view of the entire Wakayama Castle is from the rooftop of the nearby Wakayama Castle Hall, so we took the elevator up to take photos and sat down to rest, then went to the nearest shop to eat ramen. Since the guests could not eat much, we ordered two bowls and got extra bowls to share. They enjoyed the flavor of Wakayama ramen, which had once won a grand prix. I was worried about whether we could catch a taxi for the return, but just as a taxi stopped in front of the city hall and dropped off passengers, we caught it and returned to the cruise ship. Even with limited walking distance, I did everything I could. I think we were fortunate in many ways. In the end I also suggested a course going around Wakaura by taxi before returning, but the guests seemed to have had their fill and went directly back to Wakayama Port. Many volunteers were out for the arrival of this cruise ship, and I saw many familiar faces. Wakayama City has many kind people and beautiful nature, and it lacks the crowds of Osaka, but its transportation access is too poor. I keenly felt why this is the only place in the Kinki region that has not become affected by overtourism.

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Tour Report by Yuki

Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.