Wakayama

Submarine Mailbox?, Wakayama

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Submarine Mailbox” is a mailbox installed on the seafloor, also called “Mailbox in the sea”, and can be seen in Japan in Wakayama Prefecture Susami Town, Shizuoka Prefecture Izu City, Okinawa Prefecture Naha City etc. As part of the event in 1999, it was the start of being established by the director of Wakayama Prefecture Susami Post Office. The place of installation is 100 meters from the shore of the Karekinada coast of Susami Town in Wakayama Prefecture, located at the bottom of the water at 10 meters depth.

The visited diver posts it at the “Submarine Mailbox” set at the diving spot, and the postcard collected from the sea is shipped to the whole world from the Susami post office. An average of 10 postcards are posted a day on average, and around 50 or so on a weekend or summer vacation are posted. In 2002, it was certified as Guinness Book and posted as ‘Mailbox in the deepest place in the world’. “Submarine Mailbox” got very popular and in 2011 the number of postings exceeded 30,000. Even diving beginners will be able to post by themselves if they participate in experiential diving, you can also ask staff for posting.(200 yen, air mail available)
However, because it is in the sea, post deterioration is intense, it may be that it is not the original color red with barnacles and seaweed attached after several months of submersion in the sea. It seems that now they are replacing two posts several times a year. They are sticking to the old round post and they seem to be recovering and using round posts that are no longer used by municipalities nationwide. However, it seems that posts of such forms are hard to gather at the moment and are struggling.

Selected by Guinness Book of World Records

There is the submarine mailbox under bottom of the sea, where approximately 100 meters from the shore of Susami town, Wakayama, at the depth of 10 meters below the surface of the sea. It was certified as “the mailbox in the world’s lowest place” in 2002 by Guinness Book of World Records.

It is on a map

You can confirm it on a map of the lower part of this page, and it is surely underwater.
The submarine mailbox was put into this place by a suggestion of the director at local post office as part of the event in 1999. After the event was over, it is used in the same way as a common mailbox.

You can use air mail

A letter, which the diver who visit this place posts in “the underwater mailbox”, is collected and sent from the Susami post office to the world, (You can use air mail.)

Appears in a TV commercial

The posts are changed once a year. It seems that they use two posts one after the other every year.
In 2015, it appears in a TV commercial of the car.

Information

Name:	Submarine Post
Adresse:	Susami 4857-74 Nishimurogun Susamicho, Wakayama 649-2621 Japan
Access:	JR Kisei-honsen Line “Susami-eki Station” (23 minutes walk) Courtesy bus service is available for the guest of club-noah, reservation required.
Tel:	(+81)739-55-4511
Price/Charge:	200 yen (The price of postcard for “Submarine Post” only) Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.susami.club-noah.net/

Shirahama Onsen Hot Spring Resort, Wakayama

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

It is a representative resort of Kansai area

Shirahama Onsen Hot Spring, one of Japan’s three major hot springs, known as a hot spring spot for a long time. It was also introduced to Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), the venerable hot springs where the Emperor of the times visited toji (hot spring cure) from all the capital city. This is also one of the geosites of “Nanki Kumano Geopark” certified in Japan Geopark in 2014. There, you can taste the grace of the eternal earth on your whole body while immersing in a hot spring. Currently it is a representative resort of Kansai area, many hotels, inns, etc. are lined up.

The only remaining historical hot spring in “Seven Hot Springs of Yuzaki”

Leisure facilities and Shirarahama beach are popular Shirahama Onsen Hot Spring Resort, but there are many hot springs from the past. In addition to the representative “Sakinoyu Hot Spring” and “Muronoyu Hot Spring”, various kinds of hot springs such as “Shirarayu Hot Spring” watching Shirarahama beach and Outdoor bath “Shirasuna” entering in swimwear at Shirarahama beach.
Among them, Sakinoyu Hot Spring is the only remaining historical hot spring in “Seven Hot Springs of Yuzaki”, an open-air bath where the majestic Pacific Ocean is close up. After enjoying plenty of open-air bath, the hot spring egg selling nearby is also one of enjoyment.

You can enjoy two kinds of hot water at one time

Muronoyu Hot Spring draws hot water from two kinds of sources, Mabuyu and Miyukiyu, and it is a hot spring where you can enjoy two kinds of hot water at one time. Please try and enjoy the historic name hot water.

The contrast of the white sandy Shirarahama beach and the blue sea and the blue sky

Shirarayu Hot Spring is a hot spring in front of Shirarahama beach, famous for its beach. While immersing in the bathtub, you can enjoy the luxurious view of the contrast of the white sandy Shirarahama beach visible from the window and the blue sea and the blue sky. This is a hot spring filled with sea bathers in summer.

You can enjoy the tropical resort there

In addition to Panda’s popular popular Adventure World, there are also many scenic spots such as Engetsutou Island and Sandanbeki. There is also a hot spring to heal the tired body, and a free footbath to feel free to enjoy. You can enjoy the tropical resort there.

Information

Name:	Shirahama Onsen Hot Spring Resort
Address:	“Sakinoyu Hot Spring” Shirahamacho 1688 Nishimurogun, Wakayama 649-2211 Japan
Access:	“Sakinoyu Hot Spring” JR Kisei-honsen “Shirahama-eki Station” (15 minutes by car)
Tel:	(+81) 739-43-5511 (Shirahama Tourism Association)
Price/Charge:	Please refer the official web page
Official site:	http://www.nanki-shirahama.com/

Wakayama Adventure World, Wakayama

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Must see “land of dreams” for animal lovers

The theme park “Wakayama Adventure World” that you can interact with a lot of animals, including panda, with amazing proximity. Do not despise that it is just a zoo. There is an overwhelming scale and encounters with moving animals waiting. About 1,400 animals can be seen here. What a lot! The animals of land, the sea, and the sky meet in one place, it is a must see “land of dreams” for animal lovers.

Breeding record of panda is recognized

There are seven giant pandas currently living in the Adventure World, and they are loved by many people as the biggest family of panda in Japan. Here, breeding record of panda which is said to be particularly difficult is recognized. Many giant pandas were born here, growing healthily, and traveling to the world for further breeding.
The most popular darling of the Adventure World is a twin baby panda born in 2014. You can see the appearance of cute “Ohin” “Tohin”.

Various animals live on the vast site

The “Adventure World” is a theme park where zoos, aquariums and amusement parks are united. On the vast site, not only panda but also various animals live.

You can interact with many animals

It is surprising that we can approach animals as much as to worry about whether it will be okay to come so close. In addition, the theme park has abundant experiences and attractions, and you can interact with many animals.

Dynamic performance of dolphins and whales is a must-see recommendation

The marine live performed at the “Big Ocean” full of openness facing the sea is a live show where dolphins and whales show dynamic performance. It is a masterpiece performance that you let out a cry of joy without thinking. The audience are excited together. It is a must-see recommendation at the Adventure World.

Information

Name:	Wakayama Adventure World
Address:	Katata 2399 Nishimurogun Shirahamacho, Wakayama 649-2201 Japan
Access:	JR Kii-honsen Line “Shirahama-eki Station” (10 minutes by bus)
Tel:	(+81) 570-06-4481
Price/Charge:	Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.aws-s.com/

Nyu Matsuri Festival (Laughter Festival), Wakayama

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Commonly known as “Laughter Festival” and is also famous as a strange festival

Hidakagawa-cho town of central Wakayama where peaceful scenery spreads surrounded by the rice field and the mandarin orange field. Normally, a quiet town changes completely a big crowd, it is time for the annual festival of the Nyu-jinja Shrine. It is commonly known as “Laughter Festival” and is also famous as a strange festival.
It is the famous festival in which “Ringing the Bell” who painted white face and applied red letters “Laugh” on the face cheeks walking through the town.

Traditional art in each district can be seen

Originally, the festival that was separately held at each shrine in the four districts of Ekawa, Sanya, Matsuse, Wasa of the former Nyu village became one with the integration of the shrine. That is why traditional art in each district can be seen as a characteristic of the festival.

To encourage Niutsuhime to comfort “smiley and laugh”

This festival is designated as intangible folk performing arts in Wakayama prefecture. It is said that this festival began with the villagers concerned about the life of Niutsuhime who fell asleep over the gathering of the god of Izumo and encouraged her to comfort “smiley and laugh”.

About 500 people walks about 1 km

And it can be said that it is the symbol of this festival is “Ringing the Bell” who paints the face white, and wears flashy costumes and saying “smile, laugh”. Along with “Ringing the Bell”, there is a mikoshi, a festival car in the four districts, and a crowd holding banner flags in the line leading by “Masu Mochi”. A long line of about 500 people walks about 1 km from Otabijo (temporary shrine) to the shrine.

One of the most happiest place of the world

In addition, this region has become famous worldwide, as it has become “one of the most happiest place of the world”, chosen by the world’s leading travel guidebook publisher, Lonely Planet.

Information

Name:	Nyu Matsuri Festival (Laughter Festival)
Address:	Ekawa Hidakagun Hidakagawacho, Wakayama 649-1442 Japan
Access:	JR Kisei-honsen Line “Wasa-eki Station” (15 minutes by car)
Tel:	(+81) 738-22-2041 (Hidakagawa Tourism Association)
Price:	Free
Official site:	http://kanko.hidakagawa.jp/

Koyasan Okunoin, Wakayama

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

More than 1,200 years after Kukai founded the exercise hall

It passes more than 1,200 years after Kukai (also known as Kobodaishi) founded the exercise hall of Buddha’s preach esoteric Buddhism to Mt. Koyasan. There is “Okunoin” at the center of the faith in Daishi. Whoever come here feels solemn and cannot help giving prayer.

“Okunoin” is the center of the faith of Mt. Koyasan

“Okunoin” is the center of the faith of Mt. Koyasan and is the sacred place where Buddhism Great Teacher Kukai did Nyujo (*) at the age of 62 years old in 835.
*Nyujo is one of the ultimate ascetic practices of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.

Kukai prays for peace in the world

Even now, it is still believed that Kukai prays for peace in the world and he continue saving every people. And a meal is sent to the “Okunoin” twice in the morning, at 6:00 a.m. and half past 10 a.m. every day. A general visitor can also see the ceremony called this “Shojinku.”

The graves and rest-in-peace pagodas of 200,000

It is from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period that the approach was made.
The approach is spreading out approximately 1.9km from the entrance of “Ichinohashi” to “Gobyo” (Mausoleum) where Kukai is still continuing meditation. Both sides of the approach, the graves and rest-in-peace pagodas of 200,000 stand in a row.

Unique mind space spreads out

The maximum rest-in-peace pagoda in “Okunoin” is for mother of Dainagon (major councilor) of Tadanaga TOKUGAWA of Suruga Province, and height is 6 meters.
In Mt. Koyasan Okunoin Temple, unique mind space spreads out so as to enshrine friends and foes alike.
There are many cemeteries of the historical person.

Information

Name:	Koyasan Okunoin
Address:	Koyasan 550 Itogun Koyacho, Wakayama 648-0211 Japan
Access:	Koyasan 550 Itogun Koyacho, Wakayama 648-0211 Japan
Tel:	(+81)736-56-2002
Price:	Free
Official site:	http://www.koyasan.or.jp/

Nachi no Ogi Matsuri, Wakayama

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

The significant intangible folk cultural asset of the country

The annual festival of the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine performed on July 13 or 14 every year. Although generally called “Nachi no Hi Matsurhi”, but it is formally called “Ogi Eshiki Reisai” (Fan ceremonies annual festival) or “Ogi Matsuri” (Fan Festival).
It was designated as the significant intangible folk cultural asset of the country as “Nachi no Ogi Matsuri” in 2015.

The blazing large torch lets flame splash is heroic

The flame of the large torch is heroic and dances boisterously in front of Nachi’s waterfall which is said the best in Japan, it is famous as “Nachi no Hi Matsurhi” attracting tourists. It is a shrine ritual which purifies a fan mikoshi with a large torch and welcoming God. There is togyo (a Shinto ritual where a portable shrine parades to pray for happiness of people lining the path of the parade) of a mikoshi and the state that a blazing large torch lets flame splash is heroic. The dengaku dance dedicated prior to the departure of the miniature shrine is one of the highlight.

The weight of the large torch is approximately 50 kg

The 12 gods of Kumano are moved to the 12 fan mikoshi of 6 meters high mimicking the figure of the waterfall, and welcoming with 12 large torches on the approach of a waterfall, and being purified with the flame is “Nachi no Hi Matsurhi”
The weight of the large torch used in this shinto rituals is approximately 50 kg.

“Nachi Dengaku Dance” designated as the significant intangible folk cultural asset of the country

“Yamato Mai Dance” is dedicated from 11:00 a.m. and “Nachi Dengaku Dance” designated as the significant intangible folk cultural asset of the country is dedicated Ffom 11:30 a.m in the precincts of Nachi Taisha Shrine.
The ignition to a large torch becoming climactic is carried out from 2:00 p.m.

An act of God to return original place

“Nachi no Ogi Matsuri” is an act of God to return to a waterfall of Nachi, where originally Gods dedicated, to the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine were enshrined.

Information

Name:	Nachi no Ogi Matsuri
Address:	Nachisan 1 Higashimurogun Nachikatsuuracho, Wakayama 649-5301 Japan
Access:	JR Kisei-honsen Line “Kii Katsuura-eki Station” (30 minutes by bus)
Tel:	(+81)735-55-0321 (Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine)
Price:	Free
Official site:	http://kumanonachitaisha.or.jp/

Wakayama

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Footer

Newsletter