In the municipality of Kinokawa, Yuriyama brings together a historic walking trail about three kilometers long, seasonal blossoms and autumn foliage, and a viewpoint overlooking the Kinokawa Plain. The seasons are especially worth considering when planning a trip: spring and autumn shape the experiences at Yuriyama, while strawberry picking takes place during its own season.
The Yuriyama Walking Trail and the Seasons
In the municipality of Kinokawa, a historic walking trail about three kilometers long runs along Yuriyama, following an old pilgrimage route. The “Shin Shikoku 88 Temples” pilgrimage route was established on the slope of Yuriyama in 1857. At the top of the trail is a viewpoint overlooking the Kinokawa Plain. In spring, cherry blossoms line the trail, and the Yuriyama Flower Festival is part of the seasonal program; in autumn, the foliage and the Yuriyama Walking Rally are highlights. These events take place regularly. Check the latest dates before your trip if you would like to plan your visit around them.
Seishū no Sato and Hanaoka Seishū
In the municipality of Kinokawa, Seishū no Sato commemorates Hanaoka Seishū’s success in performing the world’s first breast cancer operation under general anesthesia. His surgical instruments and glasses are on display, along with records of treatments and medicinal preparations. Visitors can explore the history of medicine through both personal belongings and medical work.
At Seishū no Sato in the municipality of Kinokawa, the buildings also offer a glimpse into the site’s former use: the main building and storehouse of Hanaoka Seishū’s former residence, clinic, and medical school have been preserved in their original form. The other buildings were reconstructed using excavation records. This distinction helps visitors tell the preserved structures from the reconstructed parts.
Other historical sites offer different perspectives. In the municipality of Kinokawa, the foundation stones of a seven-story pagoda at the ruins of Kii Kokubunji have been preserved in their original layout. The temple 粉河寺 in the municipality of Kinokawa is the third temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage and is visited by many pilgrims.
Parks, Camping and Strawberry Picking
Akibayama Park in the municipality of Kinokawa has a viewpoint, walking paths, and a pavilion. Camp Momo&Kite in Kaito, Momoyama-chō, in the municipality of Kinokawa, includes a campground with a sauna, a café, and a shop selling European goods. The campground operates year-round; check the latest operating details before your trip. The campsites overlook a river, where visitors can play in the water in summer. The offerings have different focuses: the park features walking paths and viewpoints, while the campground also offers a seasonal opportunity to spend time by the river.
In the municipality of Kinokawa, Kishigawa Strawberry Farm in Kishigawa-chō has greenhouses covering about 3,000 square meters. Around 20,000 strawberry plants grow there from late January until Golden Week. The season may vary; confirm visiting arrangements with the operator in advance. Compared with Yuriyama’s seasonal offerings, the stated strawberry season runs from winter into spring, while blossoms, autumn foliage, and related events mark spring and autumn respectively.
Bicycle Rentals at Kishi Station
The Kirari Tourism and Exchange Center rents out folding bicycles at Kishi Station in Kishigawa-chō, in the municipality of Kinokawa. The bicycles include non-electric DAHON HORIZE folding bikes and electric-assist Daytona DE01 folding bikes. The descriptions distinguish between the models by their drive type; they do not specify a particular route. Bicycle availability and operating details may change. If you are considering renting a bike for your trip, check with the center in advance.
Discover more destinations: Tanabe, Wakayama, Yuasa, Hidakagawa, Shingū, Kainan, Hidaka District, Gobō.
For the broader travel overview: Wakayama Prefecture.
