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The capital of Wakayama Prefecture, Wakayama City is located at the mouth of the Kinokawa River, in the northwest corner of the prefecture. Blessed with an ideal geographic location, Wakayama City enjoys immediate access to Kansai International Airport and Osaka, while preserving the historical and cultural legacy that has flourished in this area for centuries.

The Wakayama area has been inhabited for thousands of years, and the beautiful Kinokawa River and Wakanoura region were favorite destinations of ancient poets, who visited the area from the traditional capitals of Nara and Kyoto. The City began to take shape with the construction of the castle in 1585. As a bustling castle town, Wakayama City became the political and economic core of the Kishu Domain during the Tokugawa Shogunate era. The area grew and high culture flourished, and Wakayama City generated many highly educated people who became the cultural leaders of the modern era. Wakayama City continues to progress and thrive, while maintaining its local flavor and strong sense of community.

Location

Wakayama City is located at the mouth of the Kinokawa River in the northwestern corner of the Kii Peninsula (34°N Latitude and 135°E Longitude). Wakayama is bordered by the Izumi Mountain Range and Osaka Prefecture to the north, Kainan Heights to the south and the Pacific Ocean and Kitan Channel to the west.

Statistics

• Land Area: 210 square kilometers
• Population: 371,920
• Registered Households: 148,572

Climate

Wakayama City has a mild climate with little rain, enjoying the so-called Seto Inland Sea Climate. The average temperature is 16.7°C, with January being the coldest month and July the warmest. Because of its costal location, Wakayama City has relatively low humidity, and has warm days through all four seasons.