Tanabe City is located in Wakayama prefecture on the Kii Peninsula, in the southernmost part of mainland Japan. This scenic city delivers a host of activities for tourists to enjoy, such as camping, fishing, scuba diving and swimming at Ogigahama Beach. There are also many traditional festivals held throughout the year, such as the Tanabe Festival in July. For those seeking a quiet break, the tranquility of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its environs, are ideal. However, these are just some of the attractions available in an area that boasts a wide range of culturally rich activities.

Keiji Kidokoro, a Ryujin-mura local and winner of the World Chainsaw Art Champion title in 2006, has been producing chainsaw art since 2000. The idea to get involved in this unique art form came to Kidokoro during a visit to Shizuoka where he first saw performing chainsaw artists in action.

In a recent performance, he sculpted a bear’s head from a log of cedar in less than fifty minutes. Using chainsaws of various sizes, he energetically got to work in a cage in front of a crowd of intrigued visitors and locals. The accompanying rock music and Kidokoro’s good-spirited enthusiasm lent an air of excitement to the performance. The result, particularly upon close inspection of the finer details, was awe-inspiring.

Visitors to Ryujin-mura can watch Kidokoro perform live or pay to participate in one of his workshops.

A central role on the Ryujin-mura art scene is played by G. Works. Founded in 1996, this local establishment displays and sells the goods of local artists. Among the products on display are wooden furniture, paper products and ornaments, some of which were created by G. Works employee, Kayo Okuno. The high quality and variety of the works on offer are testament to the skill of these artists and the efforts of the local community to help them thrive. Ryujin Hot Spring, another local asset, is renowned as having attracted the ruling Tokugawa family to the area as a holiday retreat during the Edo period. Because of its high radium content, this hot spring is known as one of the top three in Japan for keeping people’s skin looking young.

Ryujin Hot Spring, another local asset, is renowned as having attracted the ruling Tokugawa family to the area as a holiday retreat during the Edo period. Because of its high radium content, this hot spring is known as one of the top three in Japan for keeping people’s skin looking young.

One place to sample the cleansing powers of Ryujin Hot Spring is Kamigoten, where it is claimed a member of the Tokugawa family stayed. The main part of this traditional Japanese-style inn burnt down in 1884 and was rebuilt the following year. It has 11 guestrooms with both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. The outdoor hot spring bath has a wonderful view of the Hidaka River and its natural surroundings. Also available at Kamigoten is an assortment of traditional Japanese food specialties for breakfast and evening meals. Depending on the type of room, the cost of a one night stay at this prestigious inn, ranges from approximately ¥15,000 to ¥19,000. Kamigoten is an ideal place to relax in an environment reminiscent of the old days in Japan.

In the 7th century, the Kii Peninsula became known as a sacred place that embraced the practices of Buddhism. The deep religious history and physical characteristics of the region played a part in the region’s Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route receiving UNESCO World Heritage status in July 2004. Kumano, which is honored as a place where the gods have lived since ancient times, consists of various routes. Three of its most sacred religious sites are Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha. Collectively, these grand shrines are known as Kumano Sanzan. Throughout the centuries, people ranging from emperors to ordinary followers of Buddhism and Shintoism have traveled the Kumano Kodo to pay their respects at these shrines, cleansing their minds and bodies along the way. For those unfamiliar with the routes and history of this well-maintained and picturesque site, the Kumano Hongu Guide Association provides a guide service for approximately ¥10,000 for half a day and ¥20,000 for a full day. Although the area is remote, there are various places of accommodation, some of which are located in three hot spring areas close to Kumano Hongu Taisha, namely Yunomine, Kawayu and Wataraze. Those feeling peckish after a morning of walking and exploring can recharge their batteries with a traditional Japanese lunch on the Kumano Kodo by availing of the lunch delivery service provided by Oomuraya of Tanabe City for approximately ¥1,000 (includes food and delivery charge).

Another place of interest in Tanabe City is the Minakata Kumagusu Archives. Kumagusu, who was born in Wakayama prefecture, was distinguished naturalist. He is known throughout the world for his outstanding research on slime molds. The Minakata Kumagusu Memorial Association has been running this center since its establishment in May 2006. On display are samples of papers he wrote and his extensive library of books. His former residence is located next door.