Wakayama 800
Yes, the Wakayama 800 is not a single continuous route—it’s a network of multiple interconnected cycling routes totaling over 800 kilometers. These routes are designed to showcase the diverse geography and culture of Wakayama Prefecture, and they vary in length, difficulty, and terrain.
The network includes:
- Coastal routes (e.g., around Shirahama and the Kumano coast)
- Mountain climbs (e.g., up to Koyasan or through the inland forested areas)
- Riverside paths (e.g., the Kinokawa Cycling Road)
- Rural and urban connectors linking towns, shrines, and natural landmarks
Each segment is marked with blue cycling route lines and supported by infrastructure like bike stations and cycle-friendly lodgings. Riders can mix and match routes to suit their goals—whether it’s a short day trip or a multi-day tour across the prefecture.
Wakayama 800 Routes
Pacific Cycling Route (Wakayama Section)
The entire Wakayama section of the Pacific Cycling Route is included in the Wakayama 800 routes
Keinawa Cycling Road
The entire Keinawa Cycling Road is included the Wakayama 800.
The Wakayama 800 officially includes 3 different levels but they only add on small sections and don’t substantially change the route.
Mt. Koya
The Wakayama 800 includes a great climbing route around Mt. Koya
Official Page (Japanese Only)
Kumano Shrine Route
Crossing the middle of the Kii Peninsula, the Wakayama 800 includes a route to visit the Kumano Shrines
Official Website (Japanese Only)
Ocean, River and Mountain Route
Official Page (Japanese Only)
Nachi Falls Climb
The Famous Nachi Falls (one of the 3 big waterfalls of Japan, the other two being Kegon in Tochigi and Fukuroda in Ibaragi) is a medium cliimb from the coast.
Official Website (Japanese Only)
Arakijima Rice Terraces
An 84km route that visits one of the mous famous rice terraces in Japan, Arakajima Rice Terraces. (GPX Route)
Official Page (Japanese Only)
Hidaka River Route
While and official route, this is largely unmarked as of 2024. (GPX file)
Official Page (Japanese Only)
Other Information
JNTO Website (English): Wakayama 800
Official Website (Japanese): Wakayama 800
Getting there and away
Wakayama Station, at the northwestern corner of the Wakayama 800 routes (and the prefecture itself) is easily accessible from Osaka with fast and frequent service on both the JR Hanwa and Nankai Wakayama lines.
South of Wakayama and East of Wakayama, virtually of the JR lines allow bicycles to be carried as is on the train (some trains have time of day restrictions).
While limited in the number seats, the Kuroshio Limited Express (Between Shingu and Shirahama) is the only limited express in the country (as of 2025) that allows bicycles to be taken on as is.
Cycle trains in Wakayama Official Website (English)
