Wakayama Overview
Wakayama is the capital city of Wakayama Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. As of 1 December 2021, the city had an estimated population of 351,391 in 157066 households and a population density of 1700 persons per km². The total area of the city is 208.84 square kilometres (80.63 sq mi).
Wakayama Key Statistics
Population369088
Area209 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés137 / 8 / 89
Practical Essentials for Wakayama
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
Getting Around Wakayama
Wakayama Main Station & Rail Lines
和歌山市 (Wakayamashi)
Train Travel to Wakayama
Wakayama is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Wakayama
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Wakayama
Cover Your Trip to Wakayama
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Wakayama
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Wakayama downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Wakayama.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Wakayama Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Wakayama.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Wakayama.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Wakayama
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Wakayama
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Wakayama
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Wakayama
When was Wakayama founded?
Wakayama was founded on April 1, 1889.
How old is Wakayama?
Wakayama is roughly 137 years old.
What is the population of Wakayama?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 369,088.
What is the land area of Wakayama?
Wakayama covers roughly 209 km².
What is the main railway station in Wakayama?
The primary hub is 和歌山市 (Wakayamashi).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Wakayama?
The city has roughly 137 parks, 8 museums and 89 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Wakayama expensive to live?
Wakayama is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Wakayama?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Wakayama?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Wakayama has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Wakayama?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Wakayama?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Wakayama?
Wakayama hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Wakayama?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Wakayama?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Wakayama?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Wakayama?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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