Making the most of Wakayama
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Wakayama Port International Passenger Terminal is Wakayama's primary cruise terminal.
The cruise terminal is approximately 2 kilometers from downtown. The city center takes around 5-10 minutes to reach by taxi or short bus ride, while walking downtown is also possible and takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
The bus and train station are a 15 minute walk away.
In Japan's Kansai region, Wakayama is a beautiful, historic prefecture combining natural beauty, cultural attractions and delicious cuisine.
A visit to Wakayama Castle makes an ideal start to your trip, and its main keep offers great views of the city.
Wakayama Marina City is a unique complex with a theme park, giant Ferris wheel and Kuroshio Market, where fresh seafood can be sampled.
Money
Japan issues yen notes of ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000, as well as coins worth ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1.
ATMs in Japan are increasingly useful, with most allowing withdrawals from overseas accounts; post offices have ATMs too. Major credit cards are accepted by most stores and restaurants in large urban areas, but carry enough cash for rural areas. Japan remains very much a cash society, and some stores, hotels and restaurants—regardless of location—refuse credit cards.
Do not tip: it is considered rude.