The Kumanonada Whaling Culture Succession Council, based within the Regional Development Division of the Wakayama Prefectural Higashimuro Promotion Bureau, is holding the Japan Heritage Walk "Living with Whales" in Ugui Peninsula on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Ugui Visitor Center in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama.
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Japan Heritage designation "Living with Whales" and the 90th anniversary of the designation of Yoshino-Kumano National Park, the walk pairs a mini lecture with a Japan Heritage guide-led tour introducing the whaling culture and history of the Kumanonada coastal area along with the nature and geology of Ugui Peninsula. The event is open to 20 participants, with a participation fee of 1,000 yen per person, and applications are accepted in advance by fax, email, or Microsoft Forms.
Background and Purpose
"Living with Whales," the story of the whaling culture passed down along Wakayama's Kumanonada coast, marked its 10th anniversary as a Japan Heritage designation on April 25, 2026. Yoshino-Kumano National Park, which covers part of the same area, also marks its 90th anniversary of designation this year.
To commemorate both milestones, this event has participants walk through the grounds of the Ugui Visitor Center on Ugui Peninsula in Nachikatsuura, guided by a Japan Heritage guide. On-site explanations cover the cultural properties that make up the Japan Heritage designation and the whaling culture of the area, as well as the local nature and geology.
Before the walk, two mini lectures are held to deepen understanding of the Japan Heritage story "Living with Whales" and of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and the Ugui Visitor Center.
Program for the Day
Mini Lectures
"About the Japan Heritage Story 'Living with Whales'"
Speaker: Yoshida, staff member, Kumanonada Whaling Culture Succession Council
"About Yoshino-Kumano National Park and the Ugui Visitor Center"
Speaker: Kishi, director, Yoshino-Kumano National Park Management Office
Ugui Peninsula Walk with a Japan Heritage Guide
Guided by a Japan Heritage guide, participants walk through the grounds of the Ugui Visitor Center while learning about the cultural properties of the Japan Heritage designation, the whaling culture of the Kumanonada coastal area, and the nature and geology of Ugui Peninsula.
The walk is aimed at anyone interested in the region's culture, history, and nature, as well as those who want to learn while walking through the area.
Participant Benefits
Participants receive a whale bento featuring the region's whale food culture, along with souvenirs. The cost of the bento and souvenirs is included in the participation fee.
Souvenirs include the following:
"Living with Whales" 10th anniversary sticker
Yoshino-Kumano National Park 90th anniversary designation commemorative hand towel
- Other souvenirs (including whale cookies)
Event Overview
Event name: Japan Heritage Walk "Living with Whales" in Ugui Peninsula
Date and time: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Venue: Ugui Visitor Center
Address: 830 Ugui, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama
Capacity: 20 people
Selection method: Lottery if applications exceed capacity
Participation fee: 1,000 yen per person
Payment method: On-site, on the day of the event
Included in the fee: Guide fee, insurance, bento, and souvenirs
Application deadline: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Organized and run by: Kumanonada Whaling Culture Succession Council (within the Regional Development Division of the Wakayama Prefectural Higashimuro Promotion Bureau)
How to Apply
Applications can be sent by fax, email, or Microsoft Forms to the Kumanonada Whaling Culture Succession Council secretariat.
Microsoft Forms: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/101pGqrbXY (online application)
Fax: 0735-21-9640
Email: e1307201@pref.wakayama.lg.jp
If selection is by lottery, results and details for the day will be sent to applicants by the secretariat after the application deadline.
Notes for Participants
Since the walk takes place within the visitor center grounds, wear comfortable walking clothes and worn-in shoes, and bring drinks and rain gear.
In the event of severe weather or other conditions that make it unsafe to proceed, the content may be changed or the event may be canceled.
Anyone with food allergies should inform the secretariat when applying.
For details on the age range for participants, the distance and difficulty of the course, and how contact will be made in case of severe weather, please inquire with the secretariat before applying.
