On Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Nachikatsuura Tourism Organization will hold the "5th ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Nachikatsuura," a walking event that lets participants enjoy the town's local food and hot springs. Starting from Blue Beach Nachi, the roughly 7.5km course passes Bentenjima Island, Ojaura Coast (お蛇浦海岸), and the World Heritage site "Fudarakusanji Temple" (補陀洛山寺), and along the way participants can sample dishes made with Kishu Katsuura fresh tuna and Kumano beef, then relax at Nanki-Katsuura Onsen. The participation fee is ¥6,000, capacity is 200 people, and applications are open until November 16.
The event is related to Wakayama Prefecture's efforts to draw on the brand strength of the World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" to encourage wide-area travel and longer stays among visitors interested in the region's history, culture, and way of life.
Background and Purpose
Built around the themes of "explore, eat, and soak," this walking event lets participants experience the scenery, nature, food, and hot springs unique to Nachikatsuura.
By encouraging participants to explore a variety of spots around town and rediscover its many charms, the event aims to extend visitors' time in town and boost local spending. This will be the fifth time the event has been held.
A Roughly 7.5km Course Through Nature, History, and Townscape
Starting from the reception venue at Blue Beach Nachi, the course passes Bentenjima Island, Ojaura Coast (お蛇浦海岸), the area around Tsukiji, and the area around Tenma before reaching the World Heritage site "Fudarakusanji Temple" (補陀洛山寺) and other stops.
Along the way, participants can take in Pacific Ocean views, nature, and the town's history while sampling local food at treat stations set up throughout the course, then soothe body and mind at Nanki-Katsuura Onsen after the walk.
A Taste of Nachikatsuura Along the Course
At the treat stations along the course, local restaurants will serve their own dishes and drinks.
- Mini fresh tuna rice bowl: made with Kishu Katsuura fresh tuna, caught by longline fishing, a method for which the port is said to land the most tuna in Japan.
- Kumano beef hamburger: a specialty hamburger made with the local brand beef "Kumano beef," available only at this event.
- Seasonal dessert: a sweet made with ingredients of the season.
Local restaurants will also offer tuna prosciutto, seasonal local fish, a selection of local sake, soft drinks, onigiri, coffee, and other specialties.
Menu items may change depending on ingredient availability.
Soak in Nanki-Katsuura Onsen with an Included Onsen Ticket
The participation fee includes an onsen ticket. After the walk, participants can enjoy Nanki-Katsuura Onsen, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
Nachikatsuura has 177 hot spring sources, the most of any town in the prefecture. Event participants can also use some hot springs that do not normally offer day-trip bathing.
Details are subject to partial change.
Event Overview
- Event name: 5th ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Nachikatsuura
- Date and time: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Reception time: From 8:40 AM
- Reception venue: In front of バースハウス, Blue Beach Nachi
- Address: 119 Hamanomiya, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture
- Course: Blue Beach, Bentenjima Island, Ojaura Coast (お蛇浦海岸), around Tsukiji, around Tenma, Fudarakusanji Temple (補陀洛山寺)
- Course distance: Approximately 7.5km
- Participation fee: ¥6,000
- Capacity: 200 people
- Application deadline: November 16
- How to apply: Through the Nachikatsuura tourism website or the official ONSEN Gastronomy Tourism website
- Organizer: Nachikatsuura Tourism Organization
The participation fee includes food, drinks (including alcohol), liability insurance, and an onsen ticket.
Notes for Participants
- Wear clothing and shoes suited for walking.
- Alcohol cannot be served to participants who arrive by car.
- The treats and hot spring offerings are subject to change.
More Information
Further details will be published on the following websites and on official Instagram.
- Nachikatsuura tourism website: https://nachikan.jp/news/
- Nachikatsuura Tourism Organization official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nachikatsuura_nackt/
- ONSEN Gastronomy Tourism official website: https://onsen-gastronomy.com/eventinfo/nachikatsuura-20261205/
