Wakayama's Nanki Kumano Geopark is a place where the marvels of the Earth are etched into the land. At the Phoenix Fold, you can even take surreal photos that look like straight from an acrobatics show! In this article, we'll introduce how to enjoy the geopark through firsthand experiences.
2025.07.09-
Table of Contents
- Wakayama Prefecture - Nanki Kumano Geopark
- Encounter Kumano's Nature and Culture Nurtured by the Earth
- 【Shirahama Town】Senjojiki
- 【Susami Town】Phoenix Fold
- 【Kozagawa】Ichimai-iwa (One-Piece Rock)
- Nanki Kumano Geopark Center
Wakayama Prefecture - Nanki Kumano Geopark
The Charm of Wakayama Colored by the Geopark
The breathtaking scenery of the Nanki Kumano Geopark area in Wakayama Prefecture is shaped by the Earth's ancient activities. Did you know? Beneath its reputation as a beautiful tourist destination lies a fascinating geological story.
What is a "Geopark"? Just a place to see rocks!?
You might think so-- but it's much more than that!
The soothing hot springs are natural blessings nurtured deep underground.
The spectacular rock formations of Senjojiki, known for its sunsets, are natural artworks formed over millenia.
The land, made up of ancient strata, is home to the Kumano Kodo Trail and Nachi Falls, both registered as World Heritage Sites.
A Geopark is not just about understanding geology and terrain-- it's a place where you can experience the deep connection between the land and human life through history, culture, ecosystems, and food.
Don't just enjoy these spots as regular tourist destinations. This summer, add a special geo-tourism experience to your schedule and feel the 4.6-billion-year-old history of the Earth!
Nanki Kumano Geopark Area
The Nanki Kumano Geopark spans 10 cities and towns in Southern Wakayama.
「English Translation of the Map」
1. 新宮市– Shingu City
2. すさみ町– Susami Town
3. 古座川町– Kozagawa Town
4. 奈良県十津川村の一部– Part of Totsukawa Village, Nara Prefecture
5. 白浜町– Shirahama Town
6. 那智勝浦町– Nachikatsuura Town
7. 北山村– Kitayama Village
8. 上富田町– Kamitonda Town
9. 太地町– Taiji Town
10. 串本町 – Kushimoto Town
Recommended Spots -- Three Types of Land Formations
Among Japan's 47 Geoparks, Nanki Kumano Geopark is unique in offering a rare opportunity to experience three distinct types of landforms created by the subduction of tectonic plates.
1. Accretionary Prism - Sand and Mud accumulated on the ocean floor and pushed up onto land.
2. Forearc Basin Sedimentary Body - Layers of Sediment deposited atop the accretionary prism.
3. Igneous Rock Body - Magma cooled and solidified underground.
These geological formations, shaped by the uplift of the Kii-Peninsula and years of erosion, now form stunning landscapes.
The warm, humid climate nurtured by the Kuroshio Current supports diverse flora and fauna and has long been intertwined with human life. From the sacred Kumano faith, and the World Heritage Kumano Kodo, to the rich food culture, the blessings of this land are countless.
By viewing this spots from a new perspective, you may discover fresh impressions and insights even in familiar scenery.
*Geosite: A geopark's highlight, featuring geology and topography that reveals the earth's activity.
Encounter Kumano's Nature and Culture Nurtured by the Earth
The Earth's surface is covered by massive puzzle-like pieces called tectonic plates.
Japan sits at the convergence of four such plates. Their movements-- especially subduction-- have compressed and uplifted the land, forming Japan's complex terrain. In Southern Kii-Peninsula's Nanki Kumano region, this has created a rich natural environment.
The Kumano Kodo, mystical waterfalls, the coastal rock formations all stand was witness to the Earth's long history, still telling their stories today.
【Shirahama Town】Senjojiki
Senjojiki in Shirahama, Wakayama, is known for its rugged rock surface. Its name comes from the idea that you could lay a thousand tatami mats across its vast rocky expanse.
The bedrock here is part of the "Forearc Basin Sedimentary," formed from sand and mud that settled in shallow seas and hardened over time. The layered stripes quietly tell the story of Earth's process.
Up close, the patterns in the rock resemble natural art. These aren't just erosion marks-- they're trace fossils, remnants of ancient life that once moved or nested in the sand. Over millions of years, these traces became etched into the rock.
Next time you visit Senjojiki, don't just admire the view-- look down at your feet. The ancient ocean world may whisper its story to you.
At sunset, the rock surface glows golden under the setting sun-- a truly unforgettable sight.
And don't miss the nearby scenic spots like the Sandanbeki and Engetsu Island, also famous for Shirahama's sunsets. Sandanbeki, designated as a "Lover's Sanctuary", features dramatic cliffs stretching 2km. north to south, where crashing waves create a powerful spectacle. It's a journey where you can face nature and feel the Earth's dynamism.
【Susami Town】Phoenix Fold
A massive wave-like bend in the Earth's surface-- this is the Phoenix Fold in Susami Town. Layers of rock are folded over each other, creating a grand-scale landscape right before your eyes.
These rocks are part of a geological formation known as an accretionary prism. Long ago, sand and mud accumulated in the deep sea and were pushed onto land by tectonic plate movements, eventually hardening over time. The Phoenix Fold is a stunning example of how these layers were compressed and bent like waves by plate forces. It's so famous that it's even featured in middle school science textbooks.
This time, we had the rare opportunity to visit the site with a geopark guide. You must make a reservation in advance through the Susami Town Tourism Association, and a guide is required to enter.
Before departure, we wore helmets and gloves and carefully followed the route. Although the weather was clear, the path had slippery spots, requiring small steps and using both hands for balance. It's best to travel light and keep your hands free. The natural trail was tougher than expected.
Listening to the guide while walking the terrain helped us understand the history of the land, why it formed this way, and how it has influenced our lives and ecosystems. Observing the complex layers and turning around to see the vast ocean reminded me of nature's grandeur and humanity's smallness.
Next time I visit a Geosite, I'll surely engage more deeply with the terrain and enjoy the hidden stories it holds.
*Geosite: A location within a geopark that showcases geological features of the Earth's activity.
There's also a playful side to this natural beauty. In this uniquely shaped terrain formed by intense pressure, you can climb tilted layers or stand on slanted rocks for photos. By slightly tilting your camera, you can capture surreal, acrobatic-looking shots. Of course, this is only possible with the guidance of an experienced guide-- something you might not discover on your own.
【Kozagawa】Ichimai-iwa (One-Piece Rock)
Located in Kozagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Ichimai-iwa (literally one-piece rock) is a massive monolith that lives up to its name. Standing about 100-meters tall and over 500-meters wide, it's one of Japan's largest single rock and is designated a national natural monument.
Its surface is smooth and unbroken, giving it a simple yet overwhelming presence. Reflections on the river add to its beauty, and its appearance changes with the seasons and time of day.
To get a full view of Ichimaiiwa, head to the roadside station "Ichimaiiwa Monolith" across the river. From there, you can gaze up at the rock across Kozagawa River-- it's pure natural artistry. Capturing it all in a camera frame is nearly impossible; you'll have to imprint it on your memory. It's a true "seeing is believing" kinda thing.
At the roadside station, you can enjoy local specialties and seasonal foods while relaxing with the majestic views.
Canoeing on the clear Kozagawa River is also popular. Looking up at Ichimaiiwa from the water feels like a conversation with nature. As you drift along the gentle current, you can fully absorb the presence of this massive igneous rock.
Nearby in Kushimoto Town, don't miss the Hashigui-iwa rock formations. These curious rocks were shaped by volcanic activities and wave erosion and are geologically significant. At low tide, you can walk among them and closely observe their formation-- making it a must-visit geosite.
Nanki Kumano Geopark Center
This is the central facility of the Nanki Kumano Geopark
If you're wondering:
- "Where exactly is the Phoenix Fold?"
- "I heard about how it formed, but I can't quite picture it..."
Then start by visiting the Nanki Kumano Geopark Center!
Passionate guide staff will patiently answer any questions you may have, and the museum also features a variety of interactive exhibits (with English explanations). Here, you can transcend time and space to understand at a glance the distribution and types of geosites scattered throughout Nanki Kumano. You might even make a new discovery, thinking, that a spot you passed by earlier was actually a geosite!
Of course, if there are any spots that you feel like visiting after visiting the Geopark Center, please feel free to go and visit them in person. You can head out on an adventure with a pamphlet in hand, or ask the local staff for recommended routes and sights. I'm sure your geotourism experience will become even more profound and enjoyable.
Photo and Video Credits
1. Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation
2. Nanki Kumano Geopark Promotion Council
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.