Nestled on the emerald slopes of Japan's Kii Peninsula, Wakayama beckons with ancient pilgrimage trails and spiritual secrets. Hike through towering cedars on the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO-listed network of paths once trod by emperors and mystics, enroute to the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines. In the hushed mountaintop realm of Koyasan, temple bells toll and monks in saffron robes tend centuries-old gardens, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich Buddhist heritage. From cascading waterfalls to steaming onsen baths, Wakayama's natural beauty is an unforgettable balm for the soul.