Kimii-dera Temple boasts a 1250-year history and is home to "Mitsui-sui," a spring water source selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters.
Overview
Kimii-dera Temple, located in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic temple with a history spanning 1250 years.
Known as the second temple on the Saigoku Sanjusan-so Kannon pilgrimage route, it has been a center of faith for many generations.
The temple grounds contain "Mitsui-sui," three springs chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters. This pure water has been essential to the lives and faith of the people for centuries. These three springs – Seijo-sui (pure water), Yoryu-sui (willow water), and Kissho-sui (auspicious water) – each have unique characteristics. Seijo-sui is the clearest and has been used in tea ceremonies and flower arranging. Yoryu-sui has a slightly sweet taste, refreshing to drink and believed to be healthy. Kissho-sui contains a bit of iron and is said to invigorate the drinker.
Kimii-dera Temple is also famous for its breathtaking views overlooking Wakaura Bay from its observation deck on the third floor of the main hall. On a clear day, you can even see Awaji Island and Shikoku, offering a stunning panoramic view.
The temple is also known for its beautiful gardens, where you can enjoy seasonal flowers. Cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and autumn foliage create a colorful spectacle throughout the year. The cherry blossom season in spring is especially popular, drawing many tourists and filling the temple grounds with vibrant atmosphere.
Kimii-dera Temple is a highly recommended sightseeing spot where you can immerse yourself in history and nature.
【From the Kinki/Kansai Airport Area】
JR Line:
From Wakayama Station, transfer to the Kisei Main Line (Kinokuni Line) and take a local train south.
Get off at Kimii-dera Station, the second stop. 10-minute walk.
【Nankai Electric Railway】
Take the Wakayama Bus bound for Hainan from Wakayama City Station.
Get off at the Kimii-dera bus stop. 10-minute walk.
【From Koyasan】
Koyasan - Hashimoto (JR Wakayama Line) transfer, get off at Wakayama Station. Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
【From Shingu, Nachi, and Katsuura】
Shingu - Nachi - Katsuura (JR Kinokuni Line) - Hainan Station (transfer)
- Kimii-dera Station. Approximately 4 hours.
【From Osaka】
Use the Hanshin Expressway or the Kinki Expressway/Hanwa Expressway. Exit at ※Wakayama IC or ※Wakayama Minami IC (Smart IC, ETC only).
【From the Kanto Area】
Via the Tomei and Meishin Expressways, transfer to the Kinki Expressway and Hanwa Expressway at Suita IC. Exit at ※Wakayama IC or ※Wakayama Minami IC (Smart IC, ETC only).
【From Kyushu and Chugoku Areas】
Via the Chugoku Expressway, etc., transfer to the Kinki Expressway and Hanwa Expressway at Suita IC. Exit at ※Wakayama IC or ※Wakayama Minami IC (Smart IC, ETC only).
※From Wakayama IC: Exit the expressway, proceed along Miyacho Street toward Wakayama City, go under the JR overpass, turn left at Tanaka-machi Intersection, and continue on Kokutai Road for about 4km.
※From Wakayama Minami IC: Exit the expressway, turn right, and turn left at Kozagaya Intersection. Proceed south on Kokutai Road for about 1.7km.
【From Kushimoto and Shirahama】
Head north on National Route 42 toward Wakayama, then proceed via Yuasa Gobo Road, Hainan Yuasa Road, and the Hanwa Expressway. Exit at Hainan IC and head north on National Route 42 toward Wakayama City. Show route
Op.Hours
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Adults: ¥600, Children: ¥300
*Separate fee applies for cable car use
INFO
The grounds are extensive and have many stone steps, so please wear comfortable shoes.
In summer, the sun is strong, so please be sure to take measures against the heat, such as wearing a hat and sunscreen.