Wakayama Marina City - Wakayama

Wakayama Marina City (和歌山マリーナシティ) is an artificial island in Wakayama Prefecture that is popular with tourists due to its fish market and theme park. It is located at 1527 Kemi, Wakayama City.

和歌山マリーナシティ
Wakayama Marina City

Wakayama Marina City Details

Construction of the artificial island began in April 1989. The island was finally completed and opened to the public in 1994. The island was originally developed by Matsushita Kosan (Matsushita Investment and Development Company Ltd.) and Wakayama Prefecture to coincide with the World Resort Expo of 1994. 

Welcome to Wakayama Marina City

和歌山マリーナシティ
Wakayama Marina City - Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Marina City has a total land area of 49 hectares. Today, the island is known for its theme park (Porto Europa), hot spring (Kishu Kuroshio Onsen), hotel (Wakayama Marina City Hotel), and market (Kurushio Market).

Entering Porto Europa

Wakayama Porto Europa Map

It is currently one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Wakayama City. Before the pandemic, it was visited by hundreds of local and foreign tourists per day. 

Just to share, Wakayama Marina City was on my itinerary when I did my solo Wakayama City backpacking trip last December 26, 2014, which was the 8th day of my 2014-2015 Japan trip. Sadly, due to time constraints, I only managed to visit Wakayama Castle and Kimiidera Temple. 

Mr. Toshi and Karin checking out the High Dive

Ms. Akiko and Kumi-san enjoyed the trip with us.

Fast forward to 2022, I finally got to visit Wakayama Marina City. However, this trip wouldn't be possible without my Japanese family. Mr. Toshi and his family were the ones who planned the trip and drove me to this place. I got to visit Wakayama Marina City last January 10, 2022, which was my 70th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. 

This place looks like a place in the Mediterranean or a place in Game of Thrones

During our visit, we explored only two parts of the island, the first one was the Porto Europa or Port of Europe which is a theme park, and the Kuroshio Market which is popular for its fresh fish. 

Street performer in Porto Europa

The colorful buildings as seen from Mail Bridge

Wakayama Marina City

Festa Luce Christmas Tree 


True to its name, Porto Europa or Port of Europe looks like you've been teleported some in Europe, to the Mediterranean Seaside town to be exact. This theme park offers some attractions worth trying like the High-Diving, The Twin Dragon, and the WAKKA. What I like about this place is that it does not have any entrance fees to its grounds. You only pay for the rides that you want to try. You can check out the other rides 👉HERE👈.

Kuroshio Market

Pictures inside Kuroshio Market







Aside from Porto Europa, we also went to visit the Kuroshio Market. Although we were not able to witness the famed tuna preparation show. We still got to go shop for souvenirs and omiyage. There were so much marine-related food products on sale here. 

Overall, I had a wonderful time exploring parts of Wakayama Marina City. I'm looking forward to revisiting it again in the future. Hopefully, with my wife and daughter next time. 

Wakayama Marina City Admission Fee

It's FREE to enter and explore Wakayama Marina City. However, you will need to pay for parking if you brought your car. 

Wakayama Marina City Operating Hours

The Kuroshio Market, Porta Europe, and Fruit Village operate from 10AM to 5PM daily. 

The onsen, on the other hand, operates from 10AM to 12 midnight.

Why visit Wakayama Marina City?

Wakayama Marina City is one of the places that you should visit when you are in Wakayama City. Not only does this place offer fun activities and picturesque spots it also is one of the best places to buy seafood products. 

Getting to Wakayama Marina City 


From Kansai International Airport, head to the Kansai International Airport Station. Ride the Airport Express Nankai-Namba going to Izumisano Station. From there, transfer to the Nankai Limited Express going to Wakayamashi Station. 

Walk for about 3 minutes to the Nankai Wakayamashi Station bus stop and board the 117 bus going to Marinaguchi. Wakayama Marina City is about 150 meters away from this bus stop.

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Fare: 1400 yen

Ratings 

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall Rating




Location: 1527 Kemi, 和歌山市 和歌山県 641-0014, Japan

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