The World Heritage Sites of Shingu

If you ever feel like getting away from the bustle of a big city (Tokyo in my case), Shingu in Wakayama prefecture is just the place! I was reminded of the beautiful sites of Kyoto but in a more preserved and calm environment. The scenery is an ocean of dense green forest and crystal clear waters.

The Kumano Kodo forest is a registered World Heritage Site, as is the Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine. What makes this city unique is its history, a fusion of Chinese and Japanese culture evident from its architecture and its local foods, many not available commercially.