Wakayama Marina City

Wakayama Marina City is a resort complex built on an artificial island in Wakayama Bay, originally developed for the 1994 World Resort Expo. The centerpiece is Porto Europa, a Mediterranean-themed park that recreates the streetscapes of southern France, Italy, and Spain with detailed architecture, cobblestone plazas, and canal-side walkways, offering a surprisingly European atmosphere in Japan. Entry to the park grounds is free, though individual attractions and rides require separate tickets. Kuroshio Market, located within the complex, is a lively tuna market where visitors can watch dramatic whole-tuna cutting shows performed several times daily and enjoy fresh sushi, seafood bowls, and barbecue. The complex also includes Kishu Kuroshio Onsen, a hot spring facility with ocean views, as well as a hotel and fishing pier, making it a popular full-day destination for families.