The Location of Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Prefecture is located in the central-western part of Japan, within the Kinki region, and the majority of its land area consists of mountainous terrain, with the Kii Mountain Range at the core, featuring peaks around 1,000 meters in height. The region is rich in historical and cultural heritage, shaped by the mountains, with sites such as the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kumano Sanzan, Mount Koya, and Mount Yoshino and Mount Ōmine.
The coastline stretches over 650 kilometers and is characterized by a stunning rias-type coast, offering breathtaking views, and the region is also blessed with natural, well-sheltered harbors. Due to its long north-south geography, the climate varies slightly between the northern and southern parts, but it is generally mild.
Wakayama is known for its abundant natural resources, including high-quality hot springs, and is famous for producing delicious products such as mandarins, tuna, sea bream (kue), lobsters, and Kumano beef, all of which delight visitors to the area.

Konpon Daito Pagoda, the central pagoda of Mount Koya's Buddhist complex.

Like other prefectures, Wakayama is facing challenges related to a declining birthrate and an aging population, which is expected to lead to labor shortages. The number of foreign workers in Wakayama is just over 3,000, with the majority coming from Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. Around 40% of these workers are employed in manufacturing, while others work in wholesale and retail (just over 10%), and in medical and welfare sectors.
In terms of residency status, nearly 40% of foreign workers are technical interns, making this the largest group. Around 20% are employed in specialized or technical fields. These foreign workers are crucial in supporting Wakayama’s labor market across various industries.