Wakayama is connected with central Osaka by two railway companies: Nankai and JR.
Wakayamashi Station and Nankai Namba Station in central Osaka are connected by twice-hourly limited express trains along the Nankai Main Line (about one hour, 970 yen one way). Alternatively, by local trains it takes about two hours. In either case, the trip is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Wakayama, Osaka and Shin-Osaka stations are connected by hourly limited express Kuroshio trains along the JR Wakayama Line (about one hour, about 2800 yen one way). Note that seat reservations are required on Kuroshio trains. Alternatively, by local trains it takes about 2.5 hours and costs 1300 yen. The trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, the Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass and a few other regional JR rail passes.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Wakayama City has two main railway stations. Wakayamashi Station (Nankai) in the northwest of central Wakayama is slightly closer to the main sights than Wakayama Station (JR). The city can be leisurely traveled on foot or by bicycle, however apart from its reconstructed castle, most of its main attractions can be found outside of the center.
Most local bus routes in Wakayama City are operated by Wakayama Bus, which runs an extensive network connecting both major stations to outlying areas like Kimiidera and Wakaura. Although there is no single tourist loop bus, a handful of key routes efficiently cover most of the main destinations: routes 23 and 24 cover the central part of Wakaura including its historic shrines, while routes 121 and 122 extend out to the Marina City resort complex, covering Kimiidera Temple and the Porto Europa amusement park.
The following passes are available for Wakayama City:
