The Dragonfly Town: Akizuno, Wakayama

Takano-Yama mountain at Akizuno

Takano-Yama mountain in Akizuno

So many shrines in Akizuno

There many shrines in Akizuno.

I have been interested in the ancient Japanese history and culture for a long time. This is my first trip to Japan, but I have been learning about Japan for a while.

I decided to visit the Kinai area and its vicinity. “Kinai” is a Japanese word still in use, which describes 5 ancient provinces around Nara and Heian-kyo. This area has the Kumano-kodo pilgrimage routes (World Heritage).

There are only 6 weeks left for me to learn about Kumano-kodo and to find a unique accommodation in that area. I googled the history and culture of Kumano-kodo. I found a lot of information on the Internet. I read the information on Kumano-kodo one by one. I found an article stating that Kumano had been written in the oldest Japanese history book called “Kojiki”. I also found that in the ancient times, Japan was called Toyo-Akitsu-Shima (blissful dragonfly country). I learned that Akizuno means dragonfly.

In ancient Japan, dragonflies were symbols of happiness. I found out that the area called Akitsu-no (which means dragonfly field) is close to the Kumano-kodo. I think Akitsu-no is a perfect name named after Kojiki history book because this district is very mythological. When I was searching for information on Akitsuno-no town, I found out that you can lodge at a farmhouse. As I searched, I also found that there was a tourist information center called Akizuno Garten that provides tours, guides, activity experiences, food and accommodation.

I am so excited to visit the Kumano-kodo and Akitsu-no.

For your information:
We recommend you to contact the Akizno Garten information center. Akizuno Garten provides tours, guides, food and accommodation.

Related website:
http://agarten.jp/index.html (Japanese)

https://asoview.com/en/act/115/

photo 2 - dragon fly

photo 3 - dragon fly