A Japanese friend recommended this huge AEON MALL to me. It's packed with tons of shops and a must-visit supermarket. Some stores even offer tax-free shopping!
Aeon Mall Wakayama | Review by 張僅茵
Other Reviews by 張僅茵
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Basho-an (Creative Wagashi Workshop)
Located in Takimi Koji, a retro-themed street that recreates the atmosphere of old Japan, this traditional Japanese sweets shop has been beloved for generations. Since its founding in 1868, Basho-an has continued to preserve its time-honored production methods.
The vibe inside is really quiet, with that classic old-school shop feel, but the desserts are actually pretty creative—not just the basics. The wagashi aren’t too sweet and the flavors are delicate, so you don’t get tired of them. Paired with a cup of hot tea, it’s perfect.
Great spot if you want to sit down, take your time, and just zone out for a bit. -
Echizen Soba no Sato
A multi-purpose facility operated by Takefu Seimen, founded in the Taisho era and marking its 100th anniversary in 2025, and known as the birthplace of Echizen soba. Enjoy carefully crafted Echizen soba made from buckwheat grown on large company-owned farms in Fukui and Hokkaido and milled in-house.
The noodles were on the firmer side with a bit of chew. The dipping sauce was decent and not too salty.
You can watch the noodle-making process on site, and there are buckwheat souvenirs to buy. A good spot for first-time visitors, older family members, or tour groups. -
Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
Ketsumi-mikono-okami is enshrined here. The shrine was built during the era of Japan’s 10th emperor, Sujin. Designated as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2004.
Kumano Hongu Taisha is known as a place where deities reside. Everything here is closely connected to nature—it's truly a spiritual spot for the Japanese.