Meet your guide near Shingū Station and begin by discussing your preferences, whether you enjoy sake, shochu, craft beer, seafood, or light dishes. Based on this conversation, your guide will suggest two places that suit you best. The first might be a traditional izakaya frequented by locals, while the second could be a modern counter bar or a creative dining spot.
At the first stop, relax over a drink and small plates while your guide explains the roots of Japanese bar culture. Learn how locals often visit multiple spots in one night, sharing food and drinks with friends or even strangers. Your guide helps with communication, so you can talk freely with bar owners and guests — a wonderful chance to connect across cultures. Many of the dishes here feature ingredients from the nearby Kumano Sea: fresh tuna, seasonal vegetables, and homemade pickles that reflect the local rhythm of life.
After enjoying your first venue, take a short stroll through the quiet evening streets of Shingū. Along the way, your guide may point out old shopfronts, small shrines, or retro signs from the Showa era, sharing insights into the town’s history and daily life. The gentle light of the street lamps, the faint sound of the sea breeze, and the scent of grilled fish from alleyways all add to the town’s nostalgic charm.
At the second bar, encounter a different atmosphere — perhaps a lively izakaya full of energy and laughter, or a cosy hidden bar with local sake and warm conversation. Try Wakayama’s craft umeshu or local shochu while learning about Japanese drinking customs like otoshi (small starter served with drinks). Your guide will continue to interpret and ensure smooth communication, so you can relax and enjoy every moment.
Throughout the evening, discover that Shingū’s charm lies not only in its food but also in its people — open, kind, and proud of their heritage as hosts to pilgrims visiting the sacred sites of Kumano. For centuries, travellers have passed through this town seeking renewal, and its quiet hospitality still lives on today. The bar hopping experience lets you share that same spirit — not through temples, but through good company and local flavours.
