Prefecture Directory · Kinki
Wakayama 和歌山県
Wakayama Prefecture occupies the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula, jutting into the Pacific between Mie and Osaka. The prefecture is known for plum farming, Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, and a traditional fishing and forestry economy. Foreign residents are concentrated in manufacturing in the Wakayama City area and include growing numbers of Vietnamese and Indonesian technical training workers.
Healthcare landscape
Wakayama Medical University Hospital is the prefecture's main advanced-care facility, with Wakayama Rosai Hospital providing occupational and emergency services. The peninsula's geography makes the remote Kumano and Shingu areas dependent on regional hospitals with limited specialty capacity. Wakayama International Exchange Association (WIXAS) provides consultation in five languages and can assist foreign residents with locating appropriate healthcare resources.
Multilingual medical support
和歌山県国際交流センター 相談カウンター
公益財団法人和歌山県国際交流協会
- Phone
- 073-435-5240
- Hours
- 水曜除く 10:00〜16:00
- Languages
- 5 languages
Public health center (保健所)
Wakayama Prefecture operates public health centers (保健所, hokenjo) across its municipalities. Public health centers manage infectious disease surveillance, maternal and child health programs, and mental health consultation. Contact the prefectural health department or your municipal office to locate the nearest hokenjo.
Emergency numbers in Japan
- Ambulance / Fire: 119
- Police: 110
- Japan Helpline (24-hr English): 0570-000-911
- JNTO Tourist Helpline: 050-3816-2787 (available for medical referrals)
See our emergency guide for full details on calling an ambulance and communicating with emergency services in Japan.
Last reviewed: September 2026