Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture, with its beautiful beaches and hot springs, is a popular tourist destination in the Kansai region, attracting numerous visitors. Here, we introduce 7 must-visit attractions in Shirahama.
【1】Sandanbeki Cliffs
Located about 2 kilometers south of Shirahama City, Sandanbeki is a towering cliff over the ocean, a symbolic scenic spot of Shirahama. The cliff is a large rock formation with columnar joints reaching heights of 50 to 60 meters.
There is an observation deck on the cliff offering magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, due to marine erosion, there is a cave 36 meters underground that visitors can explore by taking a dedicated elevator down.
- Sandanbeki Cliffs
- Address: 2927-52 Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Website: http://sandanbeki.com/
【2】Senjojiki Rock Plateau
Senjojiki is a rocky area where soft sandstone has been eroded by waves, forming a complex terrain. Along with Sandanbeki and Engetsu Island, it is one of the most iconic spots in Shirahama.
It is also a famous sunset viewing spot, selected as one of Japan's top 100 sunset spots, offering stunning views of the majestic Pacific Ocean at sunset.
- Senjojiki Rock Plateau
- Address: Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.town.shirahama.wakayama.jp/kanko/midokoro/1454456682725.html
【3】Shirarahama Beach
Shirarahama Beach is a stunning beach with white sand stretching in a crescent shape for about 620 meters. It has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 beaches.
The beautiful emerald sea and white sands provide a tropical atmosphere, attracting many beachgoers during the summer season.
This is a must-visit spot when exploring Shirahama, and the name "Shirahama" itself is derived from this beach.
- Shirarahama Beach
- Address: Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.town.shirahama.wakayama.jp/kanko/midokoro/1454401113276.html
【4】Toretore Market
Toretore Market is a massive seafood market that offers seafood from all over Japan, with a focus on fresh catches from the local area. The market features restaurants where you can savor fresh seafood, as well as facilities where you can barbecue seafood purchased within the market, making it an ideal spot for lunch during your Shirahama trip.
The market also offers many Wakayama specialties, such as citrus fruits and pickled plums, making it a great place to buy souvenirs from your trip.
- Toretore Market
- Address: 2521 Katada, Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Website: https://toretore.com/ichiba/
【5】Engetsu Island
Engetsu Island is a symbolic landmark of Shirahama, officially named "Takashima." The name "Engetsu Island" comes from the moon-shaped hole, approximately 9 meters in diameter, carved by sea erosion in the center of the island.
It is also a renowned spot for watching the sunset. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, you can witness the sun setting through the central hole, disappearing into the Pacific Ocean.
- Engetsu Island
- Address: Rinkai, Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Website: https://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/spots/132/
【6】Bansho-yama Park
Bansho-yama Park is located slightly away from the center of Shirahama, preserving the entire area of Mount Bansho at an altitude of 32.5 meters. From the observation deck, you can enjoy views of Shirahama's hot spring town and the ocean.
Additionally, as this area was once a botanical garden, it is home to a variety of exotic plants, including tropical species, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll to appreciate the richness of nature.
【7】Shirahama Onsen
Shirahama Onsen is a hot spring town comprising seven different onsen: Yuzaki, Oura, Koura, Tsunashirara, Shirahama, Higashi Shirahama, and Shin Shirahama. Centered around Shirarahama Beach, the area is lined with hotels and inns, forming a bustling onsen district.
Shirahama Onsen is one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, alongside Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture) and Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture), with a history dating back to the Manyo era.
The area is dotted with charming open-air baths, such as the ancient "Muro no Yu," mentioned in the Nihon Shoki and the Manyoshu, and the open-air "Saki no Yu," where you can enjoy a rock bath with fresh ocean air facing the Pacific Ocean—an experience that epitomizes the best of Shirahama Onsen.
- Shirahama Onsen
- Address: 3601-1 Shirahama, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.nanki-shirahama.com/onsen/
- Saki no Yu
- Address: 1668 Yuzaki, Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.town.shirahama.wakayama.jp/kanko/onsen/1454046714439.html
【Conclusion】
In addition to the attractions introduced here, Shirahama offers other popular tourist spots, such as the "Nanki Shirahama Adventure World," known for its animal encounters, the "Fisherman's Wharf Shirahama," where you can enjoy diving and other activities, and the "Shirahama Energy Land," a theme park that provides both entertainment and education.
Shirahama boasts a multitude of attractions and is conveniently accessible by car via highways (Hanwa Expressway and Kisei Expressway) connecting it to Osaka. You can also take a limited express train from Osaka Station, with easy connections to local transportation.
