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- Wakayama
Shirahama-cho (Wakayama)
Shirahama, a popular resort known for its beautiful sea and relaxing hot springs
Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture is one of the top beach resort areas in the Kansai region, with Shirarahama Beach adorned with the beautiful sea and a long stretch of white sand, in addition to hot springs. It is perfect for families and has a wide variety of attractions, such as the Sandanbeki Cliffs, Senjojiki tiered rock formation and other spectacular geo sites, a leisure park where pandas live and delicious, fresh seafood.
Shirarahama, a long stretch of white sandy beach
This beautiful white sandy beach, extending approximately 620 meters, attracts a huge number of visitors every summer. Its sand is very fine and white, as 90% of it is quartz. No wonder it is the sister beach to Hawaii's Waikiki Beach, as both boast the purest white sand, clear emerald green waters and numerous palm trees for a tropical feel. The beach is also kid-friendly, as the calm and shallow water stretches for some distance from the shore.
Shirahama Onsen, one of the top three hot spring resorts in Japan
The popular Shirahama Onsen is one of Japan's "Three Ancient Hot Springs" that appears in historical books such as "Manyoshu" (Japan's oldest poetry collection made in the 7th and 8th centuries) and "Nihonshoki" (a Japanese history book compiled in the 8th century). Most hotels have baths using natural hot spring water, and there are also a variety of public bath houses. They include Sakino-yu, with open-air baths that look right out on the ocean; Murono-yu that allows you to enjoy baths from two different hot spring sources; Shirara-yu overlooking Shirarahama Beach; and Shirasuna, an open-air bath where you can bathe in a swimsuit on Shirarahama Beach. You can also find free foot baths in various locations in the area. Why not try various types of public baths and foot baths?
A spectacular view of the sunset over Engetsu Island
Engetsu Island, recognized as the symbol of Shirahama, is a small island with a hole through its center. The sunset viewed through the hole has been selected as one of the 100 Best Sunsets in Japan. The island looks extremely beautiful especially at twilight as the sky gradually changes color. On the spring or autumnal equinox, you can witness the setting sun right through the hole, creating a spectacular sight.
Toretore Market, one of the largest fresh seafood markets in Western Japan
The gigantic Toretore seafood market, run by the local Katata fishermen's cooperative, is always pulsing with energy. It offers the freshest seafood, not only from the local area but also from all over Japan every day. One of the most popular attractions is a tuna-cutting show performed right in front of your eyes. Enjoy fresh seafood in the market such as sashimi or a bowl of rice topped with various kinds of raw fish and hunt for souvenirs such as Wakayama's local delicacies and goods featuring pandas. There is also an area for BBQs.
Location
| Name | Shirahama-cho (Wakayama) |
|---|---|
| Website | https://en.visitwakayama.jp/destinations/shirahama-kushimoto/ |
| Address | 1384-57 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama |
| Access | From Shirahama Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, take a bus for approximately 20 minutes. Approximately 15 minutes' drive from the Nanki-Shirahama IC on the Kisei Expressway |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0739-43-5511 (Shirahama Sightseeing Association) |
