The Shirahama, Nachikatsuura, and Kushimoto area offers tourist attractions such as Adventure World, Kumano Kodo, and Yasaka Shrine; sightseeing events such as the Shirahama Fireworks Festival, Hermit's Bath, and Sakura Festival; and local gourmet foods such as pickled plums, kagero, and sasazushi.
The Shirahama, Nachikatsuura, and Kushimoto area, which stretches across the southeastern part of Wakayama Prefecture, is a scenic tourist destination blessed with natural beauty and historical sites designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With many specialty products, gourmet foods, and hot springs, you can enjoy a "healing trip" to forget about everyday life.
Nachi's representative tourist attractions are Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine and Seigando-ji Temple on Mount Nachi, and Nachi Falls, one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. Kumano Nachi-taisha has long been worshipped as one of the three mountains of Kumano. Nachi Falls can be viewed from the precincts of the neighboring Seigantoji Temple, making it an excellent photo spot. Nachi Falls itself is worshipped as a deity and can be viewed up close.
Nachikatsuura Town is also known as the "town of tuna," and in addition to enjoying tuna dishes, a morning market is held at the port every Sunday. The town is also active in saury fishing, and saury sushi and dried saury are among its specialties. Sweets made from brown sugar, such as candy, are also recommended as souvenirs.
On the other hand, Shirahama is one of the best resort areas in the Kansai region, with a wide variety of hot springs and sea sightseeing spots. Shirahama Onsen is one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, and there are many hot springs and footbaths available for one-day trips.
Shirahama Beach, the symbol of Shirahama, is sister to Waikiki Beach in Hawaii and boasts silky white sand. The beach opens its doors to the public earlier than any other beach in Honshu (Honshu's main island) every year during the GW season, attracting many bathers in the summer.
There are also many scenic spots such as Sandanbeki, Senjajiki, and Engetsu Island, as well as many marine activities such as glass boats, underwater observation towers, and offshore fishing ponds to keep tourists busy. In addition, visitors can enjoy dolphin shows, safari tours, and amusement parks at amusement parks, which are famous for breeding and raising pandas.
Popular gourmet and shopping spots include commercial facilities operated by the local fishing cooperative and factory-operated product stores. Shirahama also offers a variety of other gourmet delights, such as sushi, seafood rice bowls, kueh nabe (kueh nabe), and other seafood, as well as local beer.
A visit to the Shirahama, Nachikatsuura, and Kushimoto areas, blessed with history and nature, is sure to refresh you. The variety of sightseeing spots will meet the diverse needs of couples and families, making it a must-visit spot.
This is a rare theme park in Japan that combines a zoo, an aquarium, and an amusement park.With the theme of interaction between humans, animals, and nature, visitors can see up close approximately 1,550 marine and land animals living in their natural habitat. Several giant pandas are bred here, and most of them were born in Adventure World. Visitors can see pandas spending their time freely in a...»
One of the Kansai Region’s Most Beautiful Resort Beaches Shirarahama Beach is a stunning crescent-shaped beach located in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Stretching for approximately 620 meters, the gently curving shoreline features soft, brilliant white sand and clear emerald-green water. The combination of white sand, blue skies, and beautiful ocean scenery gives Shirarahama a distinctly ...»
Nanki-Shirahama Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, on the Pacific coast of Japan. It is widely regarded as one of Japan’s oldest hot spring destinations, with a history dating back more than 1,300 years. According to historical records, members of the Japanese imperial family visited the hot springs during the Asuka period. The area was known in ancient ...»
Sandanbeki Cliffs are a spectacular coastal landmark in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Rising approximately 50 meters above the sea and stretching for about 2 kilometers from north to south, these dramatic cliffs showcase the immense power of nature. The coastline forms a striking landscape where the hills of Hirakuso Plateau appear to drop almost directly into the...»
A Symbolic Landscape of Shirahama Engetsu Island is a small rocky island located just offshore in Rinkaiura, Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the most recognizable scenic landmarks in the Nanki-Shirahama area and is particularly famous for the distinctive circular opening in the center of the island. The island’s unique shape has made it a symbol of Shirahama Onsen and one of th...»
A Spectacular Coastal Landscape of Nanki-Shirahama Senjojiki Rock Plateau is one of the most famous scenic attractions in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Stretching along the coastline from Setozaki toward the area near Saki-no-Yu, this vast expanse of exposed rock is one of the highlights of any visit to Nanki-Shirahama. The striking contrast between the bright sandstone formations and the...»
An Underground World Where Nature and History Come Together Sandanbeki Cave is a spectacular sea cave located beneath the famous Sandanbeki Cliffs in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Created over countless years by the relentless power of the Pacific Ocean, the cave offers visitors a fascinating combination of dramatic natural scenery, local history, and spiritual traditions. From the towering cl...»
Senninburo is a spectacular winter-only open-air hot spring bath located in Kawayu Onsen, part of the Kumano Hongu Onsen area in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Built directly in the Oto River, a tributary of the Kumano River, this enormous outdoor bath is one of the region's most famous winter attractions. Rather than being contained within a conventional bathhouse, Senninburo uses...»
Toretore Market, located in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the largest seafood markets in western Japan and one of the most popular places to visit in the Nanki-Shirahama area. It is a lively destination where visitors can experience the rich bounty of the surrounding seas while discovering local foods, souvenirs, and regional culture. Covering an enormous area of approximately 15...»
Sukumadani Kannon Temple, also known as Takiōzan Sukumadani Kannon, is a historic Buddhist temple in Kamitonda Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the most important places of worship in the Kinan region of southern Wakayama. The temple is said to have been founded approximately 1,300 years ago by En no Gyōja, the legendary ascetic traditionally regarded as the founder of Shugendō, a Japanese...»
Shrimp and Crab Aquarium, officially known as the Susami Town Shrimp and Crab Aquarium, is a rare aquarium in Japan specializing in crustaceans. Located in Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture, the aquarium is part of the Michi-no-Eki Susami roadside station, which faces the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by the rich marine environment of the Kii Peninsula, the aquarium introduces visitors to the fascinat...»
Saki-no-Yu is one of the most famous hot springs in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, and is regarded as one of the signature bathing spots of Shirahama Onsen. Shirahama is traditionally counted among Japan's three oldest hot spring resorts, alongside Dogo Onsen and Arima Onsen. The greatest attraction of Saki-no-Yu is its extraordinary location directly beside the Pacific Ocean. The open-air rock ...»
A Local Delicacy of the Kinan Region Utsubo cuisine is a unique local food culture found in the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture, a region known as Kinan. Outside Japan, the Japanese moray eel, or utsubo, may be an unfamiliar ingredient. With its long body and sharp teeth, the fish has an intimidating appearance and is sometimes described in Japan as the “gangster of the sea.” Despite its fi...»
The beautiful Tonda River flows through Kamitonda Town in Wakayama Prefecture, and along its course are several unusual bridges known as submersible bridges. These bridges are deliberately designed to become submerged when the river rises during floods. In other parts of Japan, particularly along the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, similar structures are often called “chinka-bashi,” or sinking...»
Roadside Station Susami is a popular sightseeing and rest facility located along National Route 42 in Esumi, Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is conveniently located near the Susami-Minami Interchange of the Kisei Expressway and is a popular stopping point for travelers exploring the southern Wakayama region. The Pacific Ocean stretches directly in front of the facility, offering spectacular ...»
Nanki Shirahama Onsen is one of Japan’s most historic hot spring destinations. Together with Dogo Onsen and Arima Onsen, it is traditionally counted among the “Three Ancient Hot Springs of Japan.” Once known as “Muro-no-Yu,” the hot spring area has a history of approximately 1,350 years and is mentioned in ancient Japanese literature, including the Nihon Shoki and the Man’yoshu. For centuries, it...»
Meoto Waves and the Two Kuroshima Islands are among the most remarkable scenic attractions along the rugged coastline of Susami, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the Pacific coast known as the Karekik nada, this dramatic landscape is created by powerful ocean currents, tides, and unusual coastal formations. The area is recognized as one of the Eight Scenic Views of Susami and attracts travelers...»
Banshoyama Park is a beautiful nature-filled park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, offering spectacular views of Engetsu Island, Tojima Island, Tanabe Bay, and the surrounding coastline. Surrounded by forests and the sea, the park is also part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of the Kii Peninsula. The par...»
Fisherman's Wharf Shirahama is a popular waterfront destination near Yuzaki Fishing Port in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Combining a seafood market, restaurants, barbecue facilities, and marine activities in one location, it is an ideal place to experience the many attractions of Shirahama's coast. The facility enjoys an excellent location overlooking the sea near Shirahama Beach, one of ...»
Kawakyu Museum, located in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, is a one-of-a-kind art destination where visitors can feel as though they have stepped into another world. Housed within the magnificent Hotel Kawakyu on the coast of Nanki-Shirahama, the museum offers an extraordinary experience where architecture, art, history, and culture come together in a spectacular setting. The story of this remark...»
The Minakata Kumagusu Museum stands on a hilltop in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, and is dedicated to the life and achievements of Minakata Kumagusu, one of Japan's most remarkable naturalists, biologists, and folklorists. Located near popular attractions such as Shirahama Onsen and Engetsu Island, the museum sits amid the rich natural surroundings of Banshozan. The museum offers an opport...»
Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium is a unique university-affiliated aquarium located in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Its official name is the Aquarium of the Seto Marine Biological Laboratory, Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University. Opened to the public in 1930, the aquarium has introduced visitors to the rich marine ecosystems of Shirahama for more than 90 years....»
Muro-no-Yu is a historic public bathhouse located in the Yunozaki Onsen district of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the most famous traditional public hot springs, or sotoyu, in Shirahama Onsen and has long been enjoyed by both local residents and visitors. Alongside the renowned Saki-no-Yu, Muro-no-Yu is one of the best places to experience the traditional hot spring culture of Shir...»
Mifune Foot Bath, located in Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular spot where visitors can enjoy a relaxing foot bath while looking out over Engetsu Island, one of Shirahama's most iconic scenic landmarks. Soaking your feet in the warm waters of Shirahama Onsen while feeling the gentle sea breeze and listening to the sound of the waves offers a wonderfully relaxing ...»
Torike Cave is a spectacular sea cave located along the scenic Shihara Coast in the Hiki area of Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Formed over countless years as waves gradually eroded the surrounding rock, this impressive natural formation is one of the highlights of the Shihara Coast. The cave is particularly striking because of its two large openings carved into the coas...»
Shirahama Town, located in Nishimuro District in southern Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's best-known seaside resort destinations. Situated on the southwestern coast of the Kii Peninsula, the town is widely known as Nanki-Shirahama. Shirahama has been famous as a hot spring destination for centuries. Its hot springs were already recorded in Japan's ancient literature during the Nara period,...»
Located beside Shirarahama Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, Shirasuna Open-Air Bath is a popular hot spring attraction where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean while relaxing in a natural hot spring. With its brilliant white sand and emerald-green water, Shirarahama creates a spectacular backdrop for this open-air bath. The experience combin...»
Shihara Coast Roadside Station is a popular roadside facility located along National Route 42 in Hiki, Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Sitting directly beside the magnificent Pacific Ocean, it is an ideal place to take a break during a road trip as well as a worthwhile sightseeing destination in its own right. Just behind the facility lies the beautiful Shihara Coast, known for its distincti...»
Heisogen Park is a spacious natural park located on elevated ground in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Thanks to its hilltop location, the park offers an impressive panorama of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can look toward the Kii Channel to the west, Yoshino-Kumano National Park to the south, and the mountain ranges known as the 3,600 Peaks of Kumano to the east. The park is also idea...»
Shirahama Energy Land is an interactive theme park in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, dedicated to the theme of “people and energy.” Located close to the famous Shirarahama Beach, the park offers visitors an entertaining way to learn about science, nature, and energy while enjoying a wide variety of attractions. The park features numerous activities that appeal to both children and adults, i...»
Shirahama Undersea Observation Tower, also known as “Coral Princess,” is a unique marine attraction in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located approximately 100 meters offshore from SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE HOTEL SEAMORE, the tower allows visitors to observe the beautiful underwater world of Shirahama without having to dive into the sea. The striking white tower rising from the ocean is an impr...»
Phoenix Fold, located along the coast of Kuchiwabuka in Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a remarkable geological landmark known for its enormous and unusual folded rock formations. The layers of rock appear to have been folded like a giant piece of fabric, creating a spectacular landscape that immediately captures the attention of visitors. This extraordinary formation is a remarkable example...»
Susami Beach is a popular seaside destination in Susami Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located inside Susami Bay, the beach is protected from the stronger waves of the open Pacific Ocean, making it a comfortable place for families with young children to enjoy the sea. The beach is known for its beautiful sandy shore, clear seawater, and spectacular sunsets. During the summer seaso...»
Shihara Coast, located in the Hiki River area of Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is home to a fascinating natural landmark known as Bears Rock. Standing out against the vast Pacific Ocean, the distinctive rock formation resembles the head of a bear gazing out toward the sea. Its charming appearance has made it an increasingly popular sightseeing and photography spot. The rock is officially k...»
Roadside Station Tsubaki Hanano-yu is a popular roadside destination in Tsubaki, Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can experience a historic hot spring while enjoying local food and regional products. Located along National Route 42 overlooking the magnificent Pacific Ocean, it is a convenient place to stop when traveling south from the famous Shirahama hot spring resort area. S...»
Shirarayu Onsen is a popular public bath in Nanki-Shirahama, one of Wakayama Prefecture's best-known hot spring resorts. Located beside the beautiful Shirarahama Beach, the bathhouse offers visitors the unique experience of relaxing in a traditional Japanese hot spring while looking out over white sand and the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Shirarayu retains the atmosphere of a traditional nei...»
Hirose Gorge, located deep in the mountains of Susami Town in Wakayama Prefecture, is a beautiful natural area where lush forests, clear streams, and numerous waterfalls create a peaceful retreat. Among these waterfalls, Koto-no-Taki Waterfall is particularly famous and is also recognized as one of the Eight Scenic Views of Susami. With a drop of approximately 20 meters, Koto-no-Taki combines the...»
Michi-no-Eki Kuchikumano is a popular roadside station in Kamitonda Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Conveniently integrated with the Kisei Expressway, it serves as an important stop for travelers exploring southern Wakayama. The name “Kuchikumano” means the “entrance to Kumano.” Kamitonda has long been regarded as a gateway to the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage routes leading ...»
Toretore Park, located in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a large-scale resort complex where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, hot springs, unique accommodations, fishing experiences, local cuisine, and souvenir shopping all in one place. Shirahama is famous for its beautiful coastline and hot spring resorts, and Toretore Park is one of the best places to experience many of the area's attr...»
Shizuku Falls is a beautiful waterfall on the main stream of the Susami River, flowing through the mountains of Susami Town in Wakayama Prefecture. With a total height of approximately 30 meters, this impressive two-tiered waterfall is surrounded by lush forests and offers visitors a peaceful place to enjoy the natural beauty of southern Wakayama. Shizuku Falls is also known as one of the “Eight ...»
Tsubaki Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Tsubaki, Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Although it is sometimes overshadowed by the much more famous Shirahama Onsen, Tsubaki Onsen has long been treasured as a hidden gem by those who know and appreciate its exceptional water quality. The hot spring is located near the Ohechi Route of the Kumano Kodo, one of Japan’s historic pilgrim...»
Spanning the clear waters of the Tonda River in Kamitonda Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Yubinbashi Bridge has one of the most unusual names of any bridge in Japan. “Yubinbashi” literally means “Post Bridge”. While the name may sound simple and familiar, it reflects a fascinating chapter in the history of Japan’s modern postal system and the everyday lives of people in this region. Today, Yubinbashi...»
Esuzaki is a scenic natural area in Susami Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, where beautiful landscapes, history, and traditional beliefs come together. This small peninsula-like island extends into the Pacific Ocean and is only about 2–3 kilometers in circumference, yet it is home to a remarkably rich natural environment and unique scenery that has been carefully protected by local c...»
The Shirahama Museum of Art & Kanki Shrine is a unique cultural and spiritual destination tucked away in the hot spring town of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Unlike the area's famous beaches and resorts, this fascinating site offers visitors an opportunity to explore ancient beliefs about life, fertility, human relationships, and Buddhist esoteric traditions. The Shirahama Museum of Art hou...»
Roadside Station Inobootan Land Susami is a unique roadside rest area located in Mirozu, Susami Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along National Route 42, the facility enjoys a beautiful location overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Rather than being a large commercial roadside station with extensive shopping and dining facilities, Inobootan Land Susami serves primarily as a ...»
The Japanese Nursery Rhyme Garden is a unique park located on Esuzaki in Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Combining beautiful coastal scenery with traditional Japanese children's songs, it is a popular place for visitors looking for a peaceful and memorable experience. The park is located roughly between JR Mirozu Station and JR Esumi Station and features walking paths overlooking the Pacific Oc...»
Located in southwestern Wakayama Prefecture, Susami Town is blessed with a remarkable variety of natural scenery. Dramatic Pacific coastlines, deep mountain valleys, beautiful waterfalls, lush forests, and spectacular sunset views can be found throughout the area. Among these many attractions, eight particularly scenic and accessible locations are collectively known as the Eight Scenic Views of S...»
Bansho-yama Fudo-do is a small and atmospheric place of Buddhist worship in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Quietly situated at the foot of the rocky Bansho-yama area, within Bansho-yama Park, the hall enshrines Fudo Myoo, a powerful Buddhist deity traditionally associated with protection and the removal of obstacles. What makes this place especially intriguing is the approach. Visitors ente...»
Haso Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Otō-Hikigawa Prefectural Nature Park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, it is one of the most impressive natural attractions along the middle reaches of the Hikigawa River. From the forested mountainside, water plunges approximately 22 meters down the rocky slope. Surrounded by the rich greenery of the Kii P...»
Kumano Sansho Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated near the northern end of Shirarahama Beach, one of Shirahama's most famous scenic attractions, the shrine stands in a peaceful setting surrounded by white sand and a lush forest. Although the shrine is close to one of Wakayama's most popular tourist areas, stepping through...»
The Tonda River is a clear, beautiful river flowing through southern Wakayama Prefecture before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Its watershed extends across Tanabe, Kamitonda, and Shirahama, supporting local communities, farmland, forests, and diverse wildlife along its course. One of the most distinctive features of the Tonda River is that, unlike many major rivers in Wakayama, it has no dams on eit...»
SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE HOTEL SEAMORE, also known simply as Hotel Seamore, is one of the leading resort hotels in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Located in the famous Shirahama Onsen area, one of Japan's oldest hot spring destinations, the hotel offers an exceptional combination of hot springs, ocean views, dining, marine attractions, and resort activities. Facing the vast Pacific Ocean, the hotel...»
Susami Town is a beautiful coastal town in Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, located in the southwestern part of the Kii Peninsula. Covering an area of approximately 174.45 square kilometers, the town stretches about 19.25 kilometers from east to west and 15.5 kilometers from north to south. Around 93% of the town is covered by forest, creating a landscape where mountains and the Pacific Oc...»
Kamitonda Town is a scenic town in Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, located in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula. Surrounded by mountains and blessed with the clear waters of the Tonda River, the town has long developed as a gateway to the southern Kumano region. Kamitonda is particularly known for its connection with the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the sacr...»
Tsukumoto Foot Bath is a popular free foot bath facility located near Shirarahama Beach in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Here, visitors can soak their feet in naturally flowing hot spring water while enjoying the beautiful white sand and blue waters of one of southern Wakayama's most famous beaches. Located just beyond the seawall at the southern end of Shirarahama, the foot bath is an ide...»
Erbine Onsen is a peaceful day-use hot spring facility in the Hiki River area of Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and located beside the clear waters of the Hiki River, it offers visitors a chance to enjoy a natural hot spring while taking in the scenery of the river and surrounding countryside. The bathing area features large glass windows overlooking the Hi...»
Hotel Kawakyu at Nanki-Shirahama Hot Spring is a luxurious resort hotel standing along the beautiful coast of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Famous for its magnificent architecture reminiscent of a European castle, the hotel is one of the most distinctive places to stay in the Nanki-Shirahama area. Because of its extraordinary architecture and extensive art collection, it is also known as an “Art...»
Nachikatsuura City is one of the biggest producers of tuna in Japan. The city is known for its number of the tunas caught, and the tuna has a reputation for its taste. Magurochutoro katsudon is made with chutoro finished up like katsudon. Inside the crunchy batter coating, you will find tender rare tuna. The flavor of tuna comes after the crunchy texture of batter coating, so you can enjoy this di...»
Konbu-wrapped Ume is a refined Japanese specialty that brings together two traditional ingredients: fragrant Kishu Nanko plums and extremely thin white kombu from Hakodate. The subtle flavors of the plum and seaweed blend beautifully, creating a distinctive taste and texture. The Kishu Nanko plums are prepared with a relatively low salt content of approximately 8 percent, giving them a mildly swe...»
The Susami Underwater Post Box is one of the world's most unusual mailboxes, located beneath the sea off the coast of Susami Town in Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Sitting at a depth of approximately 10 meters in the clear blue waters, the mailbox allows divers to actually post postcards while underwater. The bright red, cylindrical mailbox standing on the seabed looks almost like a tin...»
Chosei-no-Yu is a popular day-use hot spring facility in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located within the famous Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan's Three Ancient Hot Spring Resorts, it offers the relaxing experience of bathing in naturally flowing hot spring water directly from the source. Unlike some of the larger resort-style facilities in Shirahama, Chosei-no-Yu is tucked away in a quiet w...»
Nichi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located near the mouth of the Tonda River in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. With a history stretching back more than 800 years, the shrine has long been revered as the ubusuna-gami, or local guardian deity, of the Tonda area. Surrounded by trees and rich natural scenery, the shrine grounds have a peaceful and solemn atmosphere. While Shirahama is fam...»
Toretore-no-Yu is a popular day-use hot spring facility in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located close to Toretore Market Nanki-Shirahama, one of western Japan's largest seafood markets, it is a convenient place to stop during a sightseeing trip around Nanki-Shirahama. The facility offers much more than a hot spring bath. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of baths, a large-scale bedrock sa...»
Kotohira Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, known for its beautiful coastal scenery and long connection with the local community. Located near the northern end of Minami-Shirahama Coast, the shrine stands on a small coastal terrace about 35 meters above sea level. From the grounds, visitors can enjoy expansive views across the sea. The shrine has long been ...»
Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture is famous for popular attractions such as Shirarahama Beach, but the town is also home to many quieter scenic places that have long been cherished by local residents. One of these hidden gems is Goshikigahama Beach, a beautiful coastal area where visitors can enjoy peaceful scenery, rich natural surroundings, and fascinating geological formations. Near the beach s...»
Rinkaiura Beach is a peaceful seaside destination in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Located only about five minutes by car from the famous Shirarahama Beach, it offers a much quieter atmosphere with fewer visitors. The relaxed setting can make the beach feel almost like a private beach, making it an ideal place for travelers who want to enjoy the coast away from the crowds. The shoreline include...»
Honkakuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Chinzei branch of the Jodo Buddhist tradition and affiliated with Chion-in Temple in Kyoto, it is affectionately known by local people as “Kai-dera,” meaning the “Shell Temple.” What makes Honkakuji particularly unusual is its remarkable collection of seashells. The temple houses and displays more t...»
The Statue of Mashirara-hime stands at Yuzaki Beach Square in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. The statue commemorates a tragic love story associated with Japan's ancient Manyo period and has become a popular cultural landmark for visitors to Shirahama. The statue is located in the plaza of Shirahama Fisherman's Wharf, near the footbath. With the beautiful ocean stretching out nearby, visitors can...»
Tsuinoura is a peaceful coastal spot in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Located near the estuary where the Tonda River and Takase River meet, it is a lesser-known scenic destination cherished by local residents. The most distinctive feature of Tsuinoura is the pair of rocks standing side by side in the sea. Their shape looks as though the two rocks are quietly leaning toward each other or even ho...»
Horo Insect-Eaten Rock is a remarkable natural landmark in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. The enormous rock wall is covered with countless holes of different sizes, creating the strange impression that the surface has been eaten away by thousands of insects. The unusual appearance is so striking that visitors often stop to admire it as soon as they see the rock face. Formed gradually by natural ...»
Ise Lobster and Fresh Seafood Restaurant Sangosho is a popular seafood restaurant located near Engetsu Island, one of the most famous scenic landmarks in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. With ocean views from every seat, guests can enjoy fresh seafood while looking out across the beautiful waters and the distinctive silhouette of Engetsu Island. The view is refreshing during the daytime, while sun...»
Katata Fishing Pond is a popular sea fishing park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy the excitement of fishing in the beautiful waters of southern Wakayama. The facility consists of large and small fish pens floating offshore, allowing guests to experience the thrill of sea fishing without having to go out on a fishing boat. Because the fishing pens are connected to the m...»
Kannonji Temple stands quietly among the mountains of Ikuma in Kamitonda, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Chinzei branch of the Jodo (Pure Land) school of Buddhism, this historic temple has long been an important place of worship for the local community. The temple is particularly famous for its beautiful satsuki azaleas, which burst into bloom in late spring and early summer. Because hundr...»
Atagi Hachiman Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the Atagi area of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery, the shrine is closely associated with the Atagi clan, a powerful medieval family connected with the Kumano Navy, the maritime forces that once operated along the southern coast of the Kii Peninsula. The shrine's striking vermilion main hall stands...»
Susami Oji Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Susami Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Closely connected with the religious traditions of Kumano, the shrine has long been revered as the guardian shrine of the Susami community. Located near the Pacific coast of the southern Kii Peninsula, Susami Oji Shrine reflects the close relationship between the local people and the sea. Its hi...»
Susami Town History and Folklore Museum is a local history museum in Susami Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. The museum is located within the grounds of the historic Susami Oji Shrine and preserves a wide range of materials related to the town's daily life, traditional industries, maritime transportation, and cultural heritage. For visitors who want to understand the history of Susa...»
Inazumi Island is a small island floating in Susami Bay in Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture. With a circumference of approximately one kilometer, this small island is one of the area's most distinctive scenic attractions. Although modest in size, Inazumi Island is surrounded by rich natural vegetation, ancient legends, and a sense of mystery. Located directly offshore from Susami Beach, it provid...»