Shirahama is a town in Nishimuro District, on the south coast of Wakayakama Prefecture, famous for its onsen (hot spring) resort town which is one of Japan's three biggest onsen resorts, along with Beppu on Kyushu and Atami on the  Izy Peninsula.

As the name of Shirahama in Japanese means "white beach", its beaches are white sand imported from Australia, a 500 meter long sand beach. Many large hotels are situated around the beach so that visitors will be just a few steps from the water, there are fireworks every night on the beach during summer.


How to go to Shirahama?

There are a few ways to get to Shirahama, from bus, train to airplane, well of course, the best option will always be the most expensive train service :)

Good news are, if you are a JR pass holder, you may take one of the limited express train Kuroshio 9 directly to Shirahama Station. You are suggested to get a JR Pass if you're planning to visit Shirahama, because it's only accessible with JR. If you are getting a Kansai Area JR Pass, be sure to get the Wide Kansai Area JR Pass!

One day ticket from Osaka to Shiraham cost Y3020 on non-reserved seat.


How to travel around Shirahama?

Be sure to get a One Day bus ticket at Meiko bus counter, a one day unlimited ride cost Y1,100, two days for Y1,500 and 3 days for Y1,700. If you get the bus pass, there are some promotion which you could use along your sightseeing. 



What to see in Shirahama?



Basically, what's on the bus map is what popular in Shirahama. By looking at the bus fare, you would know that you need to get a one day bus ticket!

My journey go from - Shirahama Beach - Senjojiki - Sandebeki - Engetsuto Islet, I keep Rinkai at last because I wanted to see it with sunset :) I skipped Sakinoyu open-air bath because I personally don't like onsen much.


Shirahama Beach 


As I mentioned above, Shirahama Beach is the white sand beach which its sand imported all the way from Australia, and its definitely a popular and great place to go in Summer time!

Admission is free.




Senjo-Guchi (Senjojiki)


Facing the Pacific Ocean, Senjojiki is a plateau of huge rocks created by the erosion of the ocean's waves. The name "Senjojiki" comes from the fact that it looks like several thousand Tatami joined together. By standing on top of the plateau near the ocean, you can enjoy the thrill of watching surging waves crashing against the rocks. 

Admission is free.




Sandebeki


This rock wall is comprised of approximately two kilometers of steep cliffs which are 50 meters high. The raging waves striking the cliffs are certainly exciting and memorable! You can take an elevator to underground caves, allowing you to experience the dynamic presence of the stormy seas right before your eyes. The cave was believed to be lived by pirates during the war time in the history. 


Admission is free if you only go to the park, and it costs Y1,300 for the elevator ride down to the steep cliffs.




Rinkai (Engetsuto Islet)


Its official name is “Takashima.” It is a small uninhabited island that measures 130 m from north to south, 35 m from east to west, and 25 m in height which is located in the Rinkai Inlet, Nanki Shirahama. It is a sea cave, and there is a full moon-like hole in the middle of the island. As for the silhouette of the island, it is of a particular shape in which the part above the hole is dished. You cannot forget it once you see it. The island has been designated as the Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan.

It is especially popular to see the sunset over the sea through the hole. Many people gather at the spot facing the evening sun around the time of sunset. The sunset there has been selected as the “100 best rising suns and evening suns in Wakayama Prefecture” and the “100 best evening suns in Japan.”



I found out there is this free foot bath located nearby Rinkai Engetsudo Islet :) Feel free to soak in this free onsen!