Wakayama, Japan Nov. 17 Sun 9:26AM
Resort Town
Shirahama is a small town in the Wakayama Prefecture, known for its Japanese hot spring resort, also known as an onsen resort. It is one of Japan’s three largest onsen resorts! In addition to this, the first mention of Shirahama’s onsen was recorded over a thousand years ago, making it one of the three oldest onsen in Japan.
Shirahama translates to “white beach” in Japanese, referring to the 500 meter long expanse of white beach outside the resort. There are many other hotels around the area on the Pacific coast, and fireworks are often lit off of the piers on summer nights.
The onsen is composed of six bath houses, two of which are located on the sand beach! These are the Sakinoyu and Shirasuna baths. Admission to Shirasuna costs 100 yen between May and September, but is free the rest of the year. Sakinoyu costs 420 yen to enter.
Shirahama is also famous for the unique rock formations nearby.
Sandanbeki
This rock formation has a water-level series of caves underneath three steep cliffs. There is a shrine inside the caves that can be accessed via cave-tunnels. Admission to this area costs 1300 yen.
Senjojiki
These long, flat rocks are located along the coast and visitors of Shirahama can walk out and see them free of charge. Senjojiki means “one thousand tatami mats,” signifying the mat-like flat nature of the rocks.
Engetsu Island
This island-like rock formation is characterized by the perfectly formed hole in the center. It can be found off the western coast and lucky gazers can sometimes catch the sight of the sun setting right in the middle of the rock’s hole.
Notable Attractions
In addition to the main resort attraction, the town of Shirahama has a few other interest points, including:
Museums: Minakata Kumagusu Museum, Kishi Museum, & Onsen Shiryokan Museum
&
Amusement Parks: Energy Land & Adventure World
Shirahama can be incredibly relaxing, incredibly high energy, or both! It’s an enjoyable trip just two and a half hours from Osaka via JR West Ocean Arrow train so stop over if you have the chance!
