This strangely shaped islet with a gaping hole in the center of the island is located in Rinkaiura, the symbol of Nanki-Shirahama.
The sunset view is exceptionally beautiful, and the island is known as a famous place for its evening scenery. During the spring and autumnal equinoxes, the sunset can be seen through the hole in the center of the island.
The island measures 130 meters from north to south, 35 meters from east to west, and 25 meters high.
The hole in the center of the island is about 9 meters in diameter, created by sea erosion, and is affectionately called “Engetsu Island” because of the shape of the hole.
Officially, the island is called Takashima (高島), but around 1900, Engetsu-shima was mentioned in hot spring guides and other publications, and the island became widely known by its common name.
At low tide, an adult can walk across the island to a depth of about waist-deep in seawater.
The rocks have been collapsing due to wind and waves, and the side of the island is in danger of collapsing.
Compared to the nearby Shirara Beach, the transparency of the water is much higher and many species of fish can be seen.
Around Engetsu Island, octopus and squid inhabit.
Mifune Ashiyu, where you can view Engetsu Island while bathing your feet, is a popular spot to watch the setting sun and Engetsu Island in the evening.
Engetsu Island, along with Shirarahama Beach, has been selected as one of the 100 best sunsets in Japan.
The approximate time to see the sunset is around 6:30 p.m. in summer and around 4:30 p.m. in winter.
17 minutes from Shirahama Station on the JR Kinokuni-Line by Meiko Bus bound for “Rinkai”.
From Shirahama Station on the JR Kinokuni Line, take the Meiko Bus bound for Shinyuzaki, get off at the Shirahama Bus Center (12 minutes), transfer to the bus bound for Rinkai (5 minutes), and walk to the last stop.