A Spectacular Coastline and Bears Rock
A Natural Rock Formation Shaped by the Sea
One of the most fascinating features of Shihara Coast is its unusual geological scenery, created over countless years by the constant erosion of waves.
The most famous formation is Bears Rock, a distinctive rock that resembles the profile of a bear. The rock has been gradually sculpted by the waves, and its shape appears remarkably similar to a bear’s head when viewed from certain angles.
Bears Rock has been recognized among Japan’s notable scenic rock formations and is a popular subject for photography and sightseeing.
The rock can also be viewed from the Mirai-kan facility and the restaurant terrace on the second floor. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery while having a meal, creating a relaxing experience unique to this seaside destination.
Mirai-kan – A Taste of the Sea and Mountains
Local Food, Cafés, and Regional Products
The main building at Shihara Coast Roadside Station is Mirai-kan. It contains a restaurant, café, and shop offering a wide selection of local foods, regional specialties, and souvenirs.
Fresh Seafood with an Ocean View
On the second floor, the Bears Rock Restaurant serves dishes prepared with fresh seafood landed locally. Large windows offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, while the outdoor terrace provides an opportunity to enjoy a meal while feeling the refreshing sea breeze.
The menu features local seafood dishes as well as meals prepared with ingredients produced in the rich natural environment of Wakayama. The restaurant is popular with both visitors and local residents.
A Popular Café and Handmade Sweets
On the first floor, La Bambina Café offers handmade cakes, crêpes, puddings, jellies, and other sweets.
One particularly popular item is the orange jelly made with Arida mikan orange juice. Its refreshing sweet-and-tart flavor pairs especially well with soft-serve ice cream, making it a popular treat during the warmer months.
Handmade crêpes are also available on weekends. Seasonal choices include combinations such as strawberry specials and chocolate-banana crêpes, making the café a pleasant place to stop for a dessert or afternoon snack.
Local Wakayama Specialties and Souvenirs
Discover Unique Regional Products
The shop at the roadside station carries a wide selection of Wakayama specialties and locally produced foods, making it a convenient place to find souvenirs.
Ayuchovi – Salt-Cured Sweetfish in Olive Oil
Ayuchovi is a specialty made from wild sweetfish caught in the clear Hiki River. The fish is first salted and then aged in olive oil, creating a distinctive delicacy that can be enjoyed as a snack with drinks or used in dishes such as pasta and salads.
Kawazoe Tea
Kawazoe Tea has a long tradition dating back to the Edo period. It is known for its fragrant aroma and naturally sweet flavor and is also used to make baked sweets such as financiers and other pastries.
Raw Japanese Honey
The shop also sells rare raw honey produced by Japanese honeybees. Known for its rich flavor and distinctive aroma, this honey is sometimes described as a “phantom honey” because of its rarity.
More Wakayama Souvenirs
Other regional products include umeboshi pickled plums, dried seafood, Kinzanji miso, Kishu Binchotan charcoal, wooden crafts, and genuine pearl accessories.
These products offer visitors a convenient way to take a taste of Wakayama’s food culture and traditional craftsmanship home with them.
Discover the Natural Wonders of Shihara Coast
Ancient Rock Layers Shaped by the Pacific Ocean
Shihara Coast is also an important destination for visitors interested in geology and natural landscapes. The coastline features layers of sandstone and mudstone formed approximately 18 to 15 million years ago.
Over millions of years, waves have carved these rocks into dramatic formations, including wave-cut platforms and sea caves. These geological features provide a striking example of how the Pacific Ocean has shaped the landscape.
Torige Cave
One of the best-known natural features is Torige Cave, a large sea cave carved into the coastline by the power of the waves.
During low tide, visitors can walk closer to the cave and experience its impressive scale. The dramatic scenery has also been featured by various media outlets, making it one of the area’s most intriguing natural attractions.
Shihara Senjojiki
At Shihara Senjojiki, visitors can explore a broad rocky shore exposed by the tides. The area is an enjoyable place to observe the coastal ecosystem, including shells and marine creatures that live among the rocks.
The combination of rugged rock formations, tidal pools, and the open Pacific Ocean makes the coastline particularly appealing to travelers who enjoy nature walks and coastal photography.
Comfortable Facilities for Travelers
A Convenient Place to Rest During a Road Trip
The roadside station includes a comfortable information and rest area with heating and air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is available, making it useful not only for taking a break but also for checking travel information or catching up on work while on the road.
Visitors can find tourism brochures and information about the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and surrounding attractions, making the facility a useful source of information when planning the next part of a trip.
Facilities such as a nursing area and barrier-free amenities are also available, making the roadside station convenient for families and travelers with different accessibility needs.
Explore the Nature of the Hiki River Area
A Region Surrounded by Mountains, Rivers, and the Sea
The Hiki River area of Shirahama is blessed with a rich natural environment where mountains, rivers, and the sea come together.
The clear waters of the Hiki River are particularly famous for sweetfish fishing, and fishing competitions are held here every year. The area is also known for its 20 municipal tennis courts and is affectionately associated with both sweetfish and tennis.
For travelers who want to experience a quieter side of Wakayama away from the major tourist centers, the Hiki area offers an appealing combination of outdoor activities and rural scenery.
Access to Shihara Coast Roadside Station
By Car
From the Hikigawa Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway, take National Route 42 toward Tanabe. The roadside station is approximately 10 minutes away by car.
By Train
From Kii-Hiki Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, the roadside station is approximately 10 minutes by car.
A Scenic Stop for Your Wakayama Journey
Enjoy the Ocean, Local Food, and Natural Landscapes
Shihara Coast Roadside Station is much more than a convenient rest stop. It is a destination where visitors can experience the beautiful Pacific coastline, fascinating geological formations, fresh local cuisine, and the rich food culture of Wakayama.
Visitors can enjoy a meal overlooking the ocean, photograph the distinctive Bears Rock, explore sea caves and rocky shores, or browse the selection of regional specialties and souvenirs.
Its convenient location also makes it an excellent place to stop while exploring Shirahama, the Kumano Kodo, and the wider southern Wakayama region.
When traveling through Wakayama by car, take a break at Shihara Coast Roadside Station and enjoy the spectacular meeting of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic coastline, and local culture.