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, an...»
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. Th...»
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 Japa...»
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 fo...»
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 ce...»
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 ...»
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 com...»
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 famo...»
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 disc...»
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...»
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 b...»
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 attracti...»
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 intim...»
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 th...»
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 Wa...»
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 menti...»
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 f...»
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 idea...»
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...»
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 archi...»
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 I...»
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...»
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-...»
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 ...»
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 Shih...»
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 ce...»
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-g...»
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 i...»
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 s...»
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 varie...»
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 Shira...»
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 i...»
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 k...»
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 appear...»
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 ...»
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 s...»
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 ...»
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.” Kami...»
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 h...»
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 ...»
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. ...»
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...»
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...»
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...»
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...»
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 ...»
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, eigh...»
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 t...»
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, wate...»
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 for...»