Shirahama is a prefecture in Japan famous for its hot springs. But there are much more interesting attractions in the area. We present you a list of 10 things to do in Shirahama!
1. Relax on the beach
Shirara-hama is the city’s main beach, famous for its soft white sand. It is a perfect place for relaxing, strolling, swimming or doing a variety of activities such as barbecuing or playing different beach games. There are many facilities available like showers, toilets, parasol rentals and a restaurant.
Information
- Access: Shirahama Station
2. Bathe in a hot spring
Shiarahama is abundant in natural hot springs, with many hot spring baths such as Shirasuna or Sakinoyu. It is a mystery why hot springs exist in the area, as there is not volcano nearby. But even so, Shirahama is famous as one of the three oldest onsen resorts in Japan. The surroundings are also beautiful, so soaking in the warm water while looking at the landscape is extremely relaxing.
3. Visit Sandanbeki
Sandanbeki is an impressive cliff that goes down straight to the ocean. There is a large network of caves inside the cliff, which can be accessed by an elevator. There is a shrine inside and the caves are connected by several tunnels. Even if you choose not to go down to the caves, it is still an amazing place to visit – the ocean waves hitting the cliff create a beautiful view.
Information
- Access: Kii Tonda Station
4. Have fun at Adventure World
Adventure World is a big entertainment complex featuring an aquarium, an amusement park and a zoo. The highlight of the complex is Panda Land, an enclosure where you can see giant panda bears. Other animals include giraffes, tapirs, rhinos and cheetahs. Visitors can ride horses, ponies and even elephants. The amusement park features several rides such as a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster.
Information
- Access: a 30 minute walk from Kii Tonda Station
- Fee: 1800 yen
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 17:00
- Holidays: Wednesdays and Thursdays
5. Go to the Minakata Kumagusu Museum
The museum has several exhibitions related to Minakata Kumagutsu, a famous writer and scientist from the Wakayama Prefecture. Kumagutsu was known as a “walking encyclopedia” and was a nature enthusiast. He discovered many new species in the local Kumano Mountains and also helped with overseas research.
Information
- Access: Shirahama Station
- Fee: 400 yen
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 17:00
- Holidays: Thursdays
6. Visit Senjojiki
Senjojiki can be translated as “one thousand tatami mats” in Japanese and refers to an area next to the ocean where the rocks look like layers, resembling tatami mats. Visitors are allowed to walk over them and enjoy the view. The rocks combined with the ocean waves create quite a striking landscape.
Information
- Access: Shirahama Station
7. Go to the Kishu Museum
Kishu Museum has on display several artworks such as ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) and ceramics that have been gathered from ancient families that used to live in the area. The only remaining ukiyo-e prints made by Eishousai Chouki, a famous artist from the 18th century, and the famous “36 Scenes of Mount Fuji”by Andou Hiroshige can also be seen in the museum.
Information
- Access: Shirahama Station
- Fee: 700 yen
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Cloosing hour: 16:00
- Holidays: Wednesdays and Thursdays
8. Have fun at Energy Land
Energy Land is an amusement park based on the theme of “the energy of people and nature”. The park features interactive simulation rides, as well as generated movies ones. There is also a health foot bath for visitors to relax in. The rides are a bit outdated, but nevertheless fun. Kids will surely love it!
Information
- Access: Shirahama Station
- Fee: 1800 yen
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 17:30
- Holidays: Tuesdays
9. Enjoy looking at Engetsu Island
Engetsu Island is not actually an island, but a rock formation. It is out in the middle of the water and looks like a gate, with an opening in the middle. In some days of the year, during the sunset, the sun can be seen through the opening. The rock formation has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan.
Information
- Access: Shirahama Station
10. Go to the Onsen Shiryokan Museum
The Onsen Shiryokan Museum is centered around Japanese hot springs, exhibiting many videos and sculptures related to onsen. The museum’s purpose is to teach visitors about the history of hot springs. Unfortunately, the exhibition is in Japanese so foreigners will find it a bit hard to understand, but nevertheless worth visiting.
Information
- Access: Shirahama Sta tion
- Fee: free
- Opening hour: 10:00
- Closing hour: 17:00
- Holidays: none
Have a good trip and travel!
