Located in the south bank area of Wakayama Prefecture, Shirahamacho is a popular resort with beautiful blue ocean and white sand.
There are many lovely view spots, such as sunset from offshore Engetsuto, Senjojiki which looks like covered with tatami mats, and stunning quay wall called Sandanbeki. This article will introduce to you some of the spectacular view spots in Shirahama!
About Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture?
Shirarahama Beach
The town of Shirahama-cho is located in the southwest of Kii Peninsula, Wakayama Prefecture. This area is commonly called “Nanki Shirahama” and one of the best beach resorts in Kinki district is located here. Here, you can enjoy the silky white sands at Shirarahama Beach, swim in its clear blue water, and experience the blessings of mother nature all around!
Shirarahama Beach
Sand of Shirarahama
Shirarahama is an iconic beach of the Nanki Shirahama area, with snow-white sand and a crystal-clear ocean. It signed a partnership with Waikiki beach in Honolulu, Hawaii as sister beach, and is selected as Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Beaches, which made it known as one of the superb view spots in Wakayama Prefecture.
Shirarahama in summer
The beach is bustling with people who enjoy swimming in the sea, and is a popular destination for beachgoers all year-round. Although it is too cold to dip into the water in the winter, just walking on the beach is also enjoyable. It is not as busy as in the summer, so you can take your time to savor the sunset and beach.
Engetsuto Island - the Island with a Full Moon
Engetsuto Island
“Engetsuto” is a small island in Rinkai-ura Ocean in Shirahama-cho. The name "Engetsuto" means "Island of the full moon", and is a nickname given to the island, inspired by the moon-like round hole in the center of the island. The island's official name is "Takashima".
The island measures 130 meters (from south to north), 35 meters (from east to west), and 25 meters (in height). The hole measures 9 meters (in height) and 8 meters (in width).
Engetsuto and sunset
The sunset view in Engetsuto is amazingly beautiful and was selected as “Wakayama Prefecture’s 100 Most Beautiful Sunset”.
The sun sets at around 6:30 PM in summer and 4:30 PM in winter. Since it is such a
Senjojiki
Senjojiki rock
You can closely experience the stunning steep coast at “Senjojiki”. Facing the Pacific Ocean, Senjojiki was denuded by raging waves and boasts a magnificent view.
The rock of Senjojiki was formed about 1.8 million to 65 million years ago when the stratum was gradually eroded by the waves. This place took its current form over a long period of time, and boasts a superb view of nature.
Vast Senjojiki
“Senjojiki” was named after the thin, wide rocks resembling tatami mats which lie on top of one another.
The uniquely shaped, thin and broad stones spread to the magnificent Pacific Ocean, which is a view you can enjoy only at the Senjojiki in Shirahama.
Sunset in Senjojiki
This place is designated as a National Scenic Beauty and is also the great spot for sunset. You can enjoy a beautiful view which you can’t get during daytime.
Sandanbeki Cliff
Sandanbeki Cliff
“Sandanbeki” stands on the south coast of Senjojiki and is a huge quay wall with the length of 2 kilometers and the height of 50 meters. It is known as a scenic spot for precipitous cliff.
The views of the precipitous cliff, rough waves breaking on the cliff, and the vast horizon allows you to feel the beauty and magnificence of nature.
The sign of Sandanbeki
Sandanbeki is in Yoshino-Kumano National Park which lies between 3 Prefectures, Nara Prefecture, Mie Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture. Many people go to the sightseeing spot for the rich nature.
The magnificent view is not the only attraction Sandanbeki possesses has. At 36 meters underground, “Sandanbeki Cave” has a lot to offer.
The Sandanbeki Cave is said to be the place where Kumano Suigun Navy, the authority in the Heian period, hid the boat. One of the Japan’s biggest bronze statue of “Murodaibenzaiten” is enshrined inside the cave.
Murodaibenzaiten
Murodaibenzaiten is also referred to as the water god and guardian of shrines and temples. Give her your prayer, and legend says you will receive happiness
Sandanbeki cave in Shirahama Town
There is a hollow in the cave and when sea water enters the cave, the sea water blows up through the hollow, which is a rare view.
Since it is a natural phenomenon, it is rare to see the sea water swiftly blow up. It depend on the tide and the condition of the waves.
Access to Shirahama
It takes about 3 hours by “Tokkyu Kuroshio Go (train)” from Kyoto and Osaka to get to Shrahama.
It takes about an hour by plane from Haneda Airport to Nanki-Shirahama Airport. Nanki-Shirahama Airport is convenient because it is in the middle of Shirahama city.
Shirahama is accessible by car thanks to Nanki-Shirahama Interchange. It is recommendable to drive there through the coastal road.
How do you like it? Visit Shirahama and enjoy the inimitable views such as the white and blue contrast on the beach and the naturally created Sandanbeki, Senjojiki, and Engetsuto. This article shows some superb view spots, but there is more to Shirahama. The attractions of Shirahama include “Toretore Ichiba” where you can taste fresh fish and the family-friendly “Adventure World”. Please visit Shirahama, at which has a lot to offer, and make fun memories!
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