Not just hot springs—a journey through Nanki to be enjoyed across the whole region.
Shirahama is a place where you can travel and enjoy not just one spot, but the entire region.
Be soothed by the hot springs, touch nature and history, and smile through hands-on experiences and leisure—such travel moments await you.
Nature
Savor the Great Nature of Nanki-Shirahama
Surrounded by the salt breeze of the Pacific and lush green mountains, Shirahama is an area brimming with nature to see, walk through, and feel. Seaside strolls, forest bathing, and quiet moments spent listening to the scent of the tide will enrich the colors of your journey.
Shirarahama Beach
A crescent of pure white sand meeting an emerald-green sea. As the scenery that symbolizes Shirahama, the beach is popular not only for swimming but also for strolling and admiring the sunset.
Senjojiki & Sandanbeki Cliffs
A magnificent landscape where vast rock platforms carved by the waves stretch far out toward the sea. Strolling here while feeling the raw power of the Pacific Ocean leaves a lasting impression of natural beauty.
Engetsuto Island
This small island is famous for the round sea cave hollowed out through its center. True to its name, its form evokes a "full round moon," making it one of Shirahama’s most celebrated scenic spots.
Sakinoyu Hot Spring
An open-air bath facing the Pacific Ocean. Amid an openness where the boundary between sea and bath seems to melt away, soaking while listening to the sound of the waves is a renowned hot spring experience unique to Shirahama.
Theme Park
A Full Day of Family Fun
Around Shirahama you will find theme parks and leisure facilities that are popular with families and visitors of every age.
Adventure World
A large-scale theme park that combines a zoo, aquarium, and amusement park in one. With a safari, dolphin shows, and hands-on animal encounters, there is plenty to enjoy for a full day.
Shirahama Energy Land
A hands-on theme park where you can learn while you play. It is packed with attractions that let you enjoy optical illusions and mysterious sensations. With many indoor facilities, it is also recommended for rainy days.
Toretore Market Nanki-Shirahama
One of the largest seafood markets in western Japan. It offers fresh fish and shellfish as well as souvenirs, plus dining spaces where you can enjoy them on the spot. A popular destination perfect for grazing your way through the stalls.
Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium
An academically oriented aquarium that displays the marine life of the Nanki-Kumano Sea in a setting close to nature. You can observe the creatures at length, and even adults can feel the joy of learning.
Shrimp and Crab Aquarium
A rare aquarium even by national standards, specializing in shrimp and crabs (in Susami Town). A wide variety of crustaceans are on display, making it a distinctive spot you can enjoy even in a short visit.
Taiji Whale Museum
A museum where you can learn about and experience the relationship between whales and people (in Taiji Town). You can observe the ecology of dolphins and whales up close and get in touch with the maritime culture of Nanki.
Kushimoto Marine Park
A marine park where you can experience the sea of Kushimoto, the southernmost point of Honshu. From the undersea observation tower you can view fish and coral in their natural state, and enjoy the changing expressions of each season.
Kumano Kodo
Paths Where History and Nature Intertwine
Easily reached from Shirahama, the Kumano Kodo is a venerable pilgrimage route registered as a World Heritage Site. Walking through its mystical forests becomes far more than sightseeing—it is a journey of the heart.
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Regarded as the head shrine of all Kumano shrines across Japan, this is a symbol of Kumano, "the land of rebirth." Its solemn precincts, surrounded by deep mountains, welcome pilgrims from near and far.
Kumano Nachi Taisha
A shrine deeply connected to Nachi Falls, one of Japan's three great waterfalls. Its vermilion-lacquered halls, primeval forest, and the stone steps leading to the falls form a scene unique to Kumano.
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Situated in Shingu at the mouth of the Kumano River. Revered as a deity of water and rebirth, this serene shrine is also known as the final destination of the Kumano pilgrimage.
Kumano Kodo Museum
A facility offering an accessible introduction to the history, culture, and walking routes of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails and Kumano faith. A stop before or after your walk makes the journey all the more meaningful.
Activity
Moments You Can Only Experience While Traveling
Around Shirahama you can enjoy a variety of hands-on experiences that bring nature and culture to life. Even just trying one activity between sightseeing and hot-spring bathing can transform the impression of your entire trip.
Fisherman’s Wharf Shirahama
A hands-on spot right by the sea. Through fishing experiences and seaside strolls, you can feel Shirahama's everyday life alongside the ocean.
Katata Fishing Pond
A fishing pond using seawater from the waters off Shirahama. Tackle rental is available so you can join empty-handed, and some plans let you savor your catch right on the spot.
Kishu-yaki Aoi Kiln
A pottery studio where you can experience "Kishu-yaki" made with Kishu clay and traditional techniques. Enjoy creating your own one-of-a-kind vessel on the wheel or through painting.
Ai-no-Sato Asamoto Studio
A hands-on studio that carries on traditional indigo-dyeing culture. Dye a handkerchief or stole to complete a work that is truly one of a kind in the world.
Glass Studio cave
Glass craft experiences such as glassblowing and accessory making. Your finished piece makes a wonderful souvenir of your trip or a gift for someone special.
Fruit Picking (Seasonal)
Mandarin orange picking (autumn to winter), strawberry picking (winter to spring), plum harvesting (early summer), and more. Seasonal fruit savored amid nature is a special treat.
Koyasan
To a Sacred Land of Faith and Serenity
About two hours by car from Shirahama, Mt. Koya is a World Heritage Site renowned as one of Japan's foremost sacred grounds. A solemn air lingers deep within its forests, gently slowing the very flow of time.
Kongobuji Temple (Head Temple)
The head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai). With its dignified architecture and beautifully tended gardens, it offers a glimpse into the history and spiritual culture of Mount Koya.
Daimon Gate
A magnificent gate at Koyasan's western entrance. Regarded as the symbol of passage from the secular world into sacred ground, its flanking Nio guardian statues convey a solemn atmosphere.
Konpon Daito Pagoda
A symbolic structure that expresses the teachings of Shingon esoteric Buddhism in three-dimensional form. Inside the vermilion great pagoda, the worldview of the mandala is recreated.
Okunoin
The most sacred place of prayer on Mount Koya. Along the roughly 2 km approach lined with cedar trees stand more than 200,000 memorial pagodas, wrapped in profound silence.
Reservation
As your base for exploring Shirahama. Booking directly on our official site is the best value.
Check availability and make your reservation here.
