Nankishirahama

Nanki-Shirahama (南紀白浜) is a resort town located on the southern coast of Wakayama Prefecture in Japan. The town is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural scenery. Shirahama is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over Japan and around the world.

One of the main attractions in Shirahama is Shirahama Beach (白良浜), a long, crescent-shaped beach with soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as surfing and paddleboarding. There are also a number of beachside cafes, restaurants, and shops in the area.

Another popular attraction in Shirahama is Adventure World (アドベンチャーワールド), a large theme park that is home to a variety of animals, including pandas, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors can watch animal shows, take safari tours, and enjoy a variety of rides and attractions.

Shirahama is also known for its natural hot springs, with several public baths like Saki no Yu and Tsunano Yu, collectively known as the “Yuzaki Seven Hot Springs (崎の湯・綱の湯・松の湯・牟婁の湯・行幸湯・長生の湯・壺の湯)”, and various hotels and resorts offering onsen facilities in the area.

The town is also home to several scenic spots, including Senjojiki (千畳敷), a coastal rock formation said to resemble a thousand tatami mats laid out in a row, and Engetsu Island (円月島), a small island with a natural arch that is particularly beautiful at sunset. Another natural wonder is Sandanbeki (三段壁), a cliff with a large cave where visitors can take an elevator down to explore.

Getting there

By Train

From Osaka:

• Take the JR Kuroshio limited express from Shin-Osaka or Tennoji Station to Shirahama Station
• Journey time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cost: Approximately 6,500 yen

From Kyoto:

• Take the JR Kuroshio limited express from Kyoto Station to Shirahama Station
• Journey time: About 2 hours 50 minutes

By Bus

From Osaka:

• Take the Meiko Bus from Osaka Station or JR Namba Station (OCAT)
• Journey time: About 3 hours 30 minutes
• Cost: 3,300 yen one-way, 5,900 yen round-trip

From Tokyo:

• Overnight bus available from Yokohama, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Omiya
• Journey time: Approximately 12 hours

By Air

From Tokyo (Haneda Airport):

• Fly to Nanki-Shirahama Airport (about 70 minutes)
• Take a shuttle bus from the airport to Shirahama (about 5 minutes)