Overview
Shirahama is a resort town on the south coast of Japan’s Wakayama prefecture. It’s known for its hot springs and quartz-sand beach. Just offshore, Engetsuto Island has a rocky, sunset-framing arch.
Description
Shirahama, on the southwestern coast of the Kii Peninsula, is Kansai's biggest beach resort, a crescent of white sand surrounded with (mostly dated) concrete hotels. From mid-July to August it gets absolutely packed with local families and students. Outside the summer season, it's eerily quiet. In addition to its beaches, Shirahama is an onsen town, with several public bathhouses, and there's some picturesque, rugged coastal scenery south of the town. The Adventure World amusement park has a roller coaster and animal exhibits. Nearby Senjojiki is a rock formation said to look like traditional tatami mats. Farther south, the Sandan-beki cliffs stretch along the coast.