Off-the-Beaten-Path Japan Travel: Don't Leave Wakayama Without Visiting Shirahama!

The surprise of this Kansai trip – Nanki Shirahama
A charming port town near Osaka🚉 in Wakayama
One of Japan's Three Ancient Hot Springs♨️
No wonder even Conan came here for vacation
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1️⃣ Shirahama Beach
Stayed at a hotel right above Shirahama Beach
The white sand is incredibly fine, with stunning jelly-like seawater
2️⃣ Sandanbeki
Famous coastal cliffs in Shirahama Town
Known as a lovers' sacred site, just a 10-minute walk to Senjojiki
3️⃣ Senjojiki
Layered complex terrain with vast panoramic views
Offers spectacular Pacific Ocean scenery
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⬇️ Also worth visiting:
🌄 Engetsu Island
Renowned for its unique moon-shaped arch
♨️ Saki-no-Yu
Ancient seaside open-air hot spring
Soak while gazing at the Pacific Ocean
🐟 Toretore Fish Market
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【Accommodation】
Torn between Kaiyotei and Shirahama Onsen Shirahama-so
Shirahama-so offers better value with two meals included
The hotel is right above Shirahama Beach🏝️
Features a giant adorable octopus slide🐙
At dusk, buy sparklers at the supermarket for beachside photos
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【Transportation】
🚉 To Shirahama, use the [JR Kansai Wide Area 5-Day Pass] – pays for itself with one round trip. First go to Wakayama to ride the Tama Cat Train (covered by pass), then take JR Kuroshio to Shirahama.
🚎 After arriving at JR Shirahama Station, catch the hourly shuttle by the Hot Spring Hotel Association to your hotel. Alternatively, take a bus – grab a numbered ticket upon boarding and pay the corresponding fare (cash only, no Suica) when disembarking.