Sacred Site Pilgrimage: The Most Beautiful Niche Coastline | Wakayama, Shirahama

Wakayama is a place full of natural beauty and delicious food. This trip mainly focused on Sandanbeki, Shirahama, Kuroshio Market, and Wakayama City. The overall pace was comfortable, perfect for those who love the sea, food, and slow travel. Sandanbeki—A Thrilling and Magnificent Coastal Wonder Sandanbeki is a famous sea cliff in Shirahama, about 50 meters high, directly facing the surging Pacific Ocean. Standing on the cliff top, watching the waves crashing against the rocks and splashing up, the scenery is magnificent. When the weather is good, the blue sky meets the blue sea, which is refreshing. There is also a Sandanbeki Cave, which can be reached by elevator deep underground. The cave was once a pirate stronghold during Japan's Warring States period. Exploring history while listening to the sound of the waves has a unique charm. Shirahama—Double Enjoyment of Hot Springs and Beautiful Scenery Shirahama is Wakayama's most popular resort destination. Shirahama Beach is famous for its white sand and clear water, and you can feel a strong seaside atmosphere even in winter. In the evening, it is recommended to go to Engetsu Island to watch the sunset. The setting sun shines on the sea through the round hole in the center of the island, creating a picturesque view. When you come to Shirahama, you must soak in the hot springs, especially Saki-no-Yu. This is an open-air hot spring close to the sea. Soaking in the warm hot spring and watching the waves hitting the rocks is a great way to relax both physically and mentally. Kuroshio Market—A Paradise for Seafood Lovers Kuroshio Market is the best place to taste Wakayama seafood. The most unmissable event is the tuna dismantling show. The staff disassembles the whole tuna on site and explains the characteristics of different parts. Afterwards, you can directly buy the freshest sashimi. There are also a variety of sushi, seafood bowls, and grilled seafood in the market. Freshly cut tuna belly sashimi is especially recommended. It is rich in oil and has an excellent taste. If you like cooked food, the charcoal-grilled seafood area is also very popular. You can grill fresh oysters, scallops, and prawns yourself, which is a very hands-on experience. Wakayama City—A Blend of History and Tranquility Compared to the seaside style of Shirahama, Wakayama City is more tranquil. Wakayama Castle is one of the most worthwhile attractions. The Tenshu Tower overlooks the entire city and is especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The Momijidani Garden in the castle is also a good place to slow down and appreciate Japanese aesthetics. If you want to experience local life, you can go to Tomodacho Shopping Street, where there are many unique cafes and craft shops. In terms of food, Wakayama ramen is known for its rich pork bone soy sauce soup base. The long-established shop "Ide Shoten" is recommended. The soup is rich and authentic. In addition, if you like desserts, you can try the handmade ice cream at "Fujimomoan" or the yuzu steamed buns at "Fukubishi," both of which are classic souvenirs from Wakayama. Trip Summary The travel experience in Wakayama is rich and colorful. The stunning seascape of Sandanbeki, the hot springs and beaches of Shirahama, the fresh seafood of Kuroshio Market, and the history and culture of the city allow people to feel the magnificence of nature and enjoy the healing power of food and hot springs. If you have enough time, it is recommended to arrange 2 to 3 days to slowly explore and experience the charm of Wakayama in depth.