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 - 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 - ⬇️ 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 - 【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 - 【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.