Nanki Shirahama Onsen
15 springs! Hot springs and sightseeing abound. This Japanese beach resort has it all!
Nanki Shirahama Onsen is one of the most prominent hot spring resorts in the the Kinan region of southern Wakayama Prefecture. From resort hotels to reasonable inns, a wide range of accommodation is available in addition to many public bath houses. With a history of more than 1,350 years, along with Arima Onsen (Hyogo Pref.) and Dogo Onsen (Ehime Pref.) it is one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, distinct for the great amount of water gushing forth from its 15 hot springs that provide a diversity of spring qualities.
Saki no Yu, known as the origin of Nanki Shirahama Onsen, appears in numerous ancient texts including the oldest Japanese collection of poetry Manyoshu as well as the early 8th century history book Nihon Shoki. Gazing out over the Pacific Ocean from the open-air bath, the vast sky above and the sound of waves soothes the soul. Besides this, other outdoor hot springs such as Muro no Yu and Tsuna no Yu offer the scenery celebrated as “the beach of soft breezes” by the poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro in the Asuka period (592-710).
There is also the lively Shirasuna, an open-air hot spring bath where people bathe in swimsuits, directly accessible from Shirarahama, one of the best beaches in Kansai. Come experience the diversity of spring waters and scenery!
Saki no Yu, one of the legendary seven Yuzaki Baths
Free footbaths are also popular, and one of the best is the Infinity Footbath at SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE HOTEL SEAMORE, renovated in 2018. The 30-meter-long footbath is a sight to behold stretching out along the ocean, seemingly at one with the sea.
Fabulously photogenic! Infinity footbath
Nearby, there are plenty of sightseeing spots such as Shirarahama Beach, the magnificent natural scenery of the Sandanbeki cliffs and Engetsu Island, the famous giant pandas of Adventure World, and the fresh seafood of the Toretore Market. After enjoying these natural wonders, activities and food, slip into a hot spring and feel your fatigue melt away.
A superb view of the natural wonder Sandanbeki cliffs
If the timing is right, see the sunset perfectly centered through the cavern on Engetsu Island.
| Area |
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| Access | Haneda Airport -> 75 min by air -> Nanki-Shirahama Airport -> 15 min by taxi or bus -> Nanki-Shirahama Onsen |
| Phone | Nankishirahama Kanko Kyokai (Tourism Association)
TEL：0739-43-3201 |
| URL | http://www.nankishirahama.jp/ |
※ The information herein is as of April 2021
