Best around Kumano Kodo, Shingu, Shirahama Spot List

The head of Japan’s Kumano shrines—famous for matchmaking

The first of 33 temples on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, Seiganto-ji is an ever-popular destination for worshipers

The popular open-air bath looks out across the beach

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Mount Nachi

Formerly Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, this shrine is located on the grounds where Kumano’s three deities descended

A large rock protruding into the ocean

Located in a town famous for its tuna, this hotel specializes in preparing some of the country’s best tuna

The source of worship to Nachi Falls

Exuding an Edo-period ambiance, this traditional inn offers the best of the Ryujin hot springs

A path stretching through the verdant Kumano region

Soak in the hot springs while looking out through the pine forest at Shirahama Beach

A resort that boasts sophisticated facilities and rooms with a marvelous panoramic view

This outdoor, natural bath is even popular in winter

Handmade cuisine prepared by the proprietress. Reservations are required for the highly popular Kodo Bento lunch boxes

View the world six meters below the water surface

Exquisite hamburg steak made from domestic boar

Enjoy a meal with brown rice in an traditional Japanese-style home

Hotel Sanrakuso features Japanese-style rooms with beautiful ocean views. Guests can soak in the hot-spring baths or request for relaxing massages during their stay. A free shuttle runs between the hotel and JR Shirahama Train Station, which is a 30-minute drive. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and an electric kettle with green tea. Each has tatami (woven-straw) flooring and Japanese futon bedding. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy singing at the hotel’s karaoke room or purchase local products at the gift shop. The lobby features beautiful views of Shirahama Beach and provides free WiFi access. A vending machine is available for drinks and ice cream. The on-site restaurant, Wakuwaku offers a breakfast buffet of Japanese dishes. Sanrakuso Hotel is about a 10-minute drive from Nanki Shirahama Airport. Senjojiki Plateau and Sandanbeki Cliff are both a 10-minute drive away.

Boasting sea views, Kurhouse Shirahama provides accommodation with a spa and wellness centre, a fitness centre and an open-air bath, around 1.7 km from Saki-no-Yu Onsen Spa. Offering free private parking, the 2-star ryokan is 600 metres from Shirarahama Beach. The accommodation offers a sauna, hot spring bath, family-friendly restaurant and free WiFi. There is a private bathroom with hot tub in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. Guests at the ryokan can enjoy an Asian breakfast. There is a coffee shop, and a minimarket is also available. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Kurhouse Shirahama also features an indoor pool and a hot tub for guests to relax in. A car rental service is available at the accommodation. Kishu Museum of Art is 1.9 km from Kurhouse Shirahama, while Heisogen Park is 2.4 km from the property. Nanki–Shirahama Airport is 2 km away.

Located in the Nanki Katsuura hot-spring area, guests at Hotel Urashima can enjoy natural Bokido cave hot-spring baths. The hotel offers 4 other public hot-spring baths. The property offers free shuttle service by car or ferry for limited hours per day, both a 10-minute ride from JR Kii Katsuura Station. Free WiFi is available in the public areas. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. A TV, fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each. Rooms come with a private toilet but bathrooms are shared. An outdoor swimming pool is open during the summer and a coin launderette is provided for guests to use. Local gifts can be purchased at the souvenir shop and a karaoke room is available as well. A breakfast and dinner buffet are served at the hotel’s dining room. Urashima Hotel is a 15-minute walk from Katsuura Fishing Port and a 20-minute drive from Taiji Whale Museum.