Best around Kumano Kodo, Shingu, Shirahama Spot List

The popular open-air bath looks out across the beach

View the world six meters below the water surface

This outdoor, natural bath is even popular in winter

Known as one of Japan’s top three beauty hot springs

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

Enjoy a sweeping view of the sea at Shirahama

This observation deck lies at the southern tip of Shionomisaki. The seventh and eighth floors, which are 100 meters above sea level, are observation galleries, commanding a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. On a fine day, the vista even takes in the distant Mt. Nachi. On entering the deck, you'll receive a certificate for visiting the southernmost point of Japan's main island as proof of your visit to Shionomisaki. The grasslands at the tip of the cape, called “Boro no Shiba,” stretch out over 100,000 square meters. A restaurant there serves a variety of dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

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

A hot spring resort where you can play and relax as you please at an affordable price

A beautiful attraction associated with the legendary Kobo Daishi

A cozy accommodation with its own hot spring

Drawing from two historic sources of water, this open air bath has a nostalgic atmosphere typical of traditional public baths

Introduces Kumano’s world heritage sites

The starting point for the World Heritage Kumano Kodo, offering services that help visitors travel with confidence.

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

Situated in Tanabe, 40 km from Kumanokodo Nakahechi Museum of Art and 41 km from Kozan-ji Temple, Ryunohara Hatago features spacious air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. Private parking is available on site at this recently renovated property. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen, free shuttle service and luggage storage for guests. The kitchen features an oven, a toaster and a fridge and there is a private bathroom with a hair dryer and free toiletries. The property has an outdoor dining area. Breakfast is available each morning, and includes continental, Asian and vegetarian options. Guests can grab a bite to eat in the in-house family-friendly restaurant, which specialises in Japanese cuisine and also offers vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options. Sightseeing tours are available within a reachable distance. A car rental service is available at the country house. Tokei Shrine is 42 km from Ryunohara Hatago, while Kamitonda Concert Hall is 43 km from the property. The nearest airport is Nanki–Shirahama Airport, 51 km from the accommodation.

This is a specialty restaurant serving meharizushi (rice balls wrapped in pickled takana (leaf mustard greens)), which is a local specialty that passes down a simple traditional taste to the modern day. This restaurant’s meharizushi is characterized by the rice containing chopped stalks of takana, which is marinated in the special secret sauce. The rice is then wrapped in a large takana leaf. Popular menu items include a pack of four meharizushi (560 JPY) and a sample set containing meharizushi, kushikatsu (deep-fried skewer of meat) and tonjiru (miso soup with pork and vegetables) (1,300 JPY). The meharizuke-making set (1,890 JPY), where you can make your own meharizushi, is an ideal souvenir.

Exquisite hamburg steak made from domestic boar

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

Pets are welcome. Wanko Gozen and dog runs are popular