Best around Kumano Kodo, Shingu, Shirahama Spot List

Full of moving experiences; the most pandas in one place out of all Japan

A large rock protruding into the ocean

A beautiful attraction associated with the legendary Kobo Daishi

Karaoke and a rock sauna at an open-air bath overlooking the ocean. Pets welcome

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Mount Nachi

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

The sunsets here are particularly beautiful

Introduces Kumano’s world heritage sites

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

The spectacular views of the enormous rocks will impress you

A path stretching through the verdant Kumano region

The beloved traditional tubs have long been a symbol of Yunomine

View the world six meters below the water surface

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

Exquisite hamburg steak made from domestic boar

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

Offering tranquil outdoor hot-spring baths with nature views, a Nakai-san personal attendant, karaoke, massages and sumptuous Kaiseki dinners, Yunominesou is a 10-minute walk from Tsuboyu hot spring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The traditional rooms at Yunominesou Ryokan have sliding paper screens, floor cushions and Japanese futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Guests can relax in the Yukata robe or watch the LCD TV. All rooms include a toilet, an electric kettle and a fridge. The ryokan is a 10-minute walk from the beautiful Kumano Kodo forest path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is 37 km from JR Shingu Train Station and 53 km from JR Kiitanabe Train Station. On-site parking is free. Guests can enjoy a game of ping-pong or billiards, or browse the gift shop. Two private hot-spring bathes can be used when it's available. A set-menu Japanese breakfast and dinner are served at the property restaurant. Guests with dinner included in the rate must check in by 18:30 to eat dinner at the property. Guests checking in after this time may not be served dinner, and no refund will be given. There are no restaurants in the area, so dining at the hotel is recommended.

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.

Boasting a spacious garden overlooking the Kumano-Nada Sea and the gentle mountains along the coast, Yado Kayuu features hot-spring baths, a summertime outdoor pool, tennis courts and Japanese rooms with sea views. Traditional Kaiseki Japanese cuisine is available for dinner. Guests at Hana Irodori no Yado Kayuu sleep in futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Each air-conditioned room has an en suite bathroom and an electric kettle. Slippers are also provided. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from JR Kii-Katsuura Train Station on the Kisei Line, and a free shuttle is offered. It is a 10-minute walk to the Taijicho Whale Museum and Taiji Kujirahama Park.

Boasting sea views, Kurhouse Shirahama provides accommodation with a spa and wellness centre, a fitness centre and an open-air bath, around 2.1 km from Ezura Beach. 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. The units in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. There is a private bathroom with hot tub in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. All units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. An Asian breakfast is available every morning at the ryokan. 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. Rinkaiura Beach is 2.5 km from Kurhouse Shirahama, while Shirahama Art Museum is 2.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Nanki–Shirahama Airport, 2 km from the ryokan.