Shirahama Onsen

Sakinoyu is the only remaining bath from the ancient “Yuzaki Seven Hot Springs” mentioned in the Manyoshu poetry anthology. It features a historic rock-lined outdoor bath just steps from the Pacific Ocean. You’ll feel completely immersed in nature — the sound of waves, the scent of sulfur and sea breeze, the open sky, and ships slowly crossing the vast sea. It’s so open-air that you might even be visible from nearby buildings or breakwaters (yes, really!). There are no lockers with keys inside, so you’re advised to leave your valuables in your car or ask the staff at reception to ...

Check the best price for Hotel Kawakyu A Castle-Like Hotel in Shirahama: Staying at Hotel Kawakyu We took a road trip almost all the way around Wakayama without even booking a hotel. As the evening approached, I remembered—wasn’t there a castle-looking hotel somewhere? So I quickly made a same-day reservation and we headed to Hotel Kawakyu. Following the GPS through the somewhat cluttered roads of Shirahama, we turned into a narrow lane and—BAM! A giant castle appeared out of nowhere. At first glance, maybe due to the lighting (or my bad eyesight), it looked like a flashy theme park or ...