The Backpack Adventures

Located several meters from the coast of the resort town of Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture, Engetsu Island  also  Engetsu-to  ( 円月島 ) is a small yet must-see island of the town.    Engetsu Island  also  Engetsu-to  ( 円月島 ) Engetsu Island Details The name engetsu means "the island of the full moon". However, a lot of people are unaware that its official name is actually Takashima . The island measures approximately 115 feet from east to west, 430 feet north to south, and 82 feet high at the tallest elevation. Engetsu Island - Shirahama , Wakayama Prefecture Surprisingly the water near it is very clean and is teeming with fish Despite being an island, Engetsu-to is also viewed as a scenic rock formation jotting out of Rinkai Bay. It is famous for its natural sandstone arch which has a perfectly circular hole in the middle. This hole was formed through the natural effects of the waves and the wind which eroded the "weaker" part of the rock formation

Located in the coastal part of the resort town of Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture, Sandanbeki Rock Cliff   ( 三段壁 ) is the general name of the cliffs which was said to be used by the Kumano pirates during the Heian period. Sandanbeki Rock Cliff   ( 三段壁 ) Sandanbeki Rick Cliff Details Sandanbeki Rock Cliff , also referred to as simply Sandanbeki , refers to the 2  kilometer stretch of  50+ meter high cliffs of the Shirahama coastline which is perfectly viewed from the observation point/view deck. The highlight of a visit to Sandanbeki is the Sandanbeki Dokutsu . It is a cave where the Kumano pirates once hid their boats (and probably their loot too). For those who are planning to check it out, there is an elevator in the souvenir shop near the observation point that can bring visitors down to the cave. Sandanbeki Rock Cliff - Shirahama , Wakayama Prefecture Gotta love the view from the Sandanbeki  Viewing Area Check out that rugged cliffside You can go down to Sandanbeki

Located in Nishimuro District in the town of Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture, Senjojiki ( 千畳敷 ) is the name given to the multi-tiered rock formations in the southwestern coast of the town. Senjojiki  ( 千畳敷 ) Senjojiki Details The name  Senjojiki   literally translates to " thousand tatami mats ", a name that probably tries to describe the picturesque rock formations on the coast which to an imaginative mind really does look like thousands of interwoven tatami mats. Senjojiki - Shirahama , Wakayama Prefecture Welcome to Senjojiki (Rock Formations)... ...which is part of Yoshi-Kumano National Park Here's what you should know... Senjojiki is a great alternative destination if Shirarahama Beach turns out to be crowded. Although not as popular and well-promoted as Shirahama Beach , Senjojiki offers visitors Instagram-worthy spots, and best of all, a quiet escape from the noise of the crowd. The most popular of which is the plateau-like rock formati

Located on the western coast of the resort town of Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture, Shirarahama Beach  ( 白良浜 ) is one of the most famous tourist destinations of the town. Shirarahama Beach   ( 白良浜 )  Shirarahama Beach Details The name Shirahama literally translates to "white beach" or "white bay". This refers to the sand color and bay-like characteristic of Shirarahama Beach . Although this beach is quite popular some people still confuse it with another beach in Shizuoka Prefecture with the same name (and apparently, it is also a popular beach). Welcome beach lovers!!! Check out the super clean waters of Shirarahama Beach ! there were plenty of honeymooners and families... We got just in time for the Suna Matsuri / Sand Festival The wave breaker was Instagram worthy as well I spy a kid swimming in the waters. Although blessed with majestic mountains and volcanoes in its interior, Japan's coasts seem to be cursed with rocky or dar