Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station - Wakayama

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station (道の駅 白崎海洋公園) is one of the roadside stations of Wakayama Prefecture. It is located at 960 Obiki in the town of Yura, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.

道の駅 白崎海洋公園
Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station Details

Opened to the public on December 21, 2009, the Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station serves as the perfect stop for travelers exploring the picturesque Shirasaki Coast in Yura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Officially registered as a roadside station on July 31, 2009, it offers essential facilities, visitor services, and access to one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches.

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station - Yura town, Wakayama Prefecture
Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station - Yura town, Wakayama Prefecture

Surrounded by the pristine white limestone cliffs of the Shirasaki Coast Prefectural Natural Park, this roadside station is a popular rest stop for motorists, divers, and nature enthusiasts traveling through the region.

Facilities and Services

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station offers modern and accessible facilities that ensure a comfortable and convenient stop for travelers. The station has a large parking area with 188 spaces for regular cars, 3 spaces for large vehicles, and 4 designated spaces for disabled visitors. It is designed to accommodate a steady flow of visitors traveling along the scenic Shirasaki Coast.

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station is one of the first facilities that you'd see when you visit Shirasaki Marine Park
Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station is one of the first facilities that you'd see when you visit Shirasaki Marine Park

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station facade
Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station facade

Restroom facilities are also spacious and well-maintained, with 20 units for men, 13 for women, and 4 accessible toilets for persons with disabilities. In addition, the roadside station provides other useful amenities, including a public phone, a tourist information center that offers local travel guidance, and the Shirasaki Tourist Platform, which operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Although the product sales store is currently closed, the station still serves as a valuable stop for rest, information, and sightseeing tips.

Yura town tourist information map
Yura town tourist information map

These convenient facilities make Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station an excellent base for those exploring the Shirasaki area or taking a relaxing break during a coastal road trip.

Inside Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

Inside Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

Yuranosuke - Yura town's mascot
Yuranosuke - Yura town's mascot

Inside Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

There were several Hello Kitty plushies on display inside the roadside station
There were several Hello Kitty plushies on display inside the roadside station

Inside Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

Inside Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

Inside Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

We tried the Shirasaki Soft Serve Ice Cream
We tried the Shirasaki Soft Serve Ice Cream

Explore the Beauty of Shirasaki Coast

The white limestone found along the Shirasaki Coast dates back to the Permian period of the Paleozoic era, making it a fascinating site for geology enthusiasts. Fossils such as fusulina and crinoids can still be found in the area, particularly at the former quarry site.

Shirasaki Coast
Shirasaki Coast

Travelers can experience a range of outdoor activities that highlight the beauty of the coast. Diving and snorkeling allow visitors to explore the rich marine life beneath the clear waters, while camping at the auto campsite offers the chance to stay overnight surrounded by panoramic sea views. Those interested in leisure and learning can visit the shell museum, restaurant, and diving pool within the park. For a more adventurous option, fishing boat tours (by reservation) provide an exciting way to discover the abundant marine biodiversity along the coast.

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station stamp
Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station stamp

Recognition and Preservation

In April 2009, the Shirasaki Coast was selected as one of the 100 Views of the Heisei Era by the Yomiuri Shimbun, solidifying its reputation as one of Japan’s most scenic coastal landscapes. Despite natural challenges in recent years, local efforts continue to preserve and maintain this treasured landmark for future generations to enjoy.

The Backpack Adventures visits Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

The Backpack Adventures visits Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

I visited Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station for the first time on November 19, 2023, during my 4-Day Osaka Trip 2023. It was also my 748th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During this visit, I was accompanied by Mr. Toshi and his family. Our main purpose was to enjoy the stunning views of Shirasaki Marine Park, and we only stopped by the roadside station to grab some refreshments. Although small, the station offers a variety of local products that are worth exploring. In the future, my family and I hope to visit all the roadside stations in Wakayama, building on our goal of having visited every roadside station in Hokkaido.

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station Admission Fee

It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station. However, it’s recommended that you bring cash in case you want to buy some local products or eat at its restaurants.

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station is open from 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM.

Why visit Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station?

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station is a convenient stop for travelers exploring Wakayama’s Shirasaki Coast, known for its white limestone cliffs and clear blue waters. The station offers ample parking, clean restrooms, and a tourist information center, making it ideal for a comfortable visit.

Getting to Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

 

The best way to reach Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station is by rental car, but if you plan to use public transportation, this is what I'm familiar with.

From Kii-Yura Station, head out and go to the Yura Station bus stop in front. Board the Shirasaki Nishi - Shirasaki Line operated by the Chuki Bus Company. 

Get off at Shirasaki Nishi bus stop. Once there, walk for about 1.6 kilometers to Shirasaki Maring Park Roadside Station.

Travel time: 40 minutes 

Fare: 460 yen

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