Shirasaki Marine Park - Wakayama

Shirasaki Marine Park (白崎海洋公園) is a beautiful seaside park in Wakayama Prefecture. It is located at 213 Kamiya in the town of Yura, Hidaka District in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.

Shirasaki Marine Park

Shirasaki Marine Park Details

Shirasaki Marine Park is located along the beautiful Shirasaki Coast in Yura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The area forms part of the Shirasaki Coast Prefectural Natural Park and is celebrated as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches. Known for its dazzling white limestone cliffs that rise above the crystal-clear blue sea, the park offers a breathtaking landscape often called the “Aegean Sea of Japan.”

Shirasaki Marine Park - Yura town, Wakayama Prefecture

Activities and Facilities

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities such as diving, swimming, camping, and fishing. The park is home to several facilities, including an auto campsite, a shell museum, a restaurant, and a diving pool. The nearby Kuroshima Island and Yura Port are also popular spots for sea fishing. There is also an observation deck in the area, which allows visitors to see the beautiful view of the coast.

Entry is prohibited in the specified areas of Shirasaki Marine Park.

The central area of the park is elevated and off-limits to visitors.

Michinoeki Shirasaki Ocean Park Auto Camping Ground

Shirasaki Marine Park Roadside Station

This road goes around the elevated central area of the park

Shirasaki Coast – One of Japan’s 100 Best Shores

Shakushi-no-hama Beach

Shirasaki Marine Park parking area

Admission and parking are free, although some facilities may require a small fee. For those who wish to explore the area further, fishing boat tours of the nearby waters are available by reservation.

Nature and Wildlife

From March to July, the park becomes a sanctuary for large flocks of black-tailed gulls that migrate to the area. It is also a natural habitat for daffodils, which bloom beautifully in the surrounding fields. The entire park is embraced by abundant nature, where the brilliant white limestone contrasts beautifully with the deep blue ocean, creating postcard-perfect scenery in every direction.

Shirasaki Observatory

A Journey Through Time

The limestone that defines Shirasaki Marine Park dates back to the Permian period of the Paleozoic era. Fossils such as fusulina and crinoids can still be found at the site of the former quarry, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient geological history. Ashikajima Island, located within the park, was once home to Japanese sea lions until the Meiji period.

The view from Shirasaki Observatory - Aegean Sea of Japan

Shirasaki Ocean Park Sightseeing Guide Map

Recognition and Restoration

In April 2009, the Shirasaki Coast earned a place among the 100 Views of the Heisei Era, an honor sponsored by the Yomiuri Shimbun. However, in September 2018, Typhoon Jebi caused severe damage to the park’s facilities. Despite the challenges, partial restoration was achieved, and several areas, including the park center and roadside station, were successfully reopened on April 20, 2019.

A Must-Visit Destination in Wakayama

Today, Shirasaki Marine Park continues to attract visitors with its striking natural beauty, rich marine life, and relaxing seaside atmosphere. Its unique combination of geological wonders, outdoor adventures, and tranquil charm makes it one of Wakayama’s most captivating travel destinations.

The Backpack Adventures visits Shirasaki Marine Park

I visited Shirasaki Marine Park for the first time on November 19, 2023, during the second day of my 4-Day Osaka Trip 2023. It was also my 748^th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During this visit, I was accompanied by Mr. Toshi and his family. It was a fun day exploring a new town with my Japanese family. I enjoyed the view and the rock formations in the park. Hopefully, I can bring my family here in the future and watch the famed sunset here.

Shirasaki Marin Park Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore Shirasaki Marine Park.

Shirasaki Marine Park

Shirasaki Marine Park is open 24/7. However, if you plan to visit the roadside station, it’s open from 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM.

Why visit the Shirasaki Marine Park?

Shirasaki Marine Park is a destination that captures both the natural beauty and geological wonder of Wakayama Prefecture. Its breathtaking scenery of white limestone cliffs set against the deep blue sea creates one of the most photogenic coastal landscapes in Japan. 

Getting to Shirasaki Marine Park

 

The best way to reach Shirasaki Marine Park 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.

Travel time: 40 minutes 

Fare: 460 yen

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