A Day Trip to Shirahama, Wakayama

Early in the morning, take the limited express train from Shin-Osaka to Shirahama, which takes about 3 hours. The first thing to do upon arriving in Shirahama is to purchase a one-day bus pass at the Meiko Bus Shirahama Station Information Center next to Shirahama Station. This pass is cost-effective as you will be taking the Meiko Bus to various famous attractions in Shirahama throughout the day (a route map of the buses is included). The first stop is Tore Tore Market for lunch, where you can buy sashimi, seafood, and local products. There is a public area outside the market for dining. After eating, take the bus to various attractions. It is recommended to check the bus stop signs for the arrival times of each bus to plan your schedule. The itinerary for the day is as follows: Tore Tore Market --> Shirahama Underwater Observation Tower (only viewed from the outside, did not go up the tower) --> Senjojiki --> Sandanbeki --> Engetsu Island (to watch the sunset) --> Shirahama Ginza Street (most shops are closed by dusk). Unfortunately, the sunset that day did not align with the small hole in Engetsu Island, but it was still worth the visit. After completing the itinerary, take the Meiko Bus back to Shirahama Station and then the limited express train back to Shin-Osaka. Note that the last Meiko Bus and the last limited express train back to Shin-Osaka are quite early (the last limited express train that day was around 7 PM), so be sure to check the timetable in advance.