Station Shihara Kaigan

Discover the Rhythms of Coastal Life at Shihara Kaigan

Nestled along National Route 42 in the scenic heart of Wakayama Prefecture’s Shirahama Town, Shihara Kaigan is a roadside station where the rhythm of the sea meets the pulse of local tradition. Overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, this vibrant stop offers panoramic sunsets that have earned it a place among Japan’s Top 100 Sunset Spots. Visitors can savor freshly caught seafood at the on-site restaurants, shop for regional treasures like Kishu Binchotan charcoal and dried ayu fish snacks, or enjoy a leisurely meal with views of the ocean and the iconic tennis courts that define the town’s athletic spirit.

Just steps away, the rugged beauty of Shihara Chiyotsubo—a striking stretch of rock resembling a laid-out tatami—beckons explorers, while nearby fishing spots and the pristine Hikigawa River offer year-round outdoor adventures. With its warm hospitality, farm-to-table cuisine, and deep connection to nature, Shihara Kaigan is more than a rest stop—it’s a true gateway to the soul of Kishu.

Visit Shihara Kaigan roadside station to experience the only place in the region where you can savor freshly caught Pacific fish, including rare black sea bream and snapper, directly from on-site aquaculture tanks. Just steps from the sea, the station’s signature item—grilled ayu (sweetfish) seasoned with local salt—is available year-round, with seasonal specialities like grilled ayu with lemon and pickled plum. For a unique treat, try the limited-edition strawberry cheesepudding, made with local “Marihime” strawberries and crafted daily at the on-site café.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the last of the day’s fresh Miryakun (chocolate croissant) and Pumpkin Pudding from the 1F café, as these items are known to sell out by 11:00 AM.
• Hidden Gems: Check the 1F shop’s "Miryakun" display counter for the seasonal Strawberry Cheesepudding and Double Cream Choux — these are only available during winter months and often sell out by midday.
• Weekend Special: On weekends, arrive by 9:30 AM to buy the limited Ayu Tempura (5 pieces for 500 yen) from the 1F shop, which is only stocked on Friday and Saturday mornings and often sells out by 11:00 AM.
• Dining Tip: Order the Mackerel and Boiled Shrimp Half Bowl (¥850) at the 2F cafeteria between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to enjoy it with a view of the Pacific Ocean from the outdoor terrace, as this meal is especially popular during lunch hours.
• Local Product Must-Buy: Purchase the Kawazoe Tea (3-pack for ¥1,000) at the 1F shop before 4:00 PM, as the store runs out of this item every Friday and does not restock until the following week.
• Special Event Alert: On the first Saturday of each month, visit the 1F shop between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM to buy the Hikigawa Matsuri Hot Dog (¥300), a special event item that is only available during the “Hikigawa Energy Festival” and sold exclusively from the roadside station’s front counter.
• Evening Photography Tip: Arrive at Shihara Kaigan by 5:15 PM on clear days to photograph the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, as the best light occurs between 5:15 PM and 5:30 PM when the sun dips behind the sea, a view recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Sunsets.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; peak season for the Hikigawa Spring Festival and riverbank walks along the clean-flowing Hikigawa River.

Summer (June-August): Best time for sea and rock fishing at the coastal cliffs; evening views of the Pacific Ocean featured among Japan's top 100 sunsets.

Autumn (September-November): Late-season harvest of late-maturing citrus fruits; seasonal specialities include fresh persimmons and traditional pickled vegetables.

Winter (December-February): Ideal for viewing the famous sunset from the coastal lookout; limited-time Christmas desserts available at the roadside station café.