Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture is famous for popular attractions such as Shirarahama Beach, but the town is also home to many quieter scenic places that have long been cherished by local residents. One of these hidden gems is Goshikigahama Beach, a beautiful coastal area where visitors can enjoy peaceful scenery, rich natural surroundings, and fascinating geological formations.
Near the beach stands Kotohira Shrine, a small historic shrine overlooking the sea. The shrine has long been associated with prayers for the safety of fishermen and those traveling by sea. Together, Goshikigahama and Kotohira Shrine offer visitors an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Shirahama, where nature, history, and local traditions come together.
Goshikigahama is locally known as “Goshima”. The beach forms a graceful curved shoreline and has a distinctly different atmosphere from the white-sand beaches for which Shirahama is famous.
The shore is covered with numerous small, rounded stones. Their smooth, dark appearance resembles traditional Go stones, giving the beach its unique character. Walking along the shore offers a pleasant experience, as the rounded pebbles feel quite different beneath your feet compared with ordinary sand.
The peaceful sound of the waves and the gentle sea breeze make the beach a pleasant place for a relaxing walk. Because it is located away from some of Shirahama’s busiest tourist areas, it is particularly appealing to travelers who want to enjoy the coast in a quiet and peaceful setting.
On the western side of Goshikigahama is Shigarami Iso, a geological site belonging to the Nanki-Kumano Geopark. Here, visitors can observe impressive rock formations and layers of sediment that were created over vast periods of geological time.
The alternating layers of sandstone and mudstone create striking striped patterns across the rocks. They look almost like a giant work of natural art. These layers were formed from sediments deposited on the floor of a shallow ancient sea, and some of the structures reveal how waves and ocean currents affected the sediments as they accumulated.
The rocky area also contains trace fossils, which preserve evidence of the activities of ancient organisms. These fossils provide clues about life in the distant past and make the area an interesting destination for anyone interested in geology, nature, or the history of the Earth.
Visitors should take care when exploring the rocks. The surface can become extremely slippery when wet, especially after waves or rain, so sturdy and comfortable footwear is recommended.
Goshikigahama is also known for its beautiful sunsets. As the sun slowly sinks toward the horizon, the surface of the Pacific Ocean becomes illuminated with warm colors, creating a dramatic and memorable coastal scene.
A small rest shelter with benches is located near the coast, providing a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the evening scenery. Listening to the sound of the waves while watching the sunset can be a particularly relaxing way to end a day of sightseeing in Shirahama.
The surrounding waters are also popular among people who enjoy squid fishing and diving. With relatively clear water and a rich natural marine environment, the area attracts ocean lovers throughout the year.
Goshikigahama is valuable not only for its scenery but also for its natural environment. Depending on the season, sea turtles may come ashore to lay their eggs. Seeing evidence of such wildlife activity offers visitors a chance to appreciate the richness and vitality of the local coastal ecosystem.
Another distinctive feature of the area is its proximity to Nanki-Shirahama Airport. Visitors can sometimes watch passenger jets taking off and landing relatively close to the coastline. Against a backdrop of blue sky and ocean, the sight of an aircraft flying above the coast can make for an impressive photograph.
Located near Goshikigahama, Kotohira Shrine has long been worshipped by local residents as a guardian of maritime safety and fishing prosperity.
The shrine was established in 1836, during the late Edo period. According to local tradition, villagers invited the deity of Kotohira from Sanuki, in present-day Kagawa Prefecture, to establish a place of worship in the area. At a time when fishing and maritime activities were important parts of local life, prayers for safe voyages and successful fishing held particular significance.
A stone lantern on the shrine grounds bears an inscription dating from 1832, providing a tangible connection to the history of the late Edo period.
The shrine suffered major damage during Typhoon Muroto II in 1961, when the main sanctuary and worship hall were destroyed. Thanks to the efforts of local residents, however, the shrine was rebuilt the following year. It continues to be carefully maintained and cherished by the local community.
The area around Kotohira Shrine is exceptionally scenic. The naturalist Minakata Kumagusu, a prominent scholar from Wakayama, regarded the landscape as one of the “Three Great Scenic Views of Kumano.”
The shrine stands at the tip of a coastal terrace approximately 35 meters above sea level. From the grounds, visitors can look out across Goshikigahama and the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by greenery and sea, the quiet shrine grounds have a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the busier tourist areas of Shirahama.
The scenery is particularly beautiful around sunset. As the sun descends over the ocean, the shrine grounds and surrounding landscape are bathed in warm light, creating a tranquil and atmospheric setting.
The view from the nearby rest shelter is also impressive, making this a wonderful place to slow down, enjoy the sea breeze, and simply spend some time away from the crowds.
Kotohira Shrine holds its annual festival on the first Sunday of April. Local residents gather for the festival, including community volunteer activities to clean the shrine grounds and traditional religious ceremonies.
One of the festival’s distinctive traditions is a children’s sumo competition. Fresh fish such as sea bream and yellowtail may be presented as prizes, reflecting the area’s long connection with fishing and the sea.
The celebration concludes with mochi throwing, a traditional Japanese festival custom in which rice cakes are tossed to participants. The event brings together people from the local community and provides a lively glimpse into traditions that continue to be passed down from one generation to the next.
Goshikigahama Beach and Kotohira Shrine are approximately 10 minutes by car from Shirahama Station on the JR Kisei Main Line. They are also about 10 minutes by car from Nanki-Shirahama Interchange on the Kisei Expressway.
For travelers using public transportation, the area is approximately a 18-minute walk from Kii-Tonda Station on the JR Kisei Main Line.
Because the area is located slightly away from Shirahama’s main tourist attractions, visiting Goshikigahama and Kotohira Shrine is a good way to explore a quieter side of the town. Travelers can combine a visit with other attractions in Shirahama for a more varied itinerary.
Goshikigahama offers a different experience from Shirahama’s famous beaches. Its smooth pebble shore, dramatic geological formations, peaceful ocean views, and beautiful sunsets make it an appealing destination for travelers looking for scenery and tranquility.
Nearby Kotohira Shrine adds a cultural and historical dimension to the visit. Its long connection with fishermen, maritime safety, local festivals, and the surrounding coastal landscape reveals an important part of Shirahama’s local heritage.
For international visitors seeking to go beyond the well-known attractions of Shirahama, a visit to Goshikigahama and Kotohira Shrine offers a chance to experience the natural beauty, history, and everyday traditions of this coastal town at a slower pace.