Japan Kinki

Shirahama is a town in Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Shirahama is a resort town on the south coast of Wakayama Prefecture. Its beaches are white sand, imported from Australia. Shirahama is known for its hot springs. During the summer, there are fireworks every night on the beach. One of Shirahama’s main attractions is its crescent-shaped white-sand beach; “Shirahama” means “white beach” or “white bay."

Wakayama is the capital city of Wakayama Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. Wakayama is cleft in two by the Kinokawa River. The city is bordered at the north by mountains and Osaka Prefecture. In the city center is Wakayama Castle, built in a city central park. This castle is a concrete replica of the original, which was destroyed in World War II. Wakayama is home to one of Japan's three Melody Roads, which is made from grooves cut into the pavement, which when driven over causes a tactile vibration and audible rumbling transmitted through the wheels into the car body. Wakayama Prefecture is famous across Japan for its umeboshi (salty pickled plums) and mikan (mandarins).

Sakai is a city located in Osaka Prefecture, Japan on the edge of Osaka Bay at the mouth of the Yamato River. It has been one of the largest and most important seaports of Japan since the Medieval era. Sakai is known for its keyhole-shaped burial mounds, or kofun, which date from the 5th century. The largest of these, Daisen Kofun, is believed to be the grave of the Emperor Nintoku and is the largest grave in the world by area. Once known for samurai swords, Sakai is now famous for the quality of its kitchen knives. Explore the port and the town center when you're visiting.