Great coastal hike, 30 minutes one way from the car park.
A distant view of Shiratori Coast. It's a beautiful sight, but it feels a bit far away.
Also, the view is somewhat obstructed by trees from the observation deck, so you can get a better view from a little before the deck.
As you'd expect from a geopark, there is a wealth of geological commentary that's very educational.
This is a place where the blue of the sea is incredibly beautiful, allowing you to witness the stunning beauty of the Sea of Japan in summer.
The observation deck is only a five-minute walk from the parking lot. Furthermore, the path is well-maintained, so you can visit with peace of mind.
The area encompassing Shirashimazaki and the surrounding islands is collectively known as Shirashima Coast, due to the white rhyolite rock that forms the coastline. Numerous islands of varying sizes are scattered around, and many wave-eroded caves can be seen. For these reasons, it has long been famous as a scenic spot, and in July 1938 (Showa 13), it was designated a "Historic Site, Scenic Spot, and Natural Monument."
Meanwhile, this area was also designated as "Daisen National Park" on February 1, 1936. Accordingly, on April 20, 1939, commemorative stamps titled "Daisen National Park, 2 sen/4 sen" were released as part of the "First National Park Series." In 1962, the designated area was expanded and the name was changed to "Daisen-Oki National Park." Following this, on January 20, 1965, "Daisen-Oki National Park, 5 yen/10 yen" stamps were released as part of the "Second National Park Series." As of December 2024, you can purchase stamps for around 100 yen for a 2-sen stamp and around 200 yen for a 4-sen stamp from Daisen National Park, and around 20 yen for a 5-yen stamp and around 30 yen for a 10-yen stamp from Daisen-Oki National Park. Checking my other old stamps, I found that while none were selling below cost, there's no hope of getting the prices they were during the "boom." I'll leave them to the next generation, believing that "maybe in another 50 years..." However, stamp preservation is difficult. I was foolish to be swayed.
Take National Route 485, which circles the island, and turn north at the entrance to Shirashima. After about 10 minutes, you'll reach the parking lot. It's about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the observation deck. Shirashima Beach is another 30 minutes from the observation deck, but I wasn't ambitious at the time and turned back. ..........Not a good thing.
Taking this as a lesson, I've recently been trying to venture into the mountains where bears live (?).
2024.12.11
The lookout is open year-round. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the clearest visibility. Winter (December to February) is optimal for whale watching as gray whales migrate past the coast. The typhoon season from August to October may cause temporary closures. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.
The site has parking for 20 vehicles, coin-operated telescopes, interpretive panels, and a weather shelter. There are no restrooms, restaurants, or shops at the lookout. The nearest town with full facilities is 8 kilometers south.
Gray whales pass through offshore waters from December to February. Black-tailed gulls and Japanese cormorants nest on the cliffs year-round. Marine life is visible in the tidal pools during low tide. Binoculars or the coin-operated telescopes improve viewing.
Local buses run four times daily on weekdays and six times daily on weekends, stopping 500 meters from the entrance (7 to 10 minute walk). Buses connect to the town center 8 kilometers south via Route 42. Taxis are available from town but cost more than bus fare.
