Shiraraso Grand Hotel (Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama; General Manager: Eiichi Nojiri), operated by GranVista Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yukio Arai), is teaming up with SIEF Company Co., Ltd. (Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama) to launch new hotel-departure "Nanki-Shirahama Day-Trip Optional Tours," starting Friday, July 17, 2026.
Located just a 30-second walk from Shirarahama Beach, one of the leading swimming beaches in the Kansai region, Shiraraso Grand Hotel is expanding its lineup of leisure options through this new collaboration with SIEFtour. Departing from the hotel, three guided day-trip tours introduce the charms of Nanki-Shirahama, including a visit to the rarely accessible Phoenix Fold rock formation, a walk along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, and a stroll through the area's geopark. Special perks are also available for hotel guests. It's a great chance to explore the nature and culture of the Nanki region in depth.
① Phoenix Fold Tour — Rock Strata Bent by the Power of the Earth
A tour to experience up close the "Phoenix Fold," a geologically significant rock formation reachable only at low tide. A professional guide familiar with the local terrain accompanies guests in a private taxi for a comfortable and safe visit.
② Kumano Kodo Highlights & Kumano Hongu Taisha Walk — Beginner Friendly
A tour through the mystical, World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo, leading to the sacred Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, touching on the area's history and culture. A curated "highlights course" is offered so even first-time visitors can enjoy it with ease.
③ Nanki-Shirahama Geopark Walk — Tens of Millions of Years of Geological History
A walking tour through striking rock formations and cliffs shaped by dramatic crustal movements tens of millions of years ago. Guests can choose their transport — taxi or local bus, among other options — to match their travel style and schedule.
"Nanki-Shirahama Day-Trip Optional Tours" Departing From Shiraraso Grand Hotel — Overview
More info: https://www.shiraraso.co.jp/topics/18
Period: Friday, July 17, 2026 to Wednesday, March 31, 2027
Booking deadline: Up to one week before your desired tour date
Details and reservations: SIEFtour — https://siefcompany.co.jp/news/geo-shirarasou/
*Please check the website above for terms and conditions. All listed prices include tax.
① Phoenix Fold Tour by Private Taxi
The Phoenix Fold can only be reached at low tide, making it a truly elusive destination. An experienced guide times the visit to ensure the safest and most reliable access.
- Hours: April to August, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM / other months, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Viewing window: approximately 1 hour before and after low tide (80cm or lower)
- Price (example): Japanese-speaking guide, 1 to 4 participants: ¥43,000 per group (taxi included)
② Kumano Kodo Walk & Kumano Hongu Taisha Renewal Experience
Walk the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo! This curated highlights course is designed so even first-time visitors can enjoy it with ease.
- Duration: approximately 5 hours
- Price (example): Japanese-speaking guide, 1 to 4 participants: ¥86,000 per group (taxi and lunch included)
③ Nanki-Shirahama Geopark Walk
Nanki-Shirahama is home to striking rock formations and cliffs formed by crustal movements tens of millions of years ago. This geopark exploration tour unpacks the dynamism of the earth. Guests can choose between a "taxi course" and a "local bus / loop course," among other transport options.
- Duration: approximately 8 hours
- Transport options: taxi, local bus / private car, or e-bike
- Price (example): Japanese-speaking guide, 1 to 4 participants — by taxi: ¥62,000 per group; by local bus / private car: ¥19,000 per group
Staying at Shiraraso Grand Hotel
Sample Stay Plan: Colorful Kaiseki With Ezo Abalone and Domestic Beef Sukiyaki (Dinner and Breakfast Included)
Standard Japanese-style room, 10 tatami mats — from ¥17,050 per person (based on double occupancy; tax and service charge included, bathing tax separate)
- Dinner: A kaiseki course featuring local ingredients and seasonal flavors
- Breakfast: Choice of a Japanese set menu or buffet
More info: https://x.gd/GNMxf
Shirahama Onsen
One of Japan's three oldest hot springs, cherished since the Asuka and Nara periods alongside Arima and Dogo. The hotel's own hot spring source, Suzushiyu, has a salinity close to seawater, is said to retain warmth well, and offers moisturizing benefits. The 2nd-floor bath "Shiokaze" overlooks Shirarahama Beach.
- Bathing hours: 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM / 5:00 AM to 9:30 AM (baths alternate between men and women)
Lounge Sugar Beach (1F)
Named after the powdery white sand of Shirarahama Beach just outside, the lounge offers beer, cocktails, soft drinks, and light desserts, along with a welcome drink from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. In the evening, illumination sets a relaxed mood.
- Hours: 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM (last order 9:15 PM) / 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
