Road Station Shirasaki Marine Park

Roadside Station Shirasaki Ocean Park is located at Shirasaki Coast, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Beaches of Japan." The area has many diving spots and includes a campground, restaurant, and a shell exhibition hall. It was originally a park, but in 2009 it was registered as a roadside station. Shirasaki Coast is surrounded by impressive white limestone, and the scenery created by the blue sky and deep blue sea is so striking that it is called the "Aegean Sea of Japan." The landscape can feel like a foreign natural scene, making it a popular photo spot. Must-try local foods include "shirasu-don" (whitebait rice bowl), seafood rice bowls, and even pizza generously topped with shirasu. The local-produce restaurant "Yurara" uses remodeled desks and chairs from the former Ina Junior High School (now closed), giving the interior a nostalgic feel. Souvenirs to look for include locally made "Tengu soy sauce" and "Tengu ponzu," known for flavors hard to achieve through mass production. Access: take the JR Kisei Main Line to "Kii-Yura Station," then take the Chuki Bus Shirasaki Line and get off at "Shirasaki Kaiyo Koen"—it’s right there. Note: this bus line operates only on Sundays and holidays.