Summer retreat at Wakayama

Those of us living in buzzling cities like Hong Kong may seek for either total excitements or total relaxation during their holidays.  With the summer seasons coming, it means the commencement of family trips and summer vacations to beaches and water sports.  But if you cannot stand too much of the heat but at the same time want some of those heat (dilenma!), heading for some quiet places, where you can get in the crowd for a bit of water sports but at the same time relax in the summer breeze, free from the crowds, will be the good choice for you.

Many Asian destinations do offer such relaxing destinations and if you open the magazines of the world, you can just go fairly easily.  But what if you are those picky ones who wants some sort of intense shopping but then relaxing near the sea, Shirahama may be the choice for you.

2 hours of drive or 2.5 hours of trains from Kansai International Airport (or known as Osaka), Shirahama is known to the Japanese as the Queensland of Japan.  White sand beach, beach games, water sports... all of them are well equipped.  Onsens are the hidden treasure in Shirahama where you can relax even in the hot weather in the hot spring baths.  If you are less beach-liking, head for the multiple scenic spots and you will be amazed to how mother-nature creates land, as well as experiencing what bottleneck for incoming water is in a cave!  Food is another aspect which should never be forgotten - Maguro, Abalone, shrimps, etc. are all just some to name in Toretore market.  Plums are renowned in this area for its splendor taste and you can find whatever sorts of flavour to buy home.

Going with a family and worrying that your kids have no where to play?  No worries!  La Foret Nanki Shirahama offers this interesting place for you to relax and play with your children.  Situated on the mountain, this hotel offers the best view for sunset and sunrise, with the hot spring on the top of the building.  The hotel also is equipped with many Snoppys so your little ones will not be bored with their presence.

On the way back to the airport or going to the airport, why not head to Wakayama Castle in Wakayama city and try the local food around.  They are simply the best for you to explore!










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Cathay Pacific offers 3 flights from Hong Kong to Osaka Kansai Airport daily, where you can trasfer to Wakayama or Shirahama by trains or direct bus.
For the younger generations, you might consider taking the midnight flight, arriving at Osaka early in the morning for breakfast and shopping before heading towards Shirahama