A drive from Shirahama’s hot spring district toward Susami
Turn a Route 42 toilet stop into a seaside break
It is easily accessible via National Route 42 from the Hikigawa IC, and has a parking lot, 24-hour restrooms, public telephones, and an information center. The driver takes a breather while looking out at the sea, while the family browses the shops and cafes. Even a short break will leave a lasting memory of the place.
From Hikigawa Interchange, drive about 10 minutes toward Tanabe on National Route 42. JR Kii-Hioki Station is about 10 minutes away by car.
Standard car parking is more limited than at a large roadside station. On holiday afternoons, allow for both restaurant visitors and coastal walkers.
Adults who want both scenery and a meal
Look for a sea-view seat at lunch
The second-floor Bear’s Rock Restaurant reopened in March 2026 with a focus on Western-style food and views of Shihara Kaigan and Bear’s Rock. Older reviews often mention seafood bowls and whitebait rice bowls, so check the current menu and hours rather than relying on those past dishes.
Browse the shop and cafe, then go upstairs. After eating, take a short walk toward the coast.
Published restaurant hours differ. If the meal is your main reason to visit, check the official Instagram account or call ahead.
Families with infants or preschoolers, or those taking a break on a long drive
With children, start at the rest area before considering the cave
A nursing space, toilets, and a heated and cooled rest area let families settle in first. The rocky shore can be harder to navigate depending on tides, wind, and sun. Young children can enjoy the sea near the station without walking all the way to Torige Cave.
Parking → toilets and nursing space → shop and cafe → a short look at the coast.
Tide pools and rock ledges can be slippery. Avoid going far in sandals alone.
Adults with walking shoes who want to see coastal geology
On days when the tide is right, walk to Torige Cave.
Torige Cave is about a 30-minute walk from the roadside station. The tourism association gives low tide and a tide level of 80 cm or lower as a guide, so plan before setting out. If conditions do not allow the cave walk, view Shihara Senjojiki’s broad rock shelves or Bear’s Rock instead.
Michi-no-Eki Shihara Kaigan → coastal path → Torige Cave. Allow for the return walk and rising tide.
Do not enter the cave because of collapse risk. Avoid the walk at high tide, in rough weather, or in strong wind.
An afternoon detour away from busy central Shirahama
Combine shopping and a hot spring south of central Shirahama
Shop for Kawazoe tea, ayuchobi, and local vegetables, then drive to Ebine Onsen along the Hioki River for a quiet half-day outing. The route brings together the sea, river, tea, and a hot spring.
Michi-no-Eki Shihara Kaigan → Ebine Onsen. With more time, consider the Ataka clan castle-site remains or Yakusa Falls near the Hioki River.
Road widths and weather can affect inland stops. Avoid packing too many into a late afternoon.
