Senjojiki Rock (Senjōjiki) 千畳敷
Senjōjiki literally means “one thousand tatami mats.” It was named because there is enough space for a thousand (sen in Japanese) tatami mats (jō, a unit for tatami in Japanese). Over the millennia, waves of the Pacific Ocean have continually crashed into the Wakayama coastline, creating spectacular clusters of jagged rock formations. The surfaces, however, are completely smooth, allowing for an unusual coastal hike. Its flat, multi-tiered formation means that visitors can wander out towards the sea.
A visit to Senjōjiki is ideally combined with a short trip along the coast to see romantic Engetsutō Island and the Sandanbeki Caves—once a hideout for pirates.
General Information
- Address: Senjo, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Telephone: (Shirahama Tourism Association)
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Recommended sightseeing time: 1–1.5 hours
Ease of Access
- About 20 minutes by car from JR Kisei Main Line Shirahama Station
- 15 minutes by car from the Kisei Expressway “Nankishirahama IC”
- About 5 minutes on foot from the Itoki bus stop “Senjo mouth”
Senjōjiki Station
Senjōjiki Station was opened on July 7, 1954 as the Senjōjiki Signal Stop. It was elevated in status to that of a temporary (seasonal) station on the Japan National Railways (JNR) on October 1, 1969. With the privatization of the JNR on April 1, 1987, it came under the operational control of JR East. It was elevated in status to that of a full station on October 1, 1987.
Attractions Nearby
- Adventure World: A mega theme park with a safari park, aquarium, and amusement park combined in one facility
- Kumano Kodo: An ancient pilgrimage route across the Kii Peninsula linking several large shrines
- Sandanbeki (三段壁): Cliffs along the ocean edge that are 50 meters high. It is said that pirates (Kumano Suigun) used to inhabit the caverns; the remains of their dwellings can be seen.
- Shirarahama Beach: A 500-meter-long beach located along the shallow waters of Kanayama Bay. Consisting of 90 percent quartz, the sand is, as the name “Shirarahama” suggests, pure white.
- Engetsu Islet: A small islet 130 meters in length from north to south, 35 meters in width, and 25 meters in height. The island’s official name is Takashima.
- Minakata Kumagusu Museum: Home to many of scientist Minakata Kumagusu’s books, specimens, and memorabilia
Social Media
- Website: http://www.town.shirahama.wakayama.jp/kanko/midokoro/1454456682725.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/223733766/senjojiki/
Map
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