Engetsu Sunset Point
A natural island with a hole through its center, creating a breathtaking frame for spectacular sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Engetsu Sunset Point
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural island with a hole through its center, creating a breathtaking frame for spectacular sunsets.
"A natural island with a hole in the middle like the word "円" in Japanese. The perfect moment to see is at the sunset."
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Arrive early to snag the best sunset viewing spots. The island's arch is magical at dusk!
🚤 Boat Tour Adventure
Consider a boat tour for a unique perspective and to get closer to the island's natural beauty.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Island Arch
Engetsu Island
A natural island with a hole through its center, perfectly framing the setting sun.
Cliffside Shrine Views
Shoreline near Engetsu Island
Explore the cliffside shrine for stunning panoramic views of the island and coastline.
Tide Pool Exploration
Shoreline near Engetsu Island
Discover fascinating marine life in the tide pools during low tide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for That Perfect Shot
Island Access & Nearby Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Arrive early to snag the best sunset viewing spots. The island's arch is magical at dusk!
🚤 Boat Tour Adventure
Consider a boat tour for a unique perspective and to get closer to the island's natural beauty.
🚶♀️ Explore the Shoreline
Wander the tide pools and visit the cliffside shrine for stunning views.
🚗 Parking & Road Safety
Parking is available, but be cautious when walking on the road near the viewpoint.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Arrive early to snag the best sunset viewing spots. The island's arch is magical at dusk!
🚤 Boat Tour Adventure
Consider a boat tour for a unique perspective and to get closer to the island's natural beauty.
🚶♀️ Explore the Shoreline
Wander the tide pools and visit the cliffside shrine for stunning views.
🚗 Parking & Road Safety
Parking is available, but be cautious when walking on the road near the viewpoint.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Engetsu Island, particularly its iconic archway that perfectly frames the sunset. The surrounding coastline, with its tide pools and cliffside shrine, adds to the charm. While the sunset views are a major draw, some find the area can get crowded, and direct access to the island is limited without a boat tour.
"An iconic island at Shirahama. We didn't get to go on the island, though there are boat tours that can get you there. I wonder if there are torii there. I guess that's an answer to find out on our next time in Shirahama.
We enjoyed wandering the tide pools around there, and the cliffside shrine. If the clouds permit, sunset there from the foot spa across the way would be amazing.
There's a cute bar/restaurant nearby with bbq, wine, beer, and coffee."
Jerome Bautista
"It’s interesting but be careful walking on the road. There are parking spaces. There is a beach."
ジエームス
"Very beautiful spot! Can be seen from the shores nearby."
Max Jørgensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Engetsu Sunset Point is located in Shirahama. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might involve local buses to the Shirahama area, followed by a short walk to the viewpoint.
Yes, parking spaces are available near the viewpoint, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Engetsu Island is a natural island and not directly accessible by foot. Boat tours are available for closer access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Viewing Engetsu Sunset Point from the shore is generally free. Boat tours to get closer to the island will have their own associated costs.
The viewpoint is accessible at all times, but it's most popular and beautiful during sunset hours.
There are no entrance fees for viewing the island from the shore. Boat tours will have separate fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the iconic island with its natural arch, enjoy the sunset, explore nearby tide pools, and visit a cliffside shrine. Boat tours offer a closer look at the island.
Many visitors find a boat tour to be a worthwhile experience for a unique perspective of the island and its natural arch.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore the tide pools or the shoreline.
While there is a beach nearby, swimming conditions can vary. It's best to check local advisories.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cute bar/restaurant nearby offering BBQ, wine, beer, and coffee, perfect for a post-sunset meal or drink.
While not explicitly mentioned, enjoying a picnic on the nearby shore or beach could be an option, but be sure to clean up after yourself.
📸 📸 Photography
The absolute best time for photos is during sunset when the light creates a magical glow around the island's arch. Golden hour before sunset is also excellent.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and the island's arch. A tripod can be helpful for low-light sunset shots.
The main viewpoint overlooking the island's arch is the most popular photo spot. Exploring the shoreline might reveal other unique angles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main attraction is the sunset, consider bringing snacks and drinks, as dining options might be limited to the nearby bar/restaurant. Parking is available, making it accessible for families traveling by car. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially near the water and on any uneven terrain along the shoreline.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive coastal scenery and the island's unique formation. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions during sunset to ensure sharp, clear images. Experiment with different angles from the shore, the cliffside shrine, or even from a boat tour for unique perspectives.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider arriving a bit earlier to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coast or a drink at the nearby bar/restaurant before the main event. The serene atmosphere and the breathtaking natural beauty make it a perfect setting for a romantic evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Engetsu Island
This natural archway provides a dramatic frame for the setting sun, making Engetsu Sunset Point a highly sought-after location for photographers and visitors seeking breathtaking views. The interplay of light and shadow through the arch creates a dynamic and ever-changing spectacle, especially during the golden hour. The surrounding coastline also offers interesting geological features, including tide pools teeming with marine life, adding to the natural appeal of the area.
While the island itself is not directly accessible by foot, boat tours are available from nearby Shirahama. These tours offer a closer perspective of the island's formation and allow visitors to appreciate its scale and beauty from the water. The experience of seeing the sun set through the island's arch is often described as magical and unforgettable by those who witness it.
Experiencing the Sunset: Tips from Travelers
Many travelers suggest utilizing the nearby foot spa or the cliffside shrine area for excellent vantage points. The natural arch of Engetsu Island perfectly frames the sun as it sets, creating a truly spectacular scene. Some visitors have noted that while the sunset is beautiful, cloud cover can sometimes obscure the direct view, so checking the weather forecast is advisable.
Beyond the sunset itself, the surrounding area offers opportunities for exploration. Wandering through the tide pools during low tide can reveal fascinating marine creatures, and the cliffside shrine provides a serene spot for reflection with panoramic views of the coast. The nearby bar/restaurant is also a popular spot for visitors to relax with a drink or a meal after enjoying the sunset.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit