japan-spots.com 47 prefectures · 470 spots
Wakayama 🎡 Theme park 📷 10

Engetsu Island view

円月島

A full-day attraction built for families and repeat visitors.

See the photos How to get there Open in Maps
Best season Year-round; spring and autumn have the best weather
Time needed Half a day to a full day
Admission Roughly ¥2,000–9,000 depending on the park (≈ $13–58)
Opening hours Typically 9:00–20:00, varies by season

What this place is

Engetsu Island (円月島, Engetsu-tō) is the common name for Takashima (高嶋), a small uninhabited islet off the coast of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.It is noted for having a natural arch created through the effects of erosion by wind and waves, and has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.One of the symbols of the Shirahama area, the islet measures approximately 130 metres (430 ft) north-to-south and 35 metres (115 ft) east-to-west, and has a maximum elevation of 25 metres (82 ft).The circular moon-shaped hole (sea cave) in the center of the island has a diameter of nine meters and is the origin of the popular name "Engetsu" (full moon).During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sunset can be seen through the hole in the center.Compared to the nearby Shirarahama Beach, water transparency is much higher near the islet, and many fish species can be seen.

Engetsu Island view (円月島) is one of the standout places to visit in Wakayama. Give yourself unhurried time for photos, seasonal views, and nearby food stops. IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA cover most trains and city buses.

Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Why it is worth the trip

  • Headline rides and shows that anchor the day, plus smaller attractions with much shorter waits.
  • Themed areas designed as complete environments, right down to the food and the shop fronts.
  • Seasonal overlays — summer water events, autumn Halloween, winter illumination — that change the whole park.

What you can do here

  • Buy tickets online in advance and head to the furthest popular ride first, working back toward the entrance.
  • Book timed-entry or express passes for the two or three attractions you care about most.
  • Catch at least one parade or stage show; they are usually included in admission.
  • Save the illumination or night show for the end — the park looks completely different after dark.

Photos

Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.

Getting there by public transport

  1. Local bus from Shirahama Station to coast viewpoints.
  2. Nearest station/stop: Shirahama.

Route on Google Maps

Good to know before you go

  • Peak crowds are Japanese school holidays: late March–early April, Golden Week, mid-August.
  • Bring your own water bottle and a light rain poncho; both are expensive inside.
  • Popular restaurants require reservations made the moment the park opens.

Traveler reviews

No reviews yet — be the first to share how it went.

Write a review

Rating