Engetsu Island (Takashima)

Engetsu Island, officially named “Takashima” and locally seen as a symbol of Shirahama, is a small island floating off Rinkaiura Beach. The island is 130 meters long north to south, 35 meters east to west, and is 25 meters tall at its highest point. The island has come to be known as Engetsu, meaning “full moon,” due to the round, full moon-like hole in the center of the island which has formed due to marine erosion. Also a well-known the beauty of its sunset, the island as been selected as having one of the 100 best sunsets in Wakayama Prefecture. Sunset occurs around 6:30 pm in summer and 4:30 pm in winter. During the spring and autumn equinox, visitors can enjoy the site of the setting sun passing perfectly through the island’s hole.