Shirahama Town in Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is located on the warm Kii Peninsula, boasting excellent natural environment and climate conditions that are ideal for raising giant pandas and conducting breeding research. Today, Shirahama Town is famously known as 'Panda Town.' You'll see posters for 'Panda Town Shirahama' on the town hall building, and panda photos and illustrations are everywhere! The panda family is truly loved by the local residents.

Shirahama Town welcomes about 3.4 million visitors every year (though this dropped to around 2.4 million in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). According to a survey titled 'Nanki Shirahama from Tourism Data'*, the panda family ranked as the number one attraction when people were asked 'What do you know about Shirahama Town?' and 'What are the popular tourist spots?' Along with hot springs that have been gushing for over 1350 years, beautiful oceans, and delicious food featuring fresh seafood, the panda family is widely recognized as one of Shirahama's top charms.

※Based on a survey conducted by the Nanki Shirahama Tourism Association, published in March 2020.

Currently, Adventure World Shirahama has launched 'bamboo lanterns' made from bamboo leftover by pandas, 'panda rooms' in collaboration with hotels in Shirahama Town, and themed wrapped vehicles in partnership with West Japan Railway Company (JR West) and Meiko Bus Co., Ltd., all leveraging the charm of giant pandas to boost the entire Shirahama Town's lively development.
Meiko Bus Co., Ltd. operates themed wrapped vehicles, using the charm of giant pandas to promote the lively development of Shirahama Town.