Written by Jane Pipkin
If you love beaches and hot springs, or are looking for a scenic getaway, then Shirahama is somewhere to stop by on your Japan travels. With its paradise feel and a beach often compared to those in Hawaii, Shirahama is a much-loved resort town that’s worth putting on your radar.
Pro tip: Short on time and coming from Osaka? Consider a day tour, which takes you from Osaka to Wakayama City and Shirahama. Alternatively, this seafood market tour has a more Shirahama-focused itinerary.
1. Spend the day at Shirarahama Beach
The main star of the show in Shirahama — and the main reason people visit — is Shirarahama Beach (nope, not a typo). Loved for its white quartz sand and bright blue ocean, it’s officially the sister beach of Waikiki in Hawaii.
Trivia to mull over: much of the sand was actually imported from Perth, Australia. Stretching 620 meters, the beach is surrounded by palm trees and has a tropical atmosphere and temperature that’s hard to find elsewhere on the main island of Japan.
Swimming season starts from May (around Golden Week) until mid-September — making this one of the first beaches in Honshu to open to eager swimmers. You can rent a sun bed for the day and grab a cocktail at Suntide Cafe & Bar. There are a few other food vendors too.
All the practical facilities like changing rooms, toilets, and showers are available, meaning you can comfortably stay for the whole day.
Summer brings the most beautiful sunsets, so make sure to dedicate some time watching the sky change colors. Specifically, in August you can also enjoy Nanki Shirahama Fireworks which brings the stunning sight of around 2,500 fireworks.
Pro tip: Until September 2026, you can have even more fun at Shirarahama Beach by going on the AQuaLooP Marine Adventure — billed as Japan’s largest marine inflatable obstacle course.
2. Go café-hopping
If you need a break during your beach day, head to one of the area’s many cafés. A 9-minute walk away is AR Café, a Korean-style café serving adorable cakes topped with sweet dog faces (made with cream), alongside a variety of sweet drinks including soda floats. Its most popular item, though, is the latte art, where you can print a photo of your choice onto a foamy latte.
A bus ride away — but definitely worth the trip — is QUAYTH, a contemporary coffee shop with coastal views. It’s perfect for co-working or just sitting back and taking in the views of Tanabe Bay. Besides the views, QUAYTH is known for its signature “Military Latte” and house-roasted espresso drinks.
And if you are looking for a home-style breakfast right next to Shirarahama Beach, there’s Break Café nonno. With its early opening hours, it’s our chosen breakfast spot. Offering both Western and Japanese-style breakfast sets, ranging from ¥900 to ¥1,200, the café has a welcoming feel.
3. Dig into island flavors
Shirahama has no shortage of places to eat, especially seafood. The majority of restaurants are located on the Ginza Alley, a long stretch of road near the beach full of bars, restaurants, and other interesting retro-style stores. The street doesn’t really start coming to life until 5 p.m., but once it does you get a real glimpse of Shirahama’s resort-town vibe.
Some of the notable restaurants in the area include BLUE, a popular Mediterranean restaurant and bar, and the one we went to on our visit, Milk & Beer Hall Tsukumo. The latter is a good choice for those wanting to sample the area’s seafood, with shirasu (whitebait) pizza and garlic shrimp among the standouts. There’s a real pizza oven in the back, and the interior has a Spanish feel to it — with its dim lighting and tapas-style dining. It’s a good spot to sit back and enjoy some wine and local Shirahama beer.
For a more casual dining experience, we recommend ALOHA shirahama. Dedicated to serving authentic loco-moco rice, this small shack with its outdoor seating puts you in a holiday mood.
You can get the loco-moco rice with a beef patty or Spam — it even comes with macaroni on the side. Don’t worry, there are also vegan curries available, and for something sweet, a Rainbow Malasada Donut. Make sure to bring cash if you do pop by.
4. Marvel at the coastal rock formations of Senjōjiki and the Sandanbeki Cliffs
One of Shirahama’s other natural wonders, Senjōjiki is a tiered and jagged rock formation, created by the waves crashing into the coastline. The name actually translates to “one thousand tatami mats”, which gives you a visual of how the rocks are merged together.
Standing on the smooth rocks gives you an unobstructed view of the vast blue Pacific Ocean. Local fishermen fish and tourists trek across the rocks. It’s a peaceful place where you can stop for a moment and just enjoy the sounds and sights of nature.
After taking in the views, walk 12 minutes to the Sandanbeki Cliffs. These 60-meter-high cliffs, which span approximately 2 kilometers, offer a striking landscape.
For the ultimate experience, take the (paid) elevator 36 meters down and see the waves crashing against the caves up close. The caves are also home to some sacred sites and have historical importance as the hiding site for boats belonging to the Kumano navy during the Genpei War.
5. Soak your feet (or your whole body)
Shirahama can really hold onto the claim of being a revitalizing and relaxing town. As well as being known for its spectacular beach, Shirahama is also known for its old-school onsen. In fact, the town is an established hot-spring resort, full of onsen and ashiyu (foot baths).
Onsen
If you only have time to visit one onsen, it should be Saki-no-Yu. Said to be among the oldest onsen in Japan, being over 1,000 years old, this onsen consists mainly of rotenburo (open-air baths) which overlook the ocean.
It’s a unique bathing experience, as you can soak while hearing the waves crashing against the rocks. Sometimes you can even feel the splash of the waves and smell the salty sea air. Entry is ¥500 with towel rental being an extra ¥200 and coin lockers ¥100.
Other day-use onsen include Muro-no-Yu, Shirarayu, and the open-air bath Shirasuna — the latter two located on the beach. The open-air bath Shirasuna is a good choice for those who don’t want to bathe naked, as here you bathe in swimsuits with a direct view of the beach in front of you. The fees to use Muro-no-Yu and Shirarayu are ¥420 and Shirasuna is free to use.
Note: Saki-no-Yu is a tattoo-friendly onsen, whereas the other three mentioned are not.
Ashiyu (foot baths)
You’ll also find free ashiyu in just about every corner. But the most scenic one has to be the Mifune Ashiyu Foot Bath. Located near Engetsu Island, the area’s landmark, it’s where you can dip your feet while taking in one of the town’s best views. Most people tend to go in the early evening to watch the sun setting over the island.
You can also soak your feet in the town’s other ashiyu, which include Tsukamoto Footbath (located next to Shirarahama Beach), Tsubaki Onsen, Yagaibashi Footbath, and Yuzaki-hama Hiroba Footbath. And down Ginza Alley, you’ll find the more retro-inspired Shirahamaginza Ashiyu, part of the yokochō (an alley of small bars and eateries) and a suggested post-dinner activity.
Another footbath with a view can be found on the first floor of the Shirahama Key Terrace Hotel Seamore. This infinity footbath can be used by both guests and non-guests and offers a calming sight of the sea. After dipping your feet, grab a coffee and some freshly baked goods at the Tetti Bakery & Café (inside the hotel).
Those visiting Sandanbeki Cave can also make use of the free outdoor footbath, where you can see panoramic-style views of the Pacific Ocean.
Note: We recommend bringing a small towel to ashiyu. Also, keep in mind that none of them are open 24 hours, though most stay open until around 10 p.m.
6. Wander through Toretore Market
You can’t visit a beach town without sampling some of the seafood. There’s no better place to do this than at Toretore Market. Being the largest seafood market in Western Japan means you can try fresh fish from different parts of Japan. In the Market Corner you can also watch live tuna-cutting demonstrations.
From seafood bowls to sushi to grilled seafood, there are so many ways you can taste and enjoy such fresh fish. There’s also a seafood BBQ where you can grill the fish, meat, and vegetables you purchased at the market. Note that you should check in at the BBQ area before buying your ingredients. It costs ¥1,000 for adults and ¥700 for children (this includes the drink bar).
Not feeling seafood? There’s also Cafe Toretore which serves a variety of panda-themed dishes including an adorable omurice and curry. You can also enjoy Panda Pancakes at Wood, Water, and Soil — another restaurant inside the market.
Before you leave, stock up on souvenirs at the souvenir corner. Recommended items include pickled plums, panda goods, and local confectionery. That said, there is a lot more to choose from, so spend a good chunk of time roaming around.
Note: The market is free to enter and is a 14-minute bus ride (¥260) from the Shirarahama Beach area.
7. Stop by Kumano Sansho Triad Shrine
Approaching the stone torii gate at Kumano Sansho Triad Shrine whisks you away to a different place, one blanketed in forest. Enshrining three gods of Kumano Gongen, the main shrine stands before a vast sea of trees, making it a sight to behold.
The grounds rest on white sand, filling the shrine with a solemn atmosphere. On-site, there’s also the magnificent Hisamezuka Kofun, an ancient burial mound with a stone chamber, along with artifacts preserved from Emperor Hirohito’s 1929 visit.
8. Take in the views of Engetsu Island
After exploring the town, the best way to end the day is to see the sunset at Engetsu Island — if you aren’t going to the beach to see it. The landmark of the area, Engetsu Island (also known as Takashima) is a small secluded island that has a unique full-moon-shaped arch.
The sunset here is regarded as one of the 100 best sunsets in Japan, with the sun sometimes perfectly aligning with the full-moon-shaped arch. You can also walk down towards the pier to take photos even closer to the island. Once you’ve admired the sunset, make sure to soak your feet in the Mifune Ashiyu Foot Bath.
Other things to do
In addition to the places mentioned above, Shirahama has other attractions that those with young families might be interested in. This resort town is home to Shirahama Energy Land, an interactive and educational theme park about dinosaurs and energy.
There are also two museums you can browse around. The Minakata Kumagusu Museum, a local history museum, is about the life of Minakata Kumagusu, who was a pioneering ecologist and researcher of the area’s nature.
For art, visit the Kawakyu Museum. Here, you can find art from Japan, Europe, Africa, and other parts of Asia. The museum is also part of a hotel which is often called the “dream castle.” It’s a stunning piece of architecture that stands out from anything else in the area.
For more views, check out the Shirahama Midsea Observation Tower. This circular undersea observation tower is located 100 meters offshore. It offers visitors the chance to experience a panoramic ocean view as well as a sea-level view, where you can see around 30 species of fish.
Where to stay
The area is full of resort-style hotels which have pools, sea views, and other facilities. One of the most highly rated is the Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel. This hotel has everything you could need — spa treatments, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center, among many other luxuries and local cuisine (note that spa treatments and dining are at an additional cost). Prices start around ¥22,000 per night but can cost more with those luxury extras. Check rates for the Marriott.
For something a bit more lowkey but that still has that resort feel, Hotel Sanrakuso is a solid choice. This is where we stayed on our most recent trip. Located right next to the beach, this resort-style hotel has an indoor hot spring, a games room, and a pool that is in the shape of a ship. The rooms are also spacious and traditional in style, offering futon bedding. But it is the view that stands out — especially at twilight. Prices start around ¥18,000 per night. You can also check rates for Hotel Sanrakuso.
Traveling around
Many of the spots we mentioned above are within walking distance of each other. For instance, many people head to Shirarahama Beach first, then stop by the shrine and Engetsu Island, and have dinner down Ginza Alley.
However, some places such as the Toretore Market and QUAYTH are actually a bus ride away from Shirarahama Beach. Although the bus journey is relatively short, taking around 15 minutes and costing roughly ¥260, the buses are pretty irregular. Some departures are every 30 to 60 minutes.
We would personally recommend renting a car when exploring the area. However, if that is not an option, taking a taxi or planning your route and timings in advance can help you avoid getting stuck somewhere random.
Note: You can use Suica and other IC cards on the buses.
How to get there
By train
The Kuroshio Limited Express takes you directly from Wakayama Station to Shirahama Station. The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and costs ¥4,370 in total (for the ticket and reserved seat). Coming from Osaka? The Kuroshio also runs direct from Shin-Osaka Station to Shirahama in around 2 hours 30 minutes.
By plane
For those coming from Tokyo, the easiest way to get to Shirahama is by plane. The only airline that flies to Nanki-Shirahama Airport (recently rebranded as Kumano Shirahama Resort Airport) is JAL (from Haneda Airport, Terminal 1). There are only three departures a day, with a one-way ticket starting from ¥12,370.
Shirahama FAQs
What is Shirahama known for?
Shirahama is known for being a popular seaside resort destination — especially with domestic travelers. As well as the white sand beach, the area is also home to one of Japan’s oldest hot springs and Adventure World, which used to be home to giant pandas (they returned to China in 2025).
Can you swim at Shirarahama Beach?
Yes, Shirarahama Beach is the perfect place to swim. However, note that the swimming season officially begins around May 3 and ends in mid-September. It’s advised not to swim during other times of the year given the lack of lifeguard supervision and safety protocols.
Our writer visited Shirahama at the invitation of AQuaLooP. As always, all opinions and recommendations are our own.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
