Shirahama: Onsen and white sands of Wakayama

Published on : 14/01/2026
by : Joshua

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Shirahama Beach and 800 meters of white sand — Shirahama Beach and its 800 metres of white sand
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Shirahama literally means "white beach": an invitation to visit this town of onsens, or Japanese baths, and sea.

Deep blue waters, white sand, physical pleasures, and mental relaxation—this idyllic vision is evident in Shirahama, the place to be in Wakayama Prefecture in southern Kansai.

Soak up the sun at Shirahama!

Shirahama Onsen is a hot spring and seaside resort on the southern coast of Wakayama Prefecture. Two hours by train from Osaka, this onsen (Japanese hot spring) resort on the Kii Peninsula offers immense white sand beaches with clear waters as well as hot springs.

Shirahama Beach
@Izu Navi on Flickr, CC BY 2.0

This popular tourist destination has become a major entertainment hub. Numerous hotels line the beach, where fireworks are set off every night in the summer. Leisure facilities occupy the entire southwestern part of the city called Nanki, including golf, tennis, and a gigantic theme park.

Read more about Wakayama Prefecture! // Wakayama

Saki-no-yu: Hot springs and sea spray

Known for over 1,000 years for its hot springs, Shirahama Onsen near Mount Koya is a popular spa resort. Among the six bathhouses open to the public, Saki-no-yu is considered to be Japan's oldest open-air bath.

It faces the Pacific Ocean and is not open to the public when the waves are too high.Taking a hot bath 10 meters below sea level with the ocean spray caressing your face is a unique experience! Itis easily accessible by all means of transportation, including the bus, which stops nearby.

Its ten-meter-deep pool opens onto the Pacific Ocean, and it is an absolute pleasure to relax there in the white steam. Near Shirahama Beach, Shirasuna Onsen can accommodate 100 people at a time. The other hot baths are not open-air.

Saki-no-yu Onsen
@663Highland on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Read more about scenic onsen in Japan! // Top 7 onsen in Japan with a view

Cliffs, rocks, and caves for adventurers

Around Shirahama Onsen are various natural sites that enrich the landscape. Off the coast, Engetsu Island can be visited by transparent-bottomed boats. The setting sun passing through a cave in the center of the rock is a popular sight.

From Shirahama, you can also visit the 50-meter-high Sandanbeki cliff, which offers a spectacular view of the ocean. An elevator takes visitors down into Senjojiki Cave, which was once inhabited by pirates. Facing the Pacific Ocean, Senjojiki is a plateau of enormous rocks stacked like 1,000 tatami mats, over which the waves break.

Seaside pleasures for the palate

Seafood in Shirahama
@Syced on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

The culinary delights of the area are not to be missed, especially seafood. Blue crab and uni are beloved here. Additionally, kue is a fish with nice white flesh and a firm yet delicate texture, with a unique taste.