Shirarahama Beach - Wakayama

Located on the western coast of the resort town of Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture, Shirarahama Beach (白良浜) is one of the most famous tourist destinations of the town.

Shirarahama Beach (白良浜) 

Shirarahama Beach Details

The name Shirahama literally translates to "white beach" or "white bay". This refers to the sand color and bay-like characteristic of Shirarahama Beach. Although this beach is quite popular some people still confuse it with another beach in Shizuoka Prefecture with the same name (and apparently, it is also a popular beach).

Welcome beach lovers!!!

Check out the super clean waters of Shirarahama Beach!
Check out the super clean waters of Shirarahama Beach!

there were plenty of honeymooners and families...

We got just in time for the Suna Matsuri / Sand Festival

The wave breaker was Instagram worthy as well

I spy a kid swimming in the waters.

Although blessed with majestic mountains and volcanoes in its interior, Japan's coasts seem to be cursed with rocky or dark sand beaches. That's why white sand beach destinations draw in visitors from all around. Sadly, this took a toll on Shirarahama  Beach. In the 1960s the town was first connected to Osaka by train. This brought a huge influx of tourists which upgraded the status of the sleepy town into a honeymoon and summer destination. This brought in a sudden boom in the construction of hotels and other infrastructures. On the negative end, this also accelerated erosion which caused the famed white sand of the beach to wash out into the sea. To counter it, the local government of Wakayama Prefecture began importing sand from Perth, Australia in 1989. The beach got around 745,000 cubic meters of sand from the 15 years of sand importation to maintain its old beauty.
The boatman statue near Shirasuna

Keep these in mind!

Can someone translate this for me, please? =)

At present, Shirarahama Beach is still frequented by beachgoers particularly during summer. However, there seem to be lesser people now compared to the first decade that it became accessible to the commuting public. 
Check out those sand art entrees. 

Kawaii!

Here's my favorite...

Photoshoot with my wife by the beach...

... and by the wave breaker. hahaha

My family and I got to visit Shirarahama Beach in May this year during the 11th day of our 2018 Japan Trip. Our visit was perfectly timed to the Suna Matsuri or Sand Festival. The festival features a sand art contest that gave an additional beauty to the shores of the beach. However, during our visit, it was forbidden to swim in its clear waters yet as it is not yet beach season but people could still enjoy sand activities and sunbathing on its shore. On the other hand, for those visiting during the months of July and August, you get a nightly treat of fireworks displays which is perfect for that night strolls on the beach.

Team Nicerio visits Shirarahama Beach:



Team Nicerio visits Shirarahama Beach

Shirarahama Beach Admission Fee:

Shirarahama Beach is FREE to visit. 

Shirarahama Beach Opening Hours:

Shirarahama Beach is generally open 24 hours a day. However, please be informed that the swimming season usually starts in May. 

Why visit Shirarahama Beach?

Overall, despite spending only a few hours on the beach during our visit, we could unanimously say that Shirarahama beach is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Like most places in Japan, the beach is generally clean. Just a tip before you visit, make sure to bring lots of sunblock with you.

 Getting to Shirarahama Beach:


From Osaka, ride the Ocean Arrow Train of the JR West Line. Board down at Shirahama Station. Several buses per hour connect the station with Shirahama Bus Center next to the beach in central Shirahama.

 Ratings:
Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating
Location: Japan, 〒649-2211 Wakayama Prefecture, Nishimuro District, Shirahama, ８６４

Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 18, 2019 at 10:32 PM

    Looks like a lovely place to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  2. StrongIslandSocialJanuary 18, 2019 at 10:38 PM

    I would like to visit Shirahama Beach, one of the most famous tourist destinations after reading this. Thanks. Keshia Richmond

    ReplyDelete
  3. ZoëJanuary 18, 2019 at 11:32 PM

    This looks like an incredible beach to hang out at. Perfect sand and clear water. I love the sand castles too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 23, 2019 at 1:28 PM

      It is one of the few nice beaches in Japan so yah, it's really a good place to hang out with friends and family.

      Delete
  4. UnknownJanuary 19, 2019 at 1:23 AM

    Wow! The place looks amazing! It reminds me a little bit of Miami!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 23, 2019 at 1:29 PM

      I haven't been to Miami. I would love to see that for myself.

      Delete
  5. Lydia SmithJanuary 19, 2019 at 9:00 PM

    This so beautiful and am putting Wakayama Shirahama Beach in m vacation lists.Thanks for the insight.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 23, 2019 at 1:30 PM

      Thank you so much Peter. =) Please do add Shirahama Beach to your vacation list.

      Delete
  6. UnknownJanuary 20, 2019 at 4:18 AM

    I love this guide! Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Eliz FrankJanuary 22, 2019 at 7:02 PM

    I couldn't take my eyes off those sand art designs.They must have been amazing to see them all upclose. Another great tour here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 23, 2019 at 1:41 PM

      I was quite amazed to see these sand art for myself. How I wish to see them again someday.

      Delete
  8. chadden2001January 22, 2019 at 11:09 PM

    I definitely want to travel here, it looks stunning. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 23, 2019 at 1:40 PM

      Please do travel to Shirahama Beach when you get the chance.

      Delete

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