Shirahama - Wakayama

Located on the southern coast of Wakayama Prefecture, Shirahama (白浜) is a resort town that is considered one of the most famous honeymoons and tourist destinations in the Kansai Region of Japan. 

Shirahama (白浜)

Shirahama Details

Shirahama is known for its temperate climate and its onsens, most notable of which are the Nanki-Shirahama Onsen and Saki-noyu Hot Spring. However, Shirahama is known more for its crescent-shaped white-sand beach, which is aptly named after the town (or maybe vice versa). 

Turn left and exit at that ramp to reach Shirahama!

White sand indeed!

Read more about Shirarahama Beach here!

One of the iconic statues near the beach

This is actually a beachside shower

Gotta love the view from the wave breaker

Time to take a dip

Don't forget to check in on one of the many hotels near the beach

Speaking of the white sand beach, Shirahama actually translates to "white beach" or "white bay". The white beach or bay referred to here is probably Shirarahama Beach, which is the town's main attraction. Sadly, the white sand on the beach is not the original one anymore. Back in the 1960s, Shirahama was finally connected to  Osaka by rail. It made the town not only a honeymoon destination but also a weekend getaway. Due to its popularity, more and more hotels and infrastructures were erected along the coast. This accelerated erosion and the famed white sand beach began to wash into the sea. That's why in 1989, the officials of Wakayama Prefecture began to import sand from Perth, Australia. It was said that the beach got 745,000 cubic meters of sand during the 15-year importation. 

For those planning to visit Shirahama, here are the places of interest in this beautiful resort town:

Shirarahama Beach

Senjojiki

Sandanbeki

Engetsu Island

Other notable places to visit:

- Nanki-Shirahama Onsen
- Saki-noyu Hot Spring
- Mikata Kumagusu Museum
- Kishu Museum
- Onsen Shiryokan
- Energy Land
- Adventure World

Suna Matsuri (Sand Festival)

You might also want to visit during the Suna Matsuri or Sand Festival.

Team Nicerio visits Shirahama

My family and I got to visit the town of Shirahama during our Shirahama Road Trip of our 11th day during our 2018 Japan Trip. The trip was very memorable and we proved rumors about Japan having no beautiful beaches wrong. After enjoying the beauty of the beach, we also visited other places of interest like the rock formations of Senjojiki and the picturesque cliff of Sandanbeki. We also got the watch the best sunset while viewing Engetsu Island. Overall, we were thankful for our memorable visit to Shirahama. It wouldn't be possible without our Japanese family. Given the chance, I'd go back to this place again someday and spend a night here, I'd also try out its historic onsen too. 

Why visit Shirahama?

Shirahama is one of the places to visit when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Japanese city life. Aside from that, it's also one of the few places in Japan with white sand beaches. Hence, it's recommended as a honeymoon destination for most newlywed couples.

Getting to Shirahama:

From Osaka, ride the JR West Ocean Arrow train service going to Shirahama Station. The train ride is about two and a half hours long.  

If you're coming from Tokyo, book a flight to Nanki- Shirahama Airport. 

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