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. 

白浜
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
白浜
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. 

 Ratings:
Crowd
Cleanliness
Overall rating

Location: Shirahama, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

Comments

  1. Ashli FergusonFebruary 26, 2019 at 10:32 PM

    that is beautiful and looks like an amazing place to visit! I would love to be at that beach right now haha

    ReplyDelete
  2. LisaFebruary 27, 2019 at 5:48 AM

    What stunning photos! I'd really love to visit anywhere in Japan one day. Will keep this in mind.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownFebruary 27, 2019 at 1:48 PM

    Looks like you had great fun! I am planning on going on vacation to Japan. I will see if I can make it few of you recommendations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 5, 2019 at 12:50 PM

      Wow! I would definitely love to see photos of that. =)

      Delete
  4. Homestead-it.comFebruary 27, 2019 at 9:27 PM

    I had never heard of this place before but these photos!!! It looks beautiful

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 5, 2019 at 12:51 PM

      Shirahama is one of those rarely visited place by foreigners. =) It's like a treasure.

      Delete
  5. MonidipaFebruary 27, 2019 at 11:46 PM

    I have never been there but I would love to be there. Such a lovely place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 5, 2019 at 12:51 PM

      Shirahama is really a great place to visit. Hope you get a chance to got there.

      Delete
  6. Binge on BasicsFebruary 28, 2019 at 12:13 AM

    This place is so picturesque. Would love to visit this place someday

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 5, 2019 at 12:53 PM

      Please do include Shirahama to your itinerary someday.

      Delete
  7. Nina NicholsFebruary 28, 2019 at 7:51 AM

    I need some of that white sand on my feet! I see nothing here but snow! Japan's beauty never failed to amaze me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 4, 2019 at 1:20 PM

      Ahhhh reminds me that summer is coming. You better head to the beach soon. =)

      Delete
  8. Elizabeth OFebruary 28, 2019 at 5:55 PM

    Such a nice and beautiful view. Your recommendation is really helpful for all the couples. It would be happy experience for everyone

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownFebruary 28, 2019 at 10:03 PM

    Lovely places... I love beaches eps. when they are clean. They are perfect for this season... 🤗

    ReplyDelete
  10. Tracy @ Cleland ClanMarch 1, 2019 at 7:13 AM

    This looks like such a beautiful place. The dolphin showers are adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  11. aisasamiMarch 1, 2019 at 7:24 AM

    Wow, I love the clear-blue water in Shirahama. Never thought we would have that kind of water in the Honshu island.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 7, 2019 at 9:57 AM

      You should come visit Shirahama Beach to see for yourself the beauty of this beach.

      Delete
  12. QueueTeaHiiMarch 1, 2019 at 3:33 PM

    Lovely photographs! I find this a wonderful place to take a vacation if you love to live near the beach. Senjojiki is a place I would visit.

    ~ Ellen | ZyraKuma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 7, 2019 at 9:58 AM

      You should come over to Shirahama . You'd surely love this place.

      Delete
  13. Style High GuyMarch 1, 2019 at 5:10 PM

    Great photos - that sea looks so blue!

    ReplyDelete
  14. TravelloverMarch 1, 2019 at 6:02 PM

    I love to go there but what is the perfect time to travel there?

    ReplyDelete
  15. SamarMarch 1, 2019 at 10:58 PM

    It looks like a wonderful place.

    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  16. vaishaliMarch 1, 2019 at 11:22 PM

    Beautiful! Love how white the sand is at the beach

    ReplyDelete
  17. TotallymomsenseMarch 3, 2019 at 10:00 PM

    This place looks amazing. Lovely pictures

    ReplyDelete
  18. siennylovesdrawingMarch 7, 2019 at 8:07 AM

    very nice sharing from you, love the captures here. I need a trip too :D
    cheers, siennylovesdrawing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 12, 2019 at 7:29 AM

      Summer is coming you should head to the beach too! =)

      Delete
  19. AnonymousJune 27, 2023 at 12:11 PM

    Shirahama is a beautiful town. I would love to visit it someday.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

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