Shirahama (白浜) is on the western coast of Wakayama prefecture, Japan. It is best known for its beautiful white beach and hot springs. The main beach is lined with hotels like a mini Waikiki. The hotels were built in the 1960s, 70s and 80s and have a very nostalgic look. During the summer, there are fireworks every night on the beach.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Nanki-Shirahama Tourist Association has a Japanese-only guide site with integrated auto-translation.
Three Step Cliff (三段壁 Sandanbeki). A beautiful view from cliffs on the ocean edge that are 50 meters high. There is also a guided tour into to the caverns inside the cliffs. It is said that pirates (kumano suigun)used to inhabit the caverns and the remains of their dwellings can be seen. A good tour for young children and dads trying to avoid shopping. Admission charged. Senjojiki (千畳敷). A beautiful rocky point near Shirahama beach. The view is best late in the afternoon. Admission is free. Kishu Museum (紀州博物館). Temporarily Closed as of May 2024.
1 Shirahama Sakinoyu Onsen (白浜崎の湯温泉). Summer 08:00-19:00, winter 10:00-15:00, closed on Wednesday. This spectacular hot spring is celebrated as one of Japan's Top 3 hot springs and cited in old texts. As it lies just at the waterfront bigger waves from ocean cool down the pool's hot water and splash the bathers which adds to the fun and pleasure. ¥420 entrance fee, ¥200 for a towel, ¥100 for using a locker.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Shirahama typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 15 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-23. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy