Shirahama
What you need to know before you go
Shirahama is a resort town in Wakayama prefecture on Japan’s southern coast, offering hot springs, quartz sand beaches, iconic natural formations, amusement parks, animal encounters and adventure galore. Famous natural rock formations include the arch on Engetsuto Island, the tatami-mat-like rock formation of Senjojiki, and the iconic Sandanbeki cliffs that line the rugged coast. Shirahama Beach provides strong waves that surfers love, a mellow vibe and great seafood restaurants lining the shore.
For family activities, the Adventure World amusement park has rides, a roller coaster, games, food and fun, as well as animal exhibits that kids will love, including the rare giant pandas. Another theme park with a science theme is Shirahama Energy Land, a place for rides, games and educational fun. The Safari World zoo allows you to get up close to exotic animals of many species. If you’re taking a couple’s holiday, the Saki-no-Yu Onsen Spa has open-air baths, hot springs and spectacularly romantic ocean views.
What to see & do in Shirahama
Featured stories & fun stuffThings to do in Shirahama include relaxing in hot springs, enjoying local resorts, taking in natural wonders, heading to amusement parks, and finding plenty of outdoor adventures with spectacular vistas and photo opportunities. The city is famed for its hot springs, including Shirahama Onsen Resort, where you can bathe in mineral waters or be buried in the sand or mud from the springs. For family fun and adventure, Adventure World... Read more
10 Best Spas and Hot Springs in Shirahama
Alongside Dogo Onsen and Arima Onsen, Shirahama Onsen is known as one of Japan's 3 famous ancient hot springs. Overlooking pristine beaches, Shirahama is home to many inns and hotels, making it a magnet for tourists from the Kansai region...10 Best Things to Do in Shirahama
Shirahama is famous for the Shirahama Onsen, known as one of Japan's 3 famous ancient hot springs, white sandy beaches, and emerald green sea with tropical vibes. A resort area since ancient times, Shirahama has its fair share of old...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Shirahama
Shirahama is full of places, events, and activities that can help you to create wonderful memories as a couple. The beaches here are excellent for swimming or for simply taking a romantic seaside stroll. Events such as fireworks displays add...10 Best Places in Shirahama for Family Trips
What could be better than going for a walk with your family on the beautiful beaches of Shirahama? Don't forget to pack your swimwear, because the sea off Shirahama is the place to be in summertime. Try snorkelling and you'll...
Where & what to eat in Shirahama
Shirahama food and dining involves a great deal of seafood and plenty of local delicacies that thrill foodies from all over the world. At the Tore Tore Ichiba Market, you’ll find prepared foods, souvenirs, unique sauces and fresh seafood and produce, among other delights, including local sake. Local restaurants incorporate locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Casual Izakaya eateries offer tapas-style plates with drinks. Some popular options are Izakaya Uhachi... Read more
10 Great Restaurants in Shirahama
With fresh seafood from the Kii Peninsula, Kumano beef, and excellent vegetables, Shirahama is a must-visit for all foodies. For something new, try the dishes made using locally caught fish such as the longtooth grouper. The local sake and...10 Best Local Dishes from Shirahama
Shirahama is synonymous with fresh and delicious seafood. The natural grouper and bonito caught here have a unique texture. To...10 Best Local Restaurants in Shirahama
Shirahama is a battleground between seafood and sushi restaurants and ramen restaurants. Restaurants old and new fill out this historic...
Where to shop & what to buy in Shirahama
7 Best Places to Go Shopping in Shirahama
Shirahama’s shopping scene is influenced by its famed fishing history. When you're out shopping, keep your eyes peeled for souvenirs, ingredients you can cook or barbecue at your accommodation, bento lunchboxes to take with you when swimming or for a picnic, dinner-time drinks, fresh seafood, sashimi, side dishes, and delicious seafood rice bowls. From popular tourist markets to locally...
Where to go & what to do at night in Shirahama
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Shirahama
There's no shortage of ways to spend an evening in Shirahama, from taking in the beautiful sunsets to attending performances by local artists or visiting bars and restaurants. Try special dishes, enjoy the tropical atmosphere of the beaches, have a conversation with the locals, or simply spend a quiet evening in beautiful surroundings. The choice is yours. Let's explore some...
Useful information
Shirahama Travel Essentials
Our Shirahama travel essentials guide includes all the essential information you’ll need to make your holiday in this Japanese city one to remember fondly for years to come. First, we will examine the best times to visit, including rainfall, climate and the hottest months of the year. Then we’ll examine the basics of things like electrical outlets, emergency calls and...