Shirahama

Introducing Shirahama

Shirahama, on the southwest coast of the Kii-hantō, is Kansai’s leading beach-onsen resort and has all the trappings of a major Japanese tourist attraction – huge resort hotels, aquariums, amusement parks, the lot. However, because the Japanese like to do things according to the rules – and the rules say the only time you can swim in the ocean is from late July to the end of August – the place is almost deserted outside of the season and you’ll have the place to yourself.

Shirahama has several good onsen and a great white-sand beach, and the rugged sea coast south of the town is stunning. This is a great place to visit in, say, June or September, and we’ve swum in the sea here as late as mid-October.

There’s a tourist information office (42-2900; 9.30am-6pm) in the station, where you can pick up a map to the main sights and accommodation. Since the station is a fair distance from the main sights, you’ll need to take a bus (one way/all-day pass ¥310/980, 12 minutes to the beach) or rent a bicycle if you arrive by rail. The JR office at the station rents bicycles (¥500 per day).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009