ABOUT
About this spot
Shirarahama, one of Wakayama Prefecture's leading sightseeing spots, is a beautiful beach with pure white sand, just as its name suggests. The white sand comes from weathered siliceous sandstone (quartz sand with a silica content of over 90%), and walking barefoot on its silky texture is a delight; glittering in the sunlight, it truly looks like a tropical resort. It is also known for holding the earliest beach opening on Honshu (usually May 3), and fills with swimmers in summer. Nearby is Shirahama Onsen, with open-air baths you can enter in your swimsuit and footbaths scattered around, so relaxing in the hot springs after playing in the sea is a recommended way to spend your time. In summer, fireworks festivals are held several times, and watching the large blooms light up the night sky and sea from the beach is a special experience. Ideal for family beach trips, trips with friends aiming for social media-worthy photos, or solo travel to gaze quietly at the sea. It is a place of healing where you can enjoy the beauty of the white sand all year round.
Last updated March 28, 2026