Shirahama Town in Wakayama Prefecture is one of Japan’s most beloved resort destinations, best known for the dazzling white sands of Shirarahama Beach. Located in the southern Kii Peninsula, an area often called Nanki Shirahama, it has long been a favorite for both locals and travelers alike.

Shirarahama stretches about 620 meters, with emerald waters and swaying coconut palms that create a tropical atmosphere. It even feels like a slice of Hawaii, which makes sense since it is officially recognized as a sister beach to Waikiki.

The beauty of Nanki Shirahama is not limited to its shoreline. To the east rise the towering Kii Mountains, while to the west you will find dramatic scenery such as the Sandanbeki Cliffs and the striking Engetsuto Rock. At the center of it all is Shirahama Onsen, the hot spring paradise that gave the town its fame.

With a history of more than 1,350 years, Shirahama Onsen is steeped in legend and even appears in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), compiled around 720. It is counted among Japan’s three oldest hot springs, together with Dogo Onsen in Ehime and Arima Onsen in Hyogo, and remains a destination where history, nature, and relaxation come together.

Few places in Japan combine beaches, mountains, and hot springs as perfectly as Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture. This resort town is one of the country’s most beloved destinations, celebrated for the dazzling white sands of Shirarahama Beach. Situated in the southern Kii Peninsula, often referred to as Nanki Shirahama, it has long been a favorite for both locals and travelers.

Shirarahama Beach stretches for about 620 meters, with emerald waters and swaying coconut palms that create a tropical atmosphere. It even feels like a slice of Hawaii, which makes sense since it is officially recognized as a sister beach to Waikiki.

The appeal of Nanki Shirahama goes far beyond the shoreline. To the east rise the rugged Kii Mountains, while to the west lie dramatic coastal sights such as the Sandanbeki Cliffs and the striking Engetsuto Rock. At the center of it all is Shirahama Onsen, the hot spring paradise that gave the town its fame.

With a history spanning more than 1,350 years, Shirahama Onsen is steeped in legend and even appears in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), compiled around 720. Counted among Japan’s three oldest hot springs, along with Dogo Onsen in Ehime and Arima Onsen in Hyogo, it remains a place where history, nature, and relaxation come together in one unforgettable setting.

Getting to Shirahama Onsen is surprisingly easy, whether by train, bus, car, or even plane. Drivers can take the expressway followed by the Flower Line prefectural road, which leads directly to Shirahama Beach and the hot spring town, though expect heavier traffic during the busy summer months. For those flying, Nanki Shirahama Airport is just nearby, offering quick access from Tokyo.

Access from Kyoto/Osaka
・By Train: Take the JR Kinokuni Line (Kuroshio Limited Express) from JR Shin-Osaka Station or JR Osaka Station directly to JR Shirahama Station (all seats are reserved, no transfers required). Travel time is about 3 hours from Kyoto Station via Shin-Osaka, 2 hours 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka, or 2 hours 15 minutes from Tennoji. From JR Shirahama Station, it’s just 10–15 minutes by taxi or bus into town.

Tip: A JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (link below) can save both money and hassle.

・From Kansai International Airport: Take the JR line to JR Hineno Station (about 11 minutes), then transfer to the JR Kinokuni Line (Kuroshio Limited Express). The trip takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes in total.

By Bus: Take a bus from Namba OCAT to Toretore Ichiba/Shirahama Bus Center (3 hours 20 minutes), or from JR Osaka Station to Toretore Ichiba/Shirahama Bus Center (3 hours 30 minutes).

By Car: Take the expressway from Suita JCT to Hanwa Expressway Nanki Tanabe IC (fees apply; about 170 km), then get on Kisei Expressway Nanki Shirahama IC (free) to prefectural road Flower Line (free), which will lead you to the hot spring town. Travel time is roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes from Osaka City.

Access from Tokyo (Haneda Airport)
By Plane: About 75 minutes from Haneda Airport to Nanki Shirahama Airport (3 round trip departures daily). From there, take bus or taxi into town (about 10-15 minutes).

Shirahama Onsen offers many day-trip baths and footbaths, along with the bathhouses available in the inns and hotels. Here are five recommended hot springs attractions that allow unlimited footbath use and welcome visitors with discreet tattoos (that can be covered up).

However, please remember to observe bathing etiquette and be considerate of those around you when using any of the facilities.

Japan’s oldest poetry anthology, the Manyoshu (compiled between the mid-700s and late 800s), mentions seven natural hot springs along the rocky Shirahama coast. These were known as the Yuzaki Shichito, or Seven Hot Springs of Yuzaki. Today, only one is believed to remain: Saki-no-yu.

A visit to Shirahama Onsen isn’t complete without experiencing this historic seaside bath. Here, you can soak in mineral-rich waters while breathing in the scent of sulfur, listening to the waves crash, and gazing out over the vast Pacific Ocean. It’s a one-day spa experience unlike any other.

(Note: Shampoo, conditioner, and soap are not permitted at Saki-no-yu. Towels can be rented for 200 yen.)

Chosei-no-Yu is a popular day-trip hot spring that draws its waters from two natural sources: the Chosei Gensen and Higashiya Gensen.

The bathhouse itself is part of the charm, housed in a beautifully preserved wooden warehouse that dates back to the early Showa Period. Inside, you’ll find both indoor and open-air baths, along with a unique binchotan bath, where high-grade Kishu oak charcoal fills the tub. The negative ions released by the charcoal are said to give the water a soft, mellow quality that keeps visitors coming back.

Beyond the baths, Chosei-no-Yu is also known for its food. Don’t miss the delicious Wakayama ramen served at Menkichi, the on-site ramen shop. With soothing waters and satisfying local flavors, it’s an experience that feels deeply tied to the region.

Practical notes: Payment is cash only, and multilingual support isn’t available, so bringing a translation app is recommended. The hot spring is just a 1-minute walk from Kogaura Bus Stop (Sandanbeki-bound bus from Shirahama Station). For those looking to stay overnight, the nearby Chosei-an offers comfortable accommodation.

Sandanbeki is one of Nanki Shirahama’s most iconic sights, where sheer cliffs rise 60 meters above the sea. Beneath them lies the dramatic Sandanbeki Cave, a 36-meter-deep grotto shaped by crashing waves (admission required). The roar of the surf inside the cave is unforgettable, while the nearby Sandanbeki Footbath offers a chance to soak your feet as you gaze out over the cliffs.

For the best views, visit in winter: December and January sunsets here are nothing short of breathtaking. Just remember, even if the footbaths are warm, the season is chilly, so dress warmly to enjoy the spectacle in comfort.

Rotenburo Shirasuna is a massive open-air bath right by Shirarahama Beach, large enough to welcome up to 100 bathers at once.

Open from May 1 to September 30, this mixed-gender rotenburo requires swimsuits, making it perfect for families and groups to enjoy together after a refreshing swim in the sea. Some signs are available in foreign languages, so international visitors can also feel at ease.

Outside of the summer bathing season, the hot spring switches to free footbaths. It’s the ideal spot to rest your feet while soaking in the spectacular coastal scenery.

Engetsu Island is one of Shirahama’s most iconic sights, instantly recognizable for the round, moon-shaped cave carved into its center by the waves. In spring and autumn, lucky visitors may even catch the setting sun shining directly through the opening—a picture-perfect moment.

One of the best ways to enjoy the view is at Mifune Ashiyu, a seaside footbath overlooking Engetsu. Popular with both tourists and locals, it’s especially busy at sunset when the island glows against the horizon.

Shirahama also has other locally-run footbaths, such as Tsukumoto and Yanagibashi. These facilities welcome guests with small, coverable tattoos, though eating, drinking, smoking, and pets are not permitted. They’re a relaxing, low-cost way to experience the town’s hot spring culture while enjoying coastal views.

There are so many great hotels and inns in Shirahama Onsen, your biggest struggle might be deciding where to stay! To help, we have selected five of our favorite inns popular with foreign tourists.

Marriott Hotels are known worldwide, and in Shirahama you’ll find the Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel. Set on a hill with sweeping views of Shirarahama Beach, it’s just a 3-minute walk down to the sand.

The hotel is designed with international travelers in mind, offering comfort, reliability, and peace of mind. While English-speaking staff are not always available around the clock, they are often on hand, and information boards throughout the property are written in English to make your stay easier.

To make your stay as comfortable as possible, every room offers at least 40 square meters of space. Some even feature stunning ocean views and a private onsen hot spring for a truly relaxing retreat.

Pictured above is the Junior Suite Twin, an 84-square-meter room with an L-shaped sofa, its own hot spring bath, and sweeping views of the coastline—a perfect mix of luxury and comfort.

The hotel also features a range of bathing options, including large public baths, open-air baths, and private baths—all with breathtaking views of the sea. Guests with small, easy-to-cover tattoos are welcome in the public and open-air baths, provided they use the designated cover stickers (8 cm × 10 cm).

Infinito Hotel & Spa Nanki Shirahama is a Western-style hot spring resort perched on a small hill just outside the town. The property stands near the former ropeway station, which operated until 1969, and carries on the refined atmosphere of a historic hotel once favored by the upper classes of the Kansai Region.

The most sought-after rooms are on the beach side, each featuring a private onsen hot spring. Pictured above is the Ocean View Lanai Suite on the first floor, offering 56.3 square meters of space, a private open-air bath, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The hot spring water here is sourced from Miyuki-no-Yu, a spring mentioned in the Manyoshu. Public bath facilities are generous in size and include two indoor and outdoor open-air baths, Umi and Sora (Umi pictured above). There is also Subaru, a mystical-looking observation bath with stunning views. Guests with small, discreet tattoos are welcome if cover stickers are used.

The hotel accepts a variety of payments, including UnionPay and Alipay, and provides POCKETALK translation devices to help international guests communicate with staff.

Kishu Shirahama Onsen Musashi is a long-established Japanese inn that continues to evolve with the needs of its guests. A major renovation in 2018 enhanced earthquake resistance while preserving its authentic traditional charm.

With 148 rooms and a spacious banquet hall, the inn can accommodate both individual travelers and groups. Its prime location is just a 1-minute walk from Shirarahama Beach and only 3 minutes from popular spots such as Engetsu Island and Mifune Ashiyu, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.

All rooms are Japanese-style, with plans ranging from budget-friendly to high-class stays. For international visitors, the Nagitei Rooms are especially recommended. Located on the upper floors, they offer stunning sunset views over Shirahama.

Some rooms combine Japanese style with Western-style beds for added comfort. Guests can also enjoy the open-air rooftop bath, Tenku (pictured), and those staying in Nagitei Rooms have access to an exclusive lounge.

The hot springs flow from two sources. In addition to the rooftop open-air bath Tenku, there's also a large public bath open to all guests. There's also an all-night open-air bath, as well as a medium-sized bath and a private bath.

English-speaking staff members are always on the premises, and translation devices are available. Multi-lingual signs can also be found throughout the building. Payment methods include various credit cards, UnionPay, and Alipay.

Shirahama Key Terrace Hotel Seamore is a large seaside resort with sweeping views of the Shirahama coast. Shirarahama Beach is just a 15-minute walk away, while Senjojiki Beach can be reached in about 10 minutes.

Located 100 meters offshore is the Shirahama Midse Observation Tower (Princess Coral), where visitors can view colorful marine life through round underwater windows (800 yen for adults, with discounts for hotel guests).

One of the hotel’s highlights is the 30-meter-long Infinity Footbath, free for all visitors with no reservation required. The resort also offers a playroom, gift shop, outdoor summer pool, restaurants, and bars, making it a well-rounded destination for relaxation and fun.

The most popular rooms are the Suite Rooms (pictured) and the Deluxe Rooms, which offer panoramic views of the Shirahama sea and the relaxing sound of waves.

The hot spring facilities include an open-air bath, the large Umi-no-Yu, the Nami-no-Yu bath, and the famous Infinity Footbath, all sourced from free-flowing springs. Pictured is Sandan-no-Yu, a unique standing bath with three different depth levels for added comfort. Please note that tattoos are not permitted in any baths except the footbath.

Multilingual staff are available at certain times, and a wide range of payments are accepted, including major credit cards and UnionPay.

At Hamachidori-no-Yu Kaishu, the entire cape serves as the hotel grounds, offering guest rooms, hot springs, and an observatory that fully embrace the natural setting. The property also features on-site restaurants and souvenir shops for added convenience.

The location is excellent, just a 10-minute walk from the scenic Senjojiki Beach and about a 4-minute drive to Shirahama Beach.

The recommended stay is the Hamaya Hanare, the closest accommodation to the sea within Kaishu, giving it the feel of a private villa. Guests can choose between a two-story maisonette or a spacious one-story Japanese-Western style room (pictured above) of about 60 square meters. Both feature their own free-flowing open-air baths for a truly relaxing experience.

The hotel features its own hot springs, including a distinctive mixed-gender open-air bath (pictured above). Guests are required to change into swimsuits in separate men’s and women’s changing rooms before entering. Additional facilities include large public baths, open-air baths, and private open-air baths. Please note that tattoos are not permitted.

English-speaking staff are sometimes available, and while most signage is currently in Japanese, more language support is planned. Payments can be made by major credit cards as well as UnionPay.

Shirahama Onsen offers far more than just hot springs, with beautiful scenery and countless attractions that make a single night’s stay feel far too short. Ongoing improvements are also being made to ensure a more comfortable experience for international visitors.

Thanks to its convenient access from both Kansai and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, it is easy to see why Shirahama Onsen has become one of Japan’s top hot spring destinations, drawing travelers from around the world.


Text by: Hifumi Isokazu
English translation by: Krys Suzuki