Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is home to a popular tourist attraction known for the white sandy shores of its namesake beach, Shirarahama Beach. The region is also known as Nanki Shirahama for its location in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula.

Shirarahama is a white beach that extends about 620m in length. Its emerald green waters and coconut trees make you feel like you're in a Hawaiian resort at Waikiki Beach! (This makes sense, considering that it is affiliated with Waikiki Beach as a sister beach!)

But the beauty of Nanki Shirahama isn't limited to its beaches alone. In the east, the Kii Mountains tower over 1,000 meters above sea level, and in the west are the scenic coastal spots of Sandanbeki and Engetsuto. This town is also home to the hot springs we'll introduce today.

Shirahama Onsen has a long history, dating back over 1,350 years. It's even mentioned in the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), one of Japan's oldest historical books. This book is said to have been completed around 720 and covers everything from Japan's creation myths and ancient deities to the period of around 300AD.

Shirahama Onsen has been revered as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, together with Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture) and Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture).

Many of these famous hot springs contain ingredients believed to be beneficial for the skin and body, with relaxation and beautifying effects. The coastline is dotted with all kinds of facilities that offer free-flowing hot springs, footbaths, and public baths.

At Shirahama Onsen, many travelers come to experience 'yumeguri,' or 'hot springs tours,' where you can get a taste of all kinds of hot springs, footbaths, and communal baths. Many hotels and inns also allow for day trips, making it easier to plan your own hot spring tour.

As the hot springs area is relatively wide, we recommend using the route bus around Shirahama. Depending on the day, buses usually depart about 2-3 times per hour. Stations and bus stop signs are written in English and several other languages, making it easier for tourists to get around.

Shirahama tourist pamphlets are also available in English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), and Korean. You can also rent a bicycle!

Many restaurants along Ginza-dori Shopping Street, as well as several other facilities, offer menus in English and other languages.

Tourists flock to Shirahama Onsen for its beautiful scenery and hot springs. Today, the area has become one of the top resort destinations in the Kansai Region, drawing in 30 million visitors annually from Japan and overseas.

Shirahama Onsen is conveniently accessible by train or bus. By car, take the expressway and Flower Line prefectural road, which leads to Shirahama Beach, making the route to the hot spring town easier to find. Please note that traffic can be expected during the summer season. Nanki Shirahama Airport is also close to Shirahama Onsen, making it easily accessible from Tokyo, as well.

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

We recommend booking a JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (link below) to help save on money and hassle during your trip.

・From Kansai International Airport, ride the JR line to JR Hineno Station (about 11 minutes), and transfer to the JR Kinokuni Line (Kuroshio Limited Express). Travel time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

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.

1. Saki-no-Yu

Japan's oldest poetry anthology, the Manyoshu (a collection of waka poems from the mid-700s to the late 800s), tells of seven natural hot springs along the coast of Shirahama and encircled by rocks. Known as the Yuzaki Shichito (Seven Hot Springs of Yuzaki) back then, Saki-no-yu is believed to be the only hot spring that still remains.

When visiting Shirahama Onsen, this one-day spa experience is something you won't want to miss! You'll be surrounded by the scent of sulfur, the sound of waves, and the open feeling as you look out at the magnificent Pacific Ocean.

(Please note: the use of shampoo, conditioner, and soap is strictly prohibited at Saki-no-Yu. Towels are available for 200 yen.)

2. Chosei-no-Yu

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

The building itself is a sight to behold, retaining the framework of an old wooden warehouse that's been in use since the early Showa Period. This place is sure to bring you closer to nature!

In addition to indoor and open-air baths, there's also a binchotan (high-grade charcoal from Japanese oak) bath. In this bath, high-quality Binchotan charcoal from Kishu is spread throughout the entire tub. This hot spring gets its popularity from the mellow waters that result from the effects of negative ions.

For many, Chosei-no-Yu is a must-see spot when visiting Shirahama. That's because not only is it a wonderful hot spring, but the facility also boasts delicious Wakayama ramen, courtesy of ramen shop Menkichi.

Payment is cash only. Multi-lingual support is currently unavailable, so if language guidance is one of your concerns, you may want to bring a translation app. The location is a 1-minute walk from the Kogaura Bus Stop (Sandanbeki-bound bus from Shirahama Station). Overnight accommodation is also available at the nearby facility, Chosei-an.

3. Sandanbeki Footbath

Sandanbeki is one of Nanki Shirahama's signature scenic tourist attractions, featuring 60-meter-high cliffs and the 36m underground Sandanbeki Cave (admission fees apply). The waves crashing through the caves is a fantastic sight to behold, and the Sandanbeki Footbath also offers a beautiful view of the Sandanbeki cliffs.

Sunsets are breathtaking in December and January. However, although the footbaths may be warm, winters are still cold! Please remember to take proper precautions against the cold if visiting in the winter months.

4. Rotenburo Shirasuna / Shirasuna Footbath

Rotenburo Shirasuna is a large open-air bath near Shirarahama Beach that can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Open from May 1 to September 30, it's a mixed-bathing open-air bath that requires the use of swimsuits. After a dip in the sea, grab your friends and family and enjoy a relaxing soak together! Some information boards are available in foreign languages.

Outside of the sea-bathing season, only the free footbaths are available. Soak your cares away as you take in the gorgeous views of the coast!

5. Mifune Ashiyu Footbath

Engetsu Island is another of Shirahama's famous tourist attractions. This symbolic Shirahama island has a moon-shaped cave in the center of the island, which was eroded into its current shape by the waves. Depending on your location, you may even be able to catch the sunsets through the opening in the spring and autumn months.

In Mifune Ashiyu, you can soak your feet while looking out over Engetsuto. This attraction is popular not only with tourists but locals, as well. Many come to get a glimpse of the setting sun and Engetsuto Island.

The hot spring town has many other locally-operated facilities similar to Mifune Ashiyu, including the Tsukumoto Footbath and Yanagibashi Footbath. Both welcome guests with discreet tattoos (easy to cover up). However, eating, drinking, smoking, and pets are prohibited inside the facility.

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.

1. Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel

Marriott Hotels have branches all around the world. In Shirahama, you'll find the Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel. This brand is committed to providing foreign tourists with a place to stay and peace of mind. Perched atop a hill overlooking Shirarahama Beach, it's only a 3-minute walk to the beach.

Although not available 24/7, English-speaking staff are sometimes on the premises. Information boards throughout the building are also written in English.

To ensure you get the most out of your time here, all rooms have a spacious area of 40 square meters or more! Some rooms even boast beautiful ocean views and their own private onsen hot springs. The photo above shows the Junior Suite Twin room, a spacious 84-sq-meter space equipped with an L-shaped sofa, a hot spring, and a fantastic view!

The facility also offers large public baths, open-air baths, and private baths, all of which include stunning views of the vast seas. Guests with easy-to-hide tattoos are welcome in the public and open-air baths, however are requested to use cover stickers (8cm x 10cm).

2. INFINITO HOTEL & SPA Nanki Shirahama

Infinito Hotel & Spa Nanki Shirahama is a Western-style hot spring resort hotel situated on a small hill just outside the town of Shirahama. The building is close to the ropeway station building, which was in operation until 1969.

Its high-quality atmosphere has been passed down from a historic hotel that once served the upper classes of the Kansai Region.

The most popular guest rooms are those on the beach side, which include their own private onsen hot springs. The Ocean View Lanai Suite (in photo) is located on the first floor, and has a spacious size of 56.3 square meters. It also includes a private open-air bath and a view of the Pacific Ocean.

The hot spring's water is drawn from the source, Miyuki-no-Yu, which is also mentioned in the Manyoshu. The public bath facilities are spacious and include two indoor and outdoor open-air baths known as Umi and Sora. (Umi bath pictured in photo). There's also a rather mystical-looking observation bath called Subaru. Guests with discreet tattoos are welcome, but are requested to use covering stickers.

Various payments are accepted, including UnionPay (UnionPay International) and Alipay. Translation devices (POCKETALK) are also available for easier conversation with staff.

3. Kishu Shirahama Onsen Musashi

Kishu Shirahama Onsen Musashi is a Japanese inn that has continued to evolve following customers' needs. A large-scale renovation was also carried out in 2018 to strengthen its earthquake resistance while preserving the inn's authentic traditional style.

The inn has 148 rooms, a large banquet hall, and can accommodate group stays. Its ideal location is also a short 1-minute walk from Shirarahama Beach and a 3-minute walk to popular tourist destinations like Engetsu Island and Mifune Ashiyu. It's the perfect base for all your sightseeing needs!

All rooms are Japanese-style, with various accommodation plans from affordable prices to high-class stays. For foreign tourists, we recommend the Nagitei Rooms. Located on the higher levels, these rooms boast a wonderful sunset view of Shirahama.

Some Japanese-style rooms include Western-style beds. Guests may also use the open-air rooftop bath, Tenku (in photo). There's also a special lounge exclusive to Nagitei Room guests.

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.

4. Shirahama Key Terrace Hotel Seamore

Shirahama Key Terrace Hotel Seamore is a large resort facility overlooking the seas of Shirahama. Shirarahama is only a 15-minute walk away, and Senjojiki Beach is about 10 minutes away.

One hundred meters off the shore is the Shirahama Midse Observation Tower (Princess Coral), where you can observe the fish in the sea through a round window (800 yen for adults; guest discounts available).

The Infinity Footbath is free for everyone (hotel reservations are not required) and is a famous attraction with a length of 30 meters. Other facilities include a playroom, gift shop, outdoor pool (summer only), restaurants, and bars.

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 springs here include an open-air bath, the large bath Umi-no-Yu, the Nami-no-Yu bath, and the Infinity Footbath. All are free-flowing hot springs. Seen in the photo is the open-air bath Sandan-no-Yu, a comfortable standing bath with three levels of depth. Unfortunately, tattoos are prohibited in all baths except the footbath.

Multi-lingual staff are available (although not 24/7), and acceptable payments include various cards and UnionPay.

5. Hamachidori-no-Yu Kaishu

At Hamachidori-no-Yu Kaishu, the entire cape itself makes up the hotel grounds. Taking advantage of its topography, this facility includes guest rooms, hot springs, and an observatory. There are also restaurants and souvenir shops.

The hotel is only 10 minutes on foot from the tourist attraction, Senjojiki Beach, and about 4 minutes from Shirahama Beach by car.

Our recommended room is the Hamaya Hanare. It's the closest spot to the sea in Kaishu, and feels just like a little villa. There are two types: a two-story maisonette type and a spacious one-story Japanese-Western style room (pictured) of about 60 square meters. Both include free-flowing open-air baths.

The hotel also has its own lovely hot springs, including a unique mixed-bathing open-air bath (pictured). Before entering the mixed bath, guests must change into swimsuits in separate changing rooms for men and women. There are also large public baths, open-air baths, and private open-air baths. Unfortunately, tattoos are not permitted.

English-speaking staff members are sometimes available. Most signs are currently Japanese only, but there are plans to gradually add more languages soon. Acceptable payment methods include various credit cards and UnionPay.

Shirahama Onsen is bursting with beauty and charm that cannot be conveyed through its hot springs alone. With so many sightseeing attractions and springs, one night couldn't possibly be enough! Maintenance is currently underway in many areas to provide foreign visitors with a more comfortable stay.
Withh its easy accessibility from Kansaiands Tokyo (Haneda Airport), it's easy to see why Shirahama Onsen is one of the top hot springs destinations of tourists from all over the world!

Text by: Hifumi Isokazu
*Information in article as of September 2022. Please see official websites for the latest updates.

English translation by: Krys Suzuki