Shirahama Onsen

和歌山県

general.prefecture.

One of Japan's three most famous hot springs, located in a seaside resort area.

With a history of about 1,300 years, Shirahama Onsen is one of Japan's three oldest hot springs that gushes out in a seaside resort. Near Shirarahama Beach and Sugar Beach, there are hot spring inns and leisure facilities lined up, packed with charm. After enjoying sightseeing and leisure, let's heal your tiredness in the hot springs!

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic Onsen

Highlights

Point 1

Enjoy an Open-Air Bath while Viewing the Ocean

At Shirahama Onsen, there are three places where you can easily enjoy hot springs even on a day trip. The most recommended is the "Saki no Yu Open-Air Bath," where you can soak in hot water while enjoying the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. You can feel the power of nature as the big waves of the Pacific come close to the bathtub. It's recommended to visit on a sunny day, as it may be closed on bad weather days.

Point 2

Casually Enjoy a Foot Bath

Foot baths in Shirahama Onsen town are popular for their ability to heal minor fatigue and for the enjoyment they offer with family and friends. Tsukumo Foot Bath is located just beyond the breakwater at the southern end of Shirarahama Beach, where you can soak in hot water while looking at the pure white sand. Of the popular foot baths, Ofune Foot Bath, which overlooks Engetsu Island, is one. While foot baths are free to use, towels and other items are not available for rent, so be sure to bring your own when visiting.

Point 3

Enjoy the Spectacular View of Senjojiki

"Senjojiki" is a part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park and is designated as a national scenic spot. The name comes from the fact that the rock surface, which took thousands of years to be eroded by the waves, resembles a large stone pavement. The cool and exposed scenery of the rock surface is truly breathtaking. You can walk on top of Senjojiki, and there are also souvenir shops and restaurants in the surrounding area.

Point 4

View the Sunset on Engetsu Island

Engetsu Island is a small island floating in the sea of Shirahama, measuring 130 meters north to south and 25 meters in height. Its name comes from the perfectly round hole in the center of the island (its official name is Takashima). In the evening, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the hole, creating a stunning view that has made it a popular spot for photography. Additionally, tours where visitors can view the island from the sea on a glass-bottom boat are also popular.

Point 5

Enjoy the Summer Fireworks Festival

At Shirahama Onsen, various events are held throughout the year, but the fireworks festival held in the summer is particularly popular. The SHIRAHAMA Fireworks Rally launches 800 fireworks at once, illuminating the night sky of Shirahama. Staying at a hotel or ryokan and viewing the fireworks from your room or open-air bath is sure to make for a fantastic evening. The festival is usually held on Saturdays or Sundays, so please check the official website for detailed dates and times.

Access

Easily Accessible from Kanto and Kansai

The nearest station to Shirahama Onsen is JR Shirahama Station, and it takes about 10-15 minutes by taxi to reach each hot spring inn. It is located in a convenient location for access from Kanto and Kansai, with a 75-minute flight from Tokyo and about 2 hours and 10 minutes by using the limited express train from Osaka. In addition, with the opening of the Nanki Shirahama IC and the full opening of the Flower Line, it is now possible to access from various places in a shorter time than before by high-speed bus or car, increasing convenience.

Parking

Parking Available Near the Beach

There is no dedicated parking lot at Shirahama Onsen, but there are many paid parking lots in the area, so there is no need to worry about finding a parking space. By using the Shirahama Energy Land Kai Gate Parking Lot, located near the popular tourist spot "Shirarahama Mermaid Beach," you can move within walking distance to both the beach and the energy land. It is also recommended to use the parking lot of each hotel or ryokan when visiting for accommodation.