Shirahama, on the south-west coast of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest hot-spring resorts. It adds a beach, sea cliffs and an onsen town to a Kansai programme, and it is a good base for the Kumano Kodo.
Getting there
- By air. Nanki-Shirahama Airport has flights from Tokyo Haneda, about 75 minutes.
- By train. Limited express trains run from Osaka to Shirahama Station.
- By coach. A private coach from Osaka is simple for groups and allows stops on the way.
What to see
- Shirarahama Beach. A beach of white sand in the middle of town.
- Senjojiki. A wide shelf of flat rock sloping into the sea, named after a thousand tatami mats.
- Sandanbeki. Sea cliffs with a lift down to a cave at their base.
- Engetsu Island. A small rock island with a round arch worn through it, best at sunset.
- Saki-no-yu. An old open-air bath on the rocks right by the sea.
- Adventure World. A large zoo and marine park. Its giant pandas returned to China in June 2025, so clients who remember them should know.
Group practicalities
- Onsen hotels. Many large hotels have hot-spring baths and can host groups. We check bath rules and private options.
- Seafood. The Kii coast is known for tuna and seafood, good for a group dinner.
- Busy dates. Summer weekends and holidays are busy. Spring and autumn are calmer.
How we plan it
We pair Shirahama with the Kumano Kodo or a Kansai city stay, and plan transfers, hotels and meals. See our Kumano Kodo guide, our onsen etiquette guide and our Kansai region guide.
FAQ
How do you get to Shirahama? By air from Tokyo Haneda to Nanki-Shirahama Airport, by limited express train from Osaka, or by coach.
What is Shirahama known for? Its hot springs, white sand beach, and sea sights such as Senjojiki, Sandanbeki and Engetsu Island.
Are there still pandas at Adventure World? Not at present. Its giant pandas returned to China in June 2025.
Want Shirahama in your clients' Kansai programme? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
