Live Your Best Lives
Shirahama Onsen is located in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on the coastline facing the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the "Three Most Ancient Hot Springs in Japan (Furuyu)" along with "Arima Onsen" in Hyogo Prefecture and "Dogo Onsen" in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. Its history can be traced back to the Asuka and Nara periods.
Shirahama Onsen is a famous hot spring with a history of over 1,300 years.
Shirahama is a tourist destination suitable for all seasons, but each season has different styles.
Spring (March-May): Mild weather and relatively few tourists make it ideal for travelers seeking a quieter and more tranquil environment.
Summer (June-August): Traditionally the peak tourist season, Shirarahama Beach is ideal for sea bathing during this period, though it can also be quite crowded. Many hot spring hotels offer special summer packages.
Autumn (September-November): Cool weather and crisp skies make it an ideal season for enjoying hot springs and strolling outdoors. It's also a great time to savor seafood.
Winter (December-February): Enjoy the unique experience of soaking in a hot spring while gazing at the ocean, and you might even be greeted by the splash of waves crashing against the rocks. Shirarahama hosts illumination events such as the Shirarahama Light Parade, creating a unique atmosphere.
Recommended places to visit:
1. Hot Spring Experience: Saki-no-Yu,
one of Japan's oldest open-air baths, faces the Pacific Ocean, offering the breathtaking spectacle of waves crashing against the shore.
2. Hamachidorinoyu Kaishu
offers mixed-use open-air baths, private baths, and a large public bath facing the ocean.
3. Natural Wonders
(1) Engetsujima
, an uninhabited island with a sea cave in the center, is a perfect spot for watching the sunset and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Sunsets.
(2) Senjojiki
, a vast, flat bedrock formation resembling a thousand tatami mats stacked together, is a great place for watching the tide and taking photos.
Shirahama Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts, dating back over 1,300 years. It has been historically significant as a healing and relaxation site and remains a popular destination for wellness tourism.
Located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on the southern coast. Accessible by JR Kisei Main Line to Shirahama Station, then a short bus or taxi ride to the onsen district. Local walking paths connect most attractions.
Most onsen facilities operate from early morning to late evening (around 6:00–22:00). Best times to visit are spring and autumn for comfortable weather and fewer crowds, or winter for a cozy hot spring experience.
Day-use onsen baths typically cost 500–1,500 JPY. Adventure World tickets are around 3,800 JPY for adults. Tickets can usually be purchased onsite, at hotels, or online through official websites.
Advance booking is recommended for popular onsen ryokan and Adventure World, especially during holidays. Booking 1–2 weeks in advance is sufficient.
A full day for onsen relaxation and local sightseeing. 2–3 days are ideal to enjoy multiple hot springs, beaches, and nearby attractions.
Guided tours are available at Adventure World and some ryokan, usually in Japanese; English guides may be available upon request. Audio guides are rare for onsen but may exist at certain museums.
Start at Shirahama Station, visit Saki-no-Yu for a morning bath, stroll along the beach, hike Sandanbeki Cliffs, enjoy local lunch, visit Adventure World or nearby attractions, and end with an evening onsen soak.
Some onsen and coastal areas offer night bathing or illumination events in summer. Adventure World may have special seasonal events; check schedules in advance.
Busy during Golden Week, summer holidays, and New Year. Weekdays outside holidays in spring, autumn, and winter are least crowded.
Onsen facilities, cafes, convenience stores, souvenir shops, public toilets, and rest areas are widely available in the onsen district.
Most modern onsen and attractions are accessible for elderly and children. Some historic baths and cliff areas may have limited accessibility for wheelchairs.
Cash is widely accepted; credit cards and mobile payments are available at hotels, larger restaurants, and major attractions, but small shops may prefer cash.
Japanese seafood restaurants, sushi bars, casual cafes, and ryokan dining options offering kaiseki meals and local specialties.
Vegetarian meals are available at some ryokan and cafes; vegan and halal options are limited but can be requested in advance at certain hotels.
