Shirahama

"Shirahama well deserves its kanji charachers which literally translate as ‘white sand’. Come here for an onsen beach break Japanese style."

Ruth Hubbard - Travel Consultant

Shirahama is home to one of Japan's best white sand beaches and is a great destination for relaxing by the sea. Boat trips are available out into the bay and you can also enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling if you wish. There are two golf courses nearby, fishing is available by boat and tennis courts are available for hire in town.

A great way to see the entire archipelago is to take a sightseeing flight from Nanki-Shirahama airport - tours start from 5,000yen per person. The coastline extending out of town offers some interesting sights including the Sandanbeki caves (complete with elevator), the "One Thousand Tatami Mats" of Senjojiki which are a series of flat, sheet-like rocks and the uniquely shaped Engetsu Island. An aquarium, underwater observation tower and two theme parks top off the attractions!

Shirahama is also one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan. Sakinoyu Onsen, celebrated as one of Japan's Top 3 hot springs, is one of the numerous public hot springs in town and lies right on the waterfront.