From Swimming in the Sea to Soaking in a Hot Spring
One of the greatest attractions of Shirasuna is its exceptionally convenient location next to the beach. After enjoying the ocean at Shirarahama, visitors can simply rinse off the sand and head directly to the hot spring while still wearing their swimsuits.
Even on days when the seawater feels a little chilly, stepping into the warm spring water helps gently warm the body and ease the fatigue of swimming. Sitting in the bath while looking out over the ocean is a wonderfully relaxing experience and perfectly captures Shirahama’s reputation as a town where the sea and hot springs come together.
During the summer season, the water temperature is maintained at approximately 38–40°C (100–104°F), making it comfortable to relax in the bath for an extended period. Listening to the sound of the waves while feeling the sea breeze creates a peaceful resort-like experience.
Wintertime Relaxation at the Shirasuna Foot Bath
During the warmer months, Shirasuna operates as an open-air hot spring bath. From around October through April, however, it is transformed into the Shirasuna Foot Bath, which visitors can enjoy free of charge.
In winter, the water temperature is raised to approximately 42–43°C (108–109°F), making it ideal for warming your feet. Benches are provided around the foot bath, allowing visitors to sit comfortably while enjoying the refreshing coastal air.
There is something particularly relaxing about soaking your feet in warm spring water while the cool sea breeze blows in from the Pacific. It is also an excellent place to take a break while exploring the surrounding area.
The atmosphere becomes especially beautiful around sunset. As the sun sinks toward the horizon, its warm light spreads across the ocean, creating a spectacular and almost dreamlike view. The quieter winter atmosphere offers a completely different experience from the lively summer beach.
A Genuine Natural Hot Spring from Shirahama Onsen
The water used at Shirasuna comes from Mabuyu, one of the historic hot spring sources of Shirahama Onsen. The spring is classified as a sodium chloride strong saline hot spring containing sulfur, a type of mineral-rich water characteristic of the region’s long-established hot spring tradition.
The bath uses fresh spring water directly from the source without recirculation. A gentle sulfur aroma can be noticed in the water, while its natural salt content gives the bath a pleasantly warming quality.
The warmth of the mineral-rich water can remain in the body even after leaving the bath, making it particularly enjoyable after spending time in the sea. The water also leaves the skin feeling pleasantly smooth, offering a soothing way to relax after a day at the beach.
Shirarahama – One of Kansai’s Most Beautiful Beaches
Directly in front of Shirasuna stretches Shirarahama Beach, a beautiful white-sand beach extending for approximately 620 meters. The beach is closely associated with the name Shirahama, which literally means “white beach.”
Shirarahama has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Best Swimming Beaches. Its fine white sand and vivid emerald-green sea create a striking landscape, while rows of palm trees add a tropical atmosphere.
Shirarahama also has a sister-beach relationship with Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, reflecting the two destinations’ shared image as beautiful seaside resort areas.
During summer, the beach attracts large numbers of visitors for swimming and other seaside activities. Seasonal events such as fireworks, beach yoga, and illuminations are also held, making Shirarahama an enjoyable destination throughout the year.
Ideal for Families and International Visitors
Because the Shirasuna bath is enjoyed while wearing swimsuits, it is particularly convenient for families with children. Being able to move directly from the beach to the hot spring makes it easy to combine swimming, sightseeing, and relaxation in a single outing.
The surrounding area also offers numerous other attractions, including public hot spring baths, restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops. This makes the area around Shirarahama an excellent base for exploring Shirahama.
White sand, emerald-green ocean, and a historic natural hot spring come together at Shirasuna to create one of Shirahama’s most distinctive seaside experiences. If you are visiting southern Wakayama, be sure to include this unique combination of beach and onsen relaxation in your itinerary.
Access
From Shirahama Station: Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Shirahama Station.
By car: Approximately 15 minutes from the Nanki-Shirahama Interchange on the Kisei Expressway.
By bus: The nearest bus stop is Shirarahama, from which the facility is just a short walk away.
Travel Tip
Shirarahama becomes very busy during the summer swimming season. Roads and parking areas can become crowded, so visitors are advised to allow plenty of extra time when planning their journey.