Shirahama Beach, a name that literally translates as white sand beach, is one of the most popular attractions on the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka, especially during the sticky summer months. This 800 meters long beach sets between Shirahama Chuo Beach and Sotoura Beach. Shirahama Beach is perfect for people watching, sunbathing, surfing, swimming, snorkeling and chilling.
The Shirahama coastline is actually made up of three beaches: Shirahama Chuo, Shirahama Ohama (Shirahama Beach), and Sotoura. However, whenever people mention the most attractive of all the beaches of Shimoda, they’re usually referring to the sparkling white sands and glowing turquoise waters of Shirahama Ohama Beach.
Shirahama Jinja, a pretty Shinto shrine, stands along the beach. There are shops and convenience stores selling food or renting beach gear along the main road. Paid showers are also available at the nearby shops. The official swimming season begins in mid July and lasts through August; however, with good weather conditions the swimming season can start as early as late May and remain pleasant through September.
General Information
Address: 2732-5 Shirahama, Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0012, Japan
Telephone: 739-43-6588
Beach season: Around mid-July to the end of August
Ease of Access
Shirahama Beach is about four kilometers outside of central Shimoda. Take a bus bound for Itadoichiki (板戸一色) from Izukyu-Shimoda Station and get off at Shirahama Kaigan (白浜海岸).
Location
Shirahama Beach locates at the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka, which is a large mountainous with a deeply indented coastline to the west of Tokyo on the Pacific coast of the island of Honshū, Japan. Formerly known as Izu Province, Izu peninsula is now a part of Shizuoka Prefecture. The peninsula has an area of 1,421.24 km2 (548.74 sq mi) and its estimated population in 2005 was 473,942 people. The peninsula’s populated areas are located primarily on the north and east.
Attractions Nearby
Adventure World: A mega theme park with a safari park, aquarium and amusement park combined in one facility
Kumano Kodo: An ancient pilgrimage route across the Kii Peninsula linking several large shrines.
Sandanbeki (三段壁): Cliffs along on the ocean edge that are 50 meters high. It is said that pirates (kumano suigun) used to inhabit the caverns; the remains of their dwellings can be seen.
Senjō-jiki (千畳敷): A rocky point near Shirahama beach.
Minakata Kumagusu Museum: Place for much of scientist Minakata Kumagusu’s books, specimens, and memorabilia.
Social Media
Website: http://www.town.shirahama.wakayama.jp/kanko/midokoro/1454401113276.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/300741362/shimoda-shirahama-beach?hl=en
