Shirahama Beach
Head to the white sand beach closest to Tokyo pronto!
Tired of the concrete and crowds in Tokyo and want to get away for a day or more? Then take a road trip or hop on a train bound for one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan.
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.
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.
Photo by: kaxo.bcn This beach is extremely popular in the summer, so make sure to get there early!
This beach is sandwiched between Shirahama Chuo Beach and Sotoura Beach. Although it's only 700 meters long, it's usually packed with people and a rainbow of beach umbrellas and tents during July and August. When you're there on location, you feel worlds away from Japan, with reggae music blaring from the speakers of a beach bar and a Mexican food truck serving beach eats nearby.
Shirahama Beach is perfect for people watching, sunbathing, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, or just chilling. Stay for the wicked sunsets and be sure to check out the red torii (gateway of a Shinto shrine) of Shirahama Jinja located on a small bluff on the left end of the beach.
What other beaches are in the area?
It's also one of the more trendy and less conservative beaches in Japan so feel free to pack that bikini and join the sun-tanned locals and other beachgoers. There are also convenience stores and other shops right near the beach if you forget to pack sunblock, your swimsuit, surfboard and other beachy supplies.
Because it's so popular during the summer months, prepare for traffic along Route 135, the only way to and from the beach. Get there early to grab a spot near the water. On a more disappointing note, you can't barbecue or camp on this beach but you can grill meat in the open sea air to your heart's content at nearby Shirahama Chuo Beach.
Topics: August, Beaches, izu peninsula, July, shizuoka, summer
Top Beaches in Shimoda
Go beach-hopping in Shimoda this summer!
Beach season at Shirahama Beach usually starts in mid-July and finishes at the end of August.
2732-5 Shirahama, Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0012, Japan
Take the Odoriko or Superview Odoriko limited express train from Tokyo station to Shimoda station (170 minutes). Take a bus from there.
At Shimoda station, take the bus bound for Itadoichiki and get off at Shirahama Kaigan bus stop (10 minutes).
About a 3.5-hour drive from central Tokyo.
Hotel Izukyu
Shirahama 2732-7 Shimoda-Shi, Shizuoka 415-0012
A Million Roses
Beach Side Inn Shirahama
Shirahama1742 Shimoda-Shi, Shizuoka 415-0012
Shirahama 1755 Shimoda-Shi, Shizuoka 415-0012
Destination	Shizuoka
Speciality	Hot springs
Atami Onsen
These hot springs will make you feel like you're floating in the ocean.
Speciality	Landmark
An unforgettable experience to check off your bucket list.
Speciality	Beaches
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