Shirahama Beach

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.

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.

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.