10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Shirahama

Shirarahama is a beautiful beach with a popular swimming area. It’s known for its beautiful sunsets and is a sister beach of Waikiki beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. Whether swimming in summer or simply taking a stroll along the beach in cooler seasons, Shirarahama is a picture-perfect spot.

The shallow beach itself is 620 metres long, with white quartz sand containing 90% silicic acid that shines in the sun. Fireworks festivals are held here in summer and on New Year’s Eve, and the area also has many hot spring hotels with spectacular views.

Saki no Yu is an open-air bath at one of the best locations in Shirahama. Here you can enjoy the famous hot spring water flowing directly from the source. It’s renowned as being one of the 7 Hot Springs of Yuzaki and is a particularly popular spot for couples.

Gazing out at the spectacular view of the waves, it's not hard to see why. The sunsets here are truly breathtaking. Note that shampoo, conditioner, and soaps of any kind are not allowed. Towels are available for a small fee, and there are also coin-operated lockers and vending machines. There's a car park, too, which is handy.

Sandaibeki is a famous cliff by the sea in Shirahama. It’s renowned as a “lovers' sanctuary” and many couples visit the heart-shaped monument near the observation deck. Of course, the scenery is even more romantic around sunset.

The crashing waves are particularly impressive. Perhaps the dramatic cliffs will put you in mind of a scene from a TV drama. After you’ve been to the observation deck, make sure you visit the cave where the Kumano Suigun Navy is said to have hidden its boats and a footbath with a magnificent view.

Seaman's Beach is one of Shirahama’s most popular shops for diving enthusiasts. Look for a blue building in front of the sea. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sea and colourful fish while touring major diving points such as the sunken ship and Edose by boat.

For beginners, there’s also an introductory diving programme offering one-to-one instruction. If you haven’t dived in a while and are feeling nervous, why not take a refresher course with a guide? For advanced divers, there’s also an unguided self-service option.

Sea kayaking is a special experience not to be missed in Shirahama. Simply aim for a scenic point and paddle out. Shirahama has many shops and tours that offer sea kayaking guide services.

At some of these, you can also enjoy snorkelling, sunset sea kayaking, kayak fishing, and cave tours. Check out the gorgeous scenery of Tanabe Bay, Suhara Beach, and Oui Beach where you can enjoy explore little islands.

Shirahama has a cycling path that runs along the seaside. This is right up there in terms of spectacular settings for a bike ride. There are plenty of shops and accommodation facilities in the area where you can rent bikes, so why not take a ride?

If you’re not sure where to go, you can simply follow the cycling routes recommended by Wakayama Prefecture. They’re easy for tourists to follow because blue lines are drawn on both sides of the road and there are road markings and information boards along the way.

Sunset Cruise of Nanki Shirahama Cruising is a popular fishing boat cruise operated by local fisherment that tours Shirahama at dusk. The views of Engetsu Island from the sea are simply magnificent.

If you want to spend a romantic time sharing the glow of the sunset on the sea with your special someone, there’s even an option to take out a chartered boat. You’ll need to make a reservation and arrange the departure time ahead of your visit. Just note that the service may be cancelled if the weather is bad.

Heisogen Park is located on a hill in Shirahama and has free admission and parking. Check out the outstanding view of the Kii Channel, Yoshino-Kumano National Park (Yoshino-Kumano Kokuritsu Koen), and the 3600 Peaks of Kumano. The sunsets here are truly breathtaking.

This park is also a famous spot for cherry blossoms, with 2,000 Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom at the height of spring. If you have chance, check out the annual Sakura Festival held here. Aside from the cherry blossoms, there are always plenty of flowers in bloom here year-round, so it's the perfect place for a stroll in any season.

The firework displays in Nanki Shirahama are a seasonal tradition that light up Shirarahama Beach. The summer fireworks season kicks with a bang at the end of July, with another fireworks festival following in mid-August. August’s Shirahama Fireworks Festival is the larger of the two events and attracts huge crowds.

The annual New Year’s Eve Nanki-Shirahama Countdown Fireworks Festival is equally spectacular. Shirahama-cho Chamber of Commerce Youth Group serves the soba noodles that are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve. You could also stay somewhere nearby and watch the fireworks from a window or garden.

Ikesu Warouda is a first-rate restaurant with ocean views that’s coupled with the popular Yata sushi restaurant next door. The restaurant takes its name from the Warouda Stone, a huge stone on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Popular items on the menu include sashimi prepared from live fish and dishes using Shirahama’s famous wild longtooth grouper fish.

There’s a huge fish tank that’s eye-catching to say the least. If you want to enjoy a sumptuous meal with plenty of Shirahama’s celebrated local seafood, this is the place to be.