10 Best Spas and Hot Springs in Shirahama

Shirahama Key Terrace Hotel Seamore is one of the top places to stay in the Shirahama Onsen area, and it's surprisingly affordable. It was completely refurbished in 2018 with a modern design. You can even use the observation terrace and footbath, which take advantage of the seafront location, without making an overnight stay. Check out the delicious coffee and breads at the hotel’s bakery, too.

The hot spring facilities include a shampoo bar, where you can pick your own shampoo from multiple varieties, and a popular standing bath where you feel at one with the sea. After bathing, you can use the tatami-matted (traditional flooring made of straw) rest area to kick back and relax.

At Saki no Yu, you can enjoy an open-air hot spring bath that flows directly from the source in an excellent location by the surf overlooking the ocean. If you’re touring the hot spring baths of the Shirahama Onsen area, this is a must-visit.

Here you can take a relaxing bath while appreciating a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean all to yourself. Note that you’re not allowed to use shampoo or soaps of any kind at this hot spring. Also, towels aren’t included in the entrance fee. Happily, there’s a spacious carpark, so it’s ideal for a quick stop if you’re on a road trip.

Yukai Resort Premium: Nanki Shirahama Onsen Shirahama Gyoen is one of the area’s most popular hot springs thanks to its reasonable prices, consistent service, and extensive facilities. Actually, many people stay here more for the excellent yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) buffet featuring Kumano beef.

If you’re not planning to stay overnight, there’s also a hot spring day-trip plan with buffet dinner. But if you do stay the night, you’ll also be able to enjoy a breakfast buffet with broiled fish, which is equally well-renowned.

Toretore no Yu is a bathing facility for day-tripper located within Shirahama's popular Toretore Park. After bathing at the nearby beaches or shopping at a fresh seafood market, you can relax in an open-air bath or take some Korean-style relaxation treatments.

If you're feeling hungry after all that, you can sample rice-bowl dishes and an excellent selection of sashimi using fresh seafood. There's even an amusement arcade, making this an ideal stop for families.

jolve SPA is a luxurious space located on the top floor of the Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel. Here you’ll find top-quality treatments and services.

Tennen Onsen Chosei no Yu flows with slightly viscous natural hot spring water direct from the source. This mildly alkaline sodium bicarbonate chloride spring is famous for enhancing the beauty of your skin. It’s also available to drink or take home, and there’s a footbath too.

The old-fashioned building has a small and cost changing room and shower area. If you want to take your time and relax, you're better off visiting when it's not so busy. There’s an indoor bath made with natural wood and stone, and an open-air bath surrounded by trees and a nostalgic atmosphere, especially when the autumn leaves are falling. The facility also has accommodations and a Wakayama ramen restaurant.

Ebine Onsen is a secluded hot spring located a 50-minute drive from the Nanki-Tanabe Interchange. There’s no open-air bath, only an indoor bath, but the view is spectacular, with tranquil mountain scenery featuring the Hiki River visible through the window.

The hot spring water flowing from the source is famous for its excellent quality, attracting queues of visitors, and you can even take some of the water home with you. The alkaline simple sulfur spring has a unique smell and smooth texture that keeps people returning to this site. The restaurant's udon noodles are also worth a try.

Shirahama Koganoi Resort & Spa is a popular inn with many regular visitors thanks to its excellent service and hospitality. The hotel staff treat everyone with the same level of consideration, so you can always look forward to a great experience here.

The natural hot spring baths, including a deep open-air bath and shallow indoor bath, are spacious and luxurious. There’s also a bathing pool with an open terrace available to use all year round, as well as a jacuzzi and lounge. Delicious food is served, too, making this the complete package.

Shirasuna is an open-air bath set right next to Shirarahama Beach. This is a casual place that you can enter wearing a swimsuit when visiting the beach. It’s mixed bathing, like a typical bathing pool, and it’s pretty cheap because it’s owned and operated by the town, so this is a great option for couples and families with small children.

It’s quite spacious, too, with capacity for up to 100 people. In high season it has extended opening hours, and if you’re here in the early evening you’ll be treated to a spectacular sunset view. It can also be used as a free footbath from October to April.

Hamachidori no Yu Kaishu is known for its open-air bath with a spectacular view where the edge of the bath appears to merge with the sea. Unusually, it provides special bathing gowns to allow for mixed bathing, making it particularly popular with couples and families.

Another popular feature is a cottage guest room with open-air bath where you really get the sense of being on vacation. You can choose between seafood and meat as your main course for dinner, and you can even use the hot springs on a day-trip plan with dinner if you prefer not to stay overnight.