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Beach · Shimoda, Shizuoka
Shirahama Beach
Shimoda’s largest beach, about 800 meters of clear sand and transparent water, with the red torii of the Shirahama shrine on the rocks by the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Shirahama Beach in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Shirahama Beach
Shirahama Beach, or Shirahama Ohama, is about 5 km north of central Shimoda. It has roughly 800 meters of clear sand, rare on Izu’s volcanic coast, and blue, transparent water on calm days. It is the peninsula’s most popular beach in summer, when bathers come from Tokyo.
At the southern end of the beach, on a small rocky promontory by the sea, stands the red torii of Shirahama Shrine, one of Izu’s oldest. The shrine, up the stone steps, is surrounded by large trees, and the torii on the rocks facing the ocean is the beach’s most familiar image.
During the bathing season, generally from July through the end of August, there are lifeguards, showers and stalls. Outside that season the beach is quiet and good for walking and watching surfers, who ride waves at various times of year. The sea can be rough with strong winds and during typhoon season.
Along the coastal road there are hotels, guesthouses and seafood restaurants. Other smaller south Izu beaches, like Kisami and Tatadohama, are a few kilometers from Shimoda. Each has its own character: Tatadohama is popular with surfers, and Kisami is small and surrounded by green hills.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to half a day; a full day during the beach season.
Best time
From July through the end of August, the bathing season, with lifeguards. Outside that, go in the morning to walk with the beach empty. Respect the flags and lifeguards’ warnings.
How to get there
Bus from Izukyu-Shimoda Station to the Shirahama Kaigan stop, about 10 minutes.
Tip
Climb the steps of Shirahama Shrine and then go down to the torii over the rocks, facing the sea.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Shirahama Beach
When is the beach season in Shirahama?
Generally from July to the end of August, with lifeguards, showers and stalls. Check the dates each year.
How to get to Shirahama Beach from Shimoda?
By bus, about 10 minutes from Izukyu-Shimoda Station.
Where is the red torii of Shirahama Beach?
At the southern end of the beach, on the rocks by the sea. It belongs to Shirahama Shrine at the top of the steps.
Can you surf at Shirahama?
Yes, at various times of the year depending on the waves. During the swimming season, respect the areas reserved for bathers.
Beyond the guide
