A Local Mom’s Insider Guide to Shirahama
Welcome to our family-friendly guide to Shirahama, one of Japan’s most beautiful coastal destinations!
Located in Wakayama Prefecture, Shirahama offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, fun attractions, and relaxing experiences that make it ideal for families.
Best of all, this paradise is accessible via two convenient routes: flying from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport or taking the scenic Kuroshio Express train from Osaka.
Shirahama stands out as a premier destination for families with children.
The area combines beautiful beaches, fascinating wildlife encounters, and soothing hot springs—all within a compact, easily navigable area.
Shirahama offers attractions that naturally captivate young minds while being accessible and enjoyable for parents too.
How to Get There
Shirahama in Wakayama boasts excellent transportation connections:
- From Osaka: 2h30m by direct “Kuroshio” train from Shin-Osaka Station
- From Kyoto: 3h by direct “Kuroshio” train from Kyoto Station
- From Tokyo: 1.5 hours by direct flight to Nanki-Shirahama Airport
Option 1: Haneda to Shirahama by Air
The actual flight time between Haneda and Shirahama airports is only about one hour and passes by quickly.
For family trips, Japan Airlines (JAL) offers reassuring service including in-flight drinks and small gifts for children.
From window seats, you can see Mt. Fuji (a World Heritage Site), so when booking tickets, it’s a good tip to request seats on the side with the view.
The photo above shows Shirahama Airport. There’s a street piano creating a relaxed atmosphere.
It was such a warm, welcoming environment that even children felt comfortable playing it.
Direct Flight Information
JAL operates direct flights from Haneda Airport to Nanki-Shirahama Airport:
- Flight duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Frequency: Typically 3 flights daily (check current schedules)
- Best booking window: 2-3 months in advance for optimal pricing
From Nanki-Shirahama Airport to Town
The airport is conveniently located just 10 minutes from central Shirahama. Options include:
- Airport shuttle bus: Connects directly to major hotels (¥300 for adults, free for small children)
- Taxis: Readily available and practical for families with luggage (approximately ¥2,000 to central areas)
- Rental cars: Several agencies available at the airport if you prefer flexibility during your stay
Option 2: Osaka to Shirahama via Kuroshio Express Train
About the Kuroshio Express
The Kuroshio Express is a limited express train perfect for family travel connecting Kyoto, Osaka, and Wakayama.
It’s a perfect for family travel connecting Kyoto, Osaka, and Wakayama. Kuroshio trains #1, #4, #25, and #26 operate daily as “Panda Kuroshio” trains! (As of May 2025)
Once you step aboard, a world awaits that adds excitement to your journey.
- Journey time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes directly from Shin-Osaka Station
- Frequency: Hourly departures throughout the day
- Train features: Reserved seating, spacious toilets and large windows for sightseeing
Family-Friendly Train Tips
The train offers women-only seating (for female passengers and accompanying boys up to 6th grade), separate men’s and women’s restrooms, and a multipurpose room available for nursing needs.
Series 289 and 287 trains are equipped with baby chairs, providing peace of mind for passengers with small children.
Some seats are equipped with power outlets, and premium Green Car seating is also available.
From Shirahama Station to Accommodations
- Station taxis: Available right outside the station (approximately ¥1,500 to beach areas)
- Local buses: Regular service to major hotels and attractions (look for the tourist information counter for schedules)
- Hotel shuttles: Many larger hotels offer pickup service (reservation required)
- Rental cars: Please reserve through JR Station Rental Car service
Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Wakayama
Perfect for Children of All Ages
1. Adventure World
This unique facility combines a zoo, aquarium, and amusement park into one exciting destination. The star attractions are the giant pandas – one of the few places in Japan where you can see these beloved animals.
You can ride horses, small animals and dogs, and even feed them.
Children will delight in the dolphin and sea lion shows, safari zone with free-roaming animals, and various rides suitable for different ages.
Inside the restaurants, there are places that make meals with animal illustrations as well♪
In summer, there are night shows featuring dolphin performances with fireworks.
The Night Safari where you can walk through the safari after sunset, so you can enjoy the park even during hot weather after the sun goes down.
When visiting the amusement park, I recommend buying a free pass.
It costs between 1,500 to 2,000 yen for unlimited rides all day, making it a great value♪
For 12 years since our eldest daughter was born, our family, including grandpa and grandma, has been visiting every year as three generations together.
2. Shirahama Beach
One of Japan’s most beautiful beaches, Shirahama is famous for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters.
The shallow, gentle waves make it ideal for families with young children. Nearby hot springs offer a relaxing soak after a day of beach fun, and the sunset views are simply magical.
The waves are gentle, so even small children can enjoy themselves.
White Sands Beach (Shirahama) is called “Japan’s Hawaii,” with fine, pure white sand and emerald green waters. It’s like Waikiki Beach and Maihama.
During vacation season, many people visit, so if you’re going with children, I recommend staying at a nearby inn or hotel and go first thing in the morning.
TORE TORE PARK
Toretore Park is a popular seafood market and dining destination in Shirahama where visitors can enjoy fresh local seafood.
The market offers a variety of freshly caught fish and seafood that can be purchased or enjoyed at the on-site restaurants.
They offer a unique service where they’ll cook fish that you’ve caught yourself.
There are also accommodations available, making it convenient for families who want to stay overnight.
It’s an excellent place for families to experience the local marine bounty of the region while taking a break from sightseeing.
The interactive elements and opportunity to see fresh seafood make it an interesting stop for children as well.
Recommended Shirahama Cafes for Families
No family trip is complete without discovering charming local cafes where everyone can relax and enjoy delicious treats.
Shirahama offers several family-friendly cafe options that provide the perfect break between adventures:
Kagerou Cafe
Kagerou Cafe stands out with its welcoming atmosphere and ocean views, making it an ideal spot to unwind after beach activities.
The cafe offers exclusive items only available at this main location, including their signature “Fresh Kagerou” and various refrigerated desserts.
Their menu features delightful light meals such as pork cutlet sandwiches, Bolognese pasta, and fluffy egg sandwiches.
Early birds can enjoy their morning menu from 8:00-10:30 AM, followed by a lunch menu later in the day. Drink options are impressive with about 50 varieties, including their original hand-dripped coffee.
What makes Kagerou truly special is its unpretentious, homey atmosphere where anyone—including families with children—can relax and feel completely at ease.
Tetty Bakery and Cafe
Tetty Bakery and Cafe, opened in July 2017, is a delightful bakery and cafe where visitors can enjoy freshly baked bread daily.
The establishment offers both takeout options and a comfortable eat-in space within the Key Terrace complex.
Their fresh-from-the-oven bread and pastries make for a perfect quick breakfast or afternoon snack during your Shirahama adventures.
K-type Chocolate Company
K-type Chocolate Company offers a sweet retreat for chocolate lovers of all ages. This specialty shop creates artisanal chocolates that blend international techniques with local flavors.
Their cafe space provides a cozy environment where families can indulge in decadent chocolate drinks, desserts, and unique chocolate creations that will delight children and adults alike.
The beautifully crafted treats also make wonderful souvenirs to remember your Shirahama trip.
Create Unforgettable Family Memories in Shirahama: The Perfect Coastal Getaway
The complete family vacation experience continues with soothing hot springs to relax tired bodies after a day of exploration, fresh seafood delights at Toretore Park, and remarkably convenient transportation options—direct flights from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport or the charming Kuroshio Express train from Osaka and Kyoto.
Perfect for multi-generational travel and offering new discoveries with each visit, Shirahama consistently delivers magical moments for families.
Why not plan your next family adventure to this coastal paradise in Wakayama Prefecture?
No matter the season, Shirahama’s diverse attractions await, ready to help your family create memories that will last a lifetime.
