Shirahama Onsen
南紀白浜温泉33°41′ N 135°23′ EOnsen town¥500, about CAD 4.50 or USD 3.20 (October 2026 rates)
Shirahama's Sakinoyu suits riders who want a seaside soak in rock pools after the Wakayama coast, and its trade-off is an early closing time of 17:00 through the winter.
Photo 663highland · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5 and others, credited in the gallery
Know before you bathe
Rinse off with the hot water provided before you get in; no soap or shampoo touches the pools at Sakinoyu.
Getting there
From JR Shirahama station take the Meiko bus bound for Shin-Yuzaki to Yuzaki, about 15 minutes, then walk about 5 minutes. By car it is about 15 minutes from Nanki-Shirahama IC on the Kisei Expressway.
Shirahama counts with Dogo and Arima as one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, and the town traces it to Sakinoyu. The Nihon Shoki records Prince Arima visiting the spring in 657, and Empress Saimei came the following year. Its rock basins date back to the Manyo era, the town says, and they sit at the water's edge.
The pools sit so close to the Pacific that spray reaches them on rough days. The town keeps the price at ¥500, and bathers rinse with hot water only. Plan a winter soak for early afternoon because the gate shuts at 17:00 from October to March.
Worth knowing
- The Meiko bus to Yuzaki takes about 15 minutes from Shirahama station, and the bath is a 5-minute walk from the stop.
- Leave soap and shampoo in your bag; Sakinoyu drains into the sea and bans them.
Quick answers about Shirahama Onsenよくある質問
How much does Sakinoyu in Shirahama cost?
Sakinoyu costs ¥500 for anyone aged 3 and over. Towels cost ¥200 to rent.
What are Sakinoyu's winter hours?
From October to March Sakinoyu opens from 8:00 to 17:00, with last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Can you visit Shirahama Onsen without staying the night?
Yes. Shirahama Onsen sells day entry at ¥500 per person (2026), about CAD 4.50 or USD 3.20 (October 2026 rates).
Within 12 km
Places to stay nearby宿
Within 12 km