Shirahama Beach 白浜大浜海水浴場

Shirahama Beach ranks within the top three destinations among Izu-bound travelers, and for several good reasons, particularly in the summer months. The dunes are soft and white, the surf is regular, and the waters are clear and clean. The swimming season officially begins in July here, but good weather generally expands that from June to mid-September. You can rent gear if you've got none with you.

The Shirahama area is accessible by bullet train, limited express and car. If you're coming by train, you'll need to board a bus or taxi for a short ride to the beach itself.

The Saphir Odoriko (a limited express train on the Tokaido line) runs from Tokyo Station to Izukyu-Shimoda Station. The Tokaido Shinkansen runs from Tokyo to Atami, where you change to a local train to Shimoda . Both journeys take about two hours and 45 minutes. Shirahama Beach is about four kilometers outside of central Shimoda. Board a bus bound for Itadoichiki from Izukyu-Shimoda Station and get off at Shirahama Kaigan, which takes around 15 minutes.

If you find Shirahama a bit too crowded, move up the coast a bit to Shirahama Chuo Beach, which is quieter and just as welcoming. There are plenty of pensions and beachside inns in the vicinity, and restaurants serving great seafood.