Shirahama

Shirahama — Wakayama's celebrated resort town — combines white-sand Pacific beaches that rival the Caribbean with open-air hot spring baths on the cliff edge overlooking the ocean. The Saki-no-Yu outdoor bath, where steaming water meets crashing waves, is among the most dramatic onsen experiences in Japan. The nearby Sandanbeki sea caves and Shirarahama beach complete the coastal circuit.

FFGR Japan provides private transfers from Osaka or Kyoto, with access to the finest ocean-view ryokan and private day trips to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail.