Shirahama Ohama: Shimoda's great white beach
Shimoda's largest beach, with white sand, turquoise water and a torii on the rocks at its northern end.
A few kilometres north-east of Shimoda's centre, Shirahama Ohama is the beach most people picture when they think of Izu: a long curve of white sand, water that turns turquoise in the sun, and green hills behind. It is the busiest beach in the area in summer and still pleasant to walk out of season.
The shrine
At the northern end, Shirahama Shrine (Ikonahime-no-mikoto Jinja) sits in a grove of old trees; its torii stands on the rocks by the sea, a favourite sunrise photo.
Practical
- Lifeguards, showers and toilets during the swimming season (usually mid-July to late August).
- Buses from Izukyu-Shimoda station take about 10 minutes.
- Cafés and inns line the road behind the beach.
See also: easy sandy beaches in south Izu.
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