Shirarahama, Beach in Shirahama, Japan.

Shirarahama is a stretch of coastline along the Pacific Ocean in Shirahama, known for its white sand that extends for 800 meters (half a mile). The water is clear and meets a curved shoreline bordered by rocky formations at both ends.

From the Meiji to the Taisho era, sand from Shirarahama was mined and shipped to Osaka as raw material for glass; mining stopped after glassmaking methods changed and to protect the scenery. Since 1989 Wakayama Prefecture has replenished the beach with sand from deserts near Perth, Australia, about 74,500 m3 by 2005, because no sand as white was found nearby. In 2000 the beach was twinned with Waikiki Beach.

The name Shirahama means white sand beach, and the surrounding town of Shirahama takes its name from it. Since 2000 the beach has been a goodwill sister beach of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, a relationship signed there on 20 July 2000. In summer, fireworks festivals are held on 30 July and 10 August, with about 2,000 shells launched from 8 pm.

Shirarahama is reached by Meiko bus from JR Shirahama Station, about 12 minutes to the "Shirarahama" or "Shirahama Bus Center" stops at either end of the beach. The whole beach is a no-smoking zone under a town ordinance in force since 1 July 2008. In summer a shark net is installed offshore, and the beach is closed when tsunami alerts are issued.

The sand is about 90% quartz, so it stays bright white. From the Meiji to Taisho eras it was mined and shipped to Osaka as glass-making material, until changes in glass production and the wish to protect the beach ended the digging. Since 1989 sand dredged near Perth, Australia, has been added to replace what the waves carry away.