10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Shirahama

Shirahama Dyke Shale Rock lies in the area surrounding Gongenzaki at the northern end of Shirarahama. This site was formed when liquefied mudstone layers erupted and hardened as a result of tectonic movements. This is such as rare geological formation that it has been designated as a National Natural Monument.

The mudstone veins are spectacular, and the view of Engetsu Island (official name: Takashima) from this area is exceptional. The sunset view is particularly beautiful and has been selected as one of the 100 best sunsets in Japan. There’s also a free footbath called Mifune Ashiyu on the north side of Gongenzaki, where you can watch the sunset while relaxing and healing your tired feet after a day of sightseeing or swimming.

Kinan Cultural Hall is a cultural facility housing the largest theatre in Kinan. It’s used as a venue for cultural events, the arts, and community exchanges. Most events and performances are held during the daytime, but some are held in the evening, depending on the period of the year. The 2-storey main hall has capacity for 1,224 people.

Along with the likes of DRUM TAO and Fuyumi Sakamoto, local artists such as musician Keiji Kawashima and soprano singer Miki Kusumoto have performed here in the past. Kinan Cultural Hall is a 15-minute walk from JR Kii-Tanabe Station.

BLUE BAR is actually a bar-restaurant located in the Shirahama Ginza shopping district, just a short walk from Shirarahama Beach. Here you can enjoy delicious food and cocktails in a tropical atmosphere.

As well as cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks and beer, there’s also a very good selection of dishes such as tortilla pizza, chicken fettuccine alfredo, and Turkish-style spring rolls. You can come here directly from Shirarahama Beach even in your swimsuit, so it’s a great place to keep the tropical mood alive after enjoying a summer’s day on the beach.

Milk & Beer Hall Tsukumo is a small restaurant with a wood-fired oven in the Shirahama Ginza shopping district near Shirarahama. With its signature dishes of firewood-grilled steaks and pizzas, it's a great place to get the evening started, especially as they also serve the local Nagisa Beer.

The pizza dough is made from natural yeast that's prepped every morning. There are also many other dishes to try, such as the warm banana cake, which has been a firm favourite since the restaurant first opened. The wooden interior produces a warm and relaxed atmosphere where the food, drink and conversation will flow.

KON BAR is a cosy bar inside SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE HOTEL SEAMORE. It's a relaxed space perfect for a quick stopover after dinner.

As well as special cocktails using seasonal fruit, whisky, and sake, there’s also a special daily menu of drinks for 500 yen. You can also order food from the hotel’s restaurants, Sushi Yata and By the Ocean. This service is available even if you’re not staying at the hotel. This is a great way to enjoy a quiet evening in Shirahama.

Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel's lounge offers a wide-open space with sofas and tables where you can enjoy meals and drinks.

A highlight here is the special seasonal menu. The various cocktails inspired by Nanki-Shirahama are playful and colourful, including a cute "panda smoothie" available in seasonal flavours. Tasting menus of Wakayama's local sake and premium fruit wine are also available at certain times. Regardless of whether you prefer cocktails, sake, or desserts, you're bound to find a gem to try.

Located in the Shirahama Ginza shopping district, just a few minutes' walk from Shirarahama Beach, Moonlight is a hostess bar where you'll be welcomed by the smiling face of Hiromi, Moonlight’s mama (bar proprietress). Hiromi is known locally as an unofficial Shirahama celebrity called "Hiromi Honeybee" for her unique personality. You'll definitely have a good time chatting with her over drinks.

The bar has various costumes and other fun things to play with, so feel free to ask what’s what. There are options for all budgets, including 1- or 2-hour all-you-can-drink menus.

Located just across Hamadori Street from Shirarahama Beach, BAR DIVE has a friendly atmosphere that makes it ideal for a casual stopover on your way back from the beach. There are several terrace seats in front of the entrance, and nothing beats having a drink here while looking up at the night sky.

The bar holds countdown parties on New Year's Eve and other celebrations, and sometimes there are half-price happy hours for all drinks. The vibe and location make it the perfect bar to enjoy a night out in tropical Shirahama.

There’s nothing else quite like the fresh fruit cocktails served at Bar Oct. When you walk in, you'll see fruit lined up on the counter and the bartender will ask if he can make you a cocktail with your favourite fruit. On request, he’ll also create stunning fruit-skin artwork of dolphins, whales, or butterflies, using only a fruit knife, and serve it with your cocktail.

There are plenty of food options, including cheeses and special sandwiches with fillet pork cutlet. Also make sure you try the tasty morsels made in-house, such as beef jerky and nama chocolate (Japanese ganache).

Myu Myu is a hostess bar in the Shirahama Ginza shopping district, a 3-minute walk from Shirarahama Beach. Enter through the narrow entrance and you'll find 12 counter seats and 30 booth seats inside, with a wide selection of liquor bottles neatly displayed behind the counter.

The prices are reasonable and you can even enjoy singing karaoke here. Within walking distance from the beach, you'll have a great night out with the friendly proprietress and her easy-going team.