Beaches

Wakayama Prefecture (70 km south of Osaka) boasts some of Japan's finest beaches. Kataonami Beach (over 2 km of white sand) in Wakayama City is a mere 70-minute train ride from Tennoji station in Osaka and well worth visiting in the hot summer months. The beach is open daily from 9 - 5 pm from July 1st to August 31st. Travelers should take advantage of the shoulder seasons before and after the crowds hit and the weather is still hot. <br>

Shirahama Beach in Shirahama City imported its white sand from the Australian Gold Coast several years ago and is another popular destination for beach lovers (however during the summer, this beach is incredibly crowded.)