Shirahama Swimming Beach
Shirahama Swimming Beach is just down the coast from Osuka Beach. Looking north along Shirahama toward the Ashigezaki Observatory gives one an unobstructed view of the Tanesashi Coast.
Shirahama is on the Ministry of the Environment’s “Best Beach 100” list of top swimming sites. Unlike Osuka, the beach here is safe for swimmers and is equipped with public showers, restrooms, and concessions. These are open during the swimming season, typically from mid-July to late August, when Shirahama attracts the most visitors. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere at the beach makes it an ideal place to meet and chat with local residents.
Shirahama literally means “white beach.” The sand’s light color is due to its low iron content compared to other beaches in the area. The Nambu region, of which Hachinohe is part, is rich in iron, which led to the development of Nambu tekki, a regional style of ironwork. Characterized by bumpy, textured surfaces, Nambu tekki ironware is rust-resistant and well insulated.
Continuing south along Shirahama toward Tamurazaki, hikers will see a small boat on display that survived the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011.