After spending 10 days on a tour going to remote corners of Honshu Island, I wanted to spend my last few days in Japan somewhere relaxing. That is how I ended up in Shirahama, Wakayama. Located about 2.5 hours by train from Osaka, Shirahama is famous for its beautiful white sand beach. It is also known for onsen, which are natural hot springs sprinkled throughout the town. Shirhama onsen are actually one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan!

I came to Shirahama in the middle of November, which isn't really the time of year to be sun tanning or swimming in the ocean. But in addition to the wonderful onsen, there were still plenty of beautiful places to explore and enjoy some quality time with my mother.