Shirarahama Beach as a Giant Canvas: 52nd Sand Sculpture Festival to be Held
The Nanki Shirahama Tourism Association will hold the 52nd Sand Sculpture Festival at Shirarahama Beach for the first time in seven years on May 24, 2026. Participants will compete in creating creative 3D sand art pieces using only sand, highlighting art, outdoor leisure, and environmental awareness.
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The Nanki Shirahama Tourism Association will host the 52nd Sand Sculpture Festival at Shirarahama Beach on Sunday, May 24, 2026, marking the event's return after seven years. This outdoor event challenges participants to use only sand to create imaginative 3D sculptures, putting their creativity and teamwork to the test.
This festival aims to allow participants and tourists to experience the charm of Nanki Shirahama through sand art, which can be enjoyed by all generations while leveraging the natural environment of Shirarahama Beach. It is a signature early-summer event in Shirahama that offers a blend of art, outdoor activities, and leisure.
Event Overview
- Event Name: 52nd Sand Sculpture Festival
- Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Work start: From 5:00 AM on the day
- Work end: Until 12:30 PM
- Judging start: 12:30 PM
- Results announcement: 2:00 PM
- Venue: Shirarahama Beach (Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture)
*Participant application is already closed.
Event Content and Theme
This is a contest-style event where teams create 3D sculptures on the sandy beach using only sand. There is no set theme, allowing teams to use their imagination and technical skills to create various pieces, ranging from animals and buildings to scenes from stories.
By challenging how much can be expressed using only "sand"—a natural material—the festival cultivates creativity among participants while serving as an eco-friendly event that respects the natural environment of Shirarahama Beach.
Awards
- 1st Prize: 100,000 JPY in Shirahama Town Chamber of Commerce gift vouchers
- 2nd Prize: 50,000 JPY in hotel vouchers for Shirahama Onsen Ryokan Association member hotels
- 3rd Prize: 20 kg of rice
- Honorable Mention: 10,000 JPY in Shirahama Town Chamber of Commerce gift vouchers will be presented to non-winning teams.
Environmental Consideration
The festival prioritizes the conservation of the natural environment of Shirarahama Beach. By limiting materials to "sand only," organizers strive to reduce the impact on the coastal landscape and environment. After the event, thorough cleanup will be conducted to ensure the preservation of the beautiful beach for future generations.
Media Inquiries
On the event day, many photogenic sand sculptures will be on display, covering the entire process from creation to judging and results. These are ideal for media coverage highlighting the beauty of Shirarahama Beach before the tourist season, the joy of participants, and the intersection of art, tourism, and environmental efforts.
For advance interview applications or more details, please contact the association below.
Contact Information
Nanki Shirahama Tourism Association
Phone: 0739-43-3201
This festival aims to allow participants and tourists to experience the charm of Nanki Shirahama through sand art, which can be enjoyed by all generations while leveraging the natural environment of Shirarahama Beach. It is a signature early-summer event in Shirahama that offers a blend of art, outdoor activities, and leisure.
Event Overview
- Event Name: 52nd Sand Sculpture Festival
- Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Work start: From 5:00 AM on the day
- Work end: Until 12:30 PM
- Judging start: 12:30 PM
- Results announcement: 2:00 PM
- Venue: Shirarahama Beach (Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture)
*Participant application is already closed.
Event Content and Theme
This is a contest-style event where teams create 3D sculptures on the sandy beach using only sand. There is no set theme, allowing teams to use their imagination and technical skills to create various pieces, ranging from animals and buildings to scenes from stories.
By challenging how much can be expressed using only "sand"—a natural material—the festival cultivates creativity among participants while serving as an eco-friendly event that respects the natural environment of Shirarahama Beach.
Awards
- 1st Prize: 100,000 JPY in Shirahama Town Chamber of Commerce gift vouchers
- 2nd Prize: 50,000 JPY in hotel vouchers for Shirahama Onsen Ryokan Association member hotels
- 3rd Prize: 20 kg of rice
- Honorable Mention: 10,000 JPY in Shirahama Town Chamber of Commerce gift vouchers will be presented to non-winning teams.
Environmental Consideration
The festival prioritizes the conservation of the natural environment of Shirarahama Beach. By limiting materials to "sand only," organizers strive to reduce the impact on the coastal landscape and environment. After the event, thorough cleanup will be conducted to ensure the preservation of the beautiful beach for future generations.
Media Inquiries
On the event day, many photogenic sand sculptures will be on display, covering the entire process from creation to judging and results. These are ideal for media coverage highlighting the beauty of Shirarahama Beach before the tourist season, the joy of participants, and the intersection of art, tourism, and environmental efforts.
For advance interview applications or more details, please contact the association below.
Contact Information
Nanki Shirahama Tourism Association
Phone: 0739-43-3201
FAQ
What is the Sand Sculpture Festival?
It is an interactive art contest where participants create creative sand sculptures using only sand on Shirarahama Beach.
Are there any entry requirements?
The application period for participants is already closed.
Is the event eco-friendly?
Yes, it uses only sand as a material, and the organizers conduct thorough cleanup after the event to protect the environment.