Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Tsurigasaki Beach, locally known as Shidashita, made history as the venue for surfing's Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Located on Chiba's Kujukuri coast, this exposed beachbreak acts as a catcher's mitt for swells from the north, east, and south. The shifting sandbars produce peaks that can get hollow during typhoon swells, and the competitive atmosphere has produced many of Japan's best surfers. Its proximity to Tokyo makes it crowded on weekends, but the quality and consistency justify its world-class status.
🏅 Olympic surf venue • Tokyo's premier waves • Japanese surfing capital
Works best with swells from 110° (ESE). Workable range: 45°-170°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 250° (WSW). Offshore range: 210°-290°. Best window: morning.
Typhoon season Sep-Oct best. Winter NE swells also work.
Very crowded on weekends. Strong currents on bigger days.
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
Train to Kazusa-Ichinomiya station, then bus or taxi.
Onjuku is Chiba's mellow alternative to the competitive intensity of Tsurigasaki. This family-friendly beach town offers gentle waves that are perfect for beginners and longboarders, with a relaxed atmosphere featuring seafood restaurants and small guesthouses. The wave is forgiving, the local vibe is welcoming, and the train access from Tokyo makes it an easy day trip. When typhoon swells hit, even Onjuku can produce surprisingly fun walls.
🏖️ Family-friendly vibes • Gentle learner waves • Chiba's chill side
Works best with swells from 100° (E). Workable range: 60°-150°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Needs at least 7s period. Ideal: 11s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 230°-310°. Best window: morning.
Summer typhoon swells best. Gentle winter waves.
Family-friendly but watch for rips on bigger days.
Train to Onjuku station, beach is walkable.
Katsuura sits at the southern end of Chiba's surf coast, rewarding those who venture farther from Tokyo with beautiful waves and significantly fewer crowds. The beachbreak produces quality peaks during typhoon swells, and the fishing town atmosphere includes some of the best seafood on the coast. The extra distance filters out the weekend warriors, leaving more waves for those who make the trip.
🐟 Southern Chiba escape • Quality peaks • Famous fishing town
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 70°-160°.
Offshore wind from 290° (WNW). Offshore range: 250°-340°. Best window: morning.
Typhoon season delivers best swells. Less crowded than northern Chiba.
Currents can be strong during larger swells.
Kugenuma is the beating heart of Shonan surf culture, just 40 minutes by train from Tokyo's Shinjuku station. The beach represents Japanese surf history, celebrating the roots of 60s and 70s surf culture with a chill, welcoming community. The waves are small and inconsistent—dependent on typhoon swells—but the cultural significance and accessibility make this a pilgrimage site for any surfer visiting Japan. Views of Mt. Fuji on clear days complete the experience.
🗻 Shonan soul • Mt. Fuji views • Tokyo's beach escape
Works best with swells from 160° (SSE). Workable range: 120°-200°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Needs at least 7s period. Ideal: 10s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 320°-40°. Best window: morning.
Typhoon season only. Often flat outside storm windows.
Extremely crowded. 40 min train from Tokyo draws masses.
Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Kugenuma-Kaigan station.
Kaifu River is nicknamed the Japanese Pipeline, and when typhoon swells funnel into this rivermouth in southern Tokushima, the name is justified. The wave produces grinding right-hand barrels over a sandbar formed by the Kaifu River's outflow, located in the scenic Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park. Access to the peak is reserved for experienced surfers, and localism runs deep—but those who earn respect are rewarded with some of Japan's heaviest tubes.
🔥 Japanese Pipeline • Typhoon barrels • Earned respect only
Works best with swells from 130° (SE). Workable range: 90°-180°.
Ideal size: 2.0m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 320° (NW). Offshore range: 280°-360°. Best window: morning.
Typhoon season Jun-Nov produces world-class waves.
Wave reserved for experienced surfers. Strong localism.
Car essential. Limited public transport.
Ikumi sits at the heart of Shikoku's surf coast, straddling the border between Tokushima and Kochi prefectures. This is where many of Japan's professional surfing contests are held, with quality beachbreak peaks that respond well to typhoon swells. The area represents the most popular surf zone in Shikoku, with consistent waves and a developed surf infrastructure. The southeast-facing exposure captures the full force of Pacific typhoon energy.
🏆 Shikoku contest venue • Pro-level peaks • Typhoon energy
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 80°-170°.
Offshore wind from 310° (NW). Offshore range: 270°-350°. Best window: morning.
Typhoon season best. Many pro contests held here.
Currents on bigger days. Contest-level crowds during events.
Car recommended. Between Tokushima and Kochi.
Niyodo Rivermouth is Shikoku's heavy-water gem, a challenging rivermouth break that features fast, powerful right-handers when the sandbanks set up properly. The Niyodo River is famous for having some of Japan's clearest water, and when solid typhoon swells arrive, the rivermouth produces world-class cylinders. Smaller swells mellow it out for longboarding in summer, but when it's pumping, this is serious wave riding.
💪 World-class cylinders • Heavy righthanders • Crystal-clear Niyodo
Works best with swells from 150° (SSE). Workable range: 110°-190°.
Ideal size: 2.4m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Offshore wind from 350° (N). Offshore range: 310°-30°. Best window: morning.
Needs solid swell to break properly. Summer logs possible.
Shifting peaks make takeoff tricky. Respect local surfers.
Kisakihama is Miyazaki's most reliable surf spot, a long uninterrupted stretch of beach nestled between the Kiyotake and Kaeda rivers. The rivermouth sandbars produce quality peaks that work in a huge range of conditions, making this one of the most consistent spots in all of Japan. The 2019 ISA World Surfing Games were held here, cementing its reputation as a world-class venue. Miyazaki's warm subtropical climate and mellow vibe have earned it the nickname "Hawaii of Japan."
🌴 Hawaii of Japan • ISA World Games venue • Year-round consistency
Works best with swells from 110° (ESE). Workable range: 45°-180°.
Most consistent spot in Miyazaki. Works year-round.
Crowded during contests. Currents between rivermouths.
Easy access from Miyazaki city. Parking available.
Aoshima is a jewel of Miyazaki surf culture, a long stretch of beach opposite the tiny Aoshima island with its famous shrine. The wave is forgiving and consistent, making it perfect for beginners and surf schools, while the amenities—free parking, nearby cafes, rental shops—make it accessible. July typically delivers the cleanest waves, with summer typhoon swells providing the most consistent surf. Walking distance to Aoshima Shrine makes this a cultural experience as much as a surf destination.
⛩️ Shrine island backdrop • Beginner paradise • Miyazaki's soul
July cleanest. Summer typhoons deliver best swells.
Popular weekend spot. Many surf schools.
Okuragahama was named one of the "Best 100 Beaches in Japan," and the 4-kilometer stretch of white sand and quality peaks justifies the title. Located near Hyuga City in northern Miyazaki, the beach offers both left and right-handers across its expansive length, with enough room to escape crowds. The triangular sandbars formed by rivermouth outflows produce quality waves during typhoon season, and the scale of the beach means there's always a peak with space.
🏆 Best 100 Beaches Japan • 4km of peaks • Northern Miyazaki gem
Typhoon season best. 4km of peaks to spread crowds.
Strong currents on bigger days. 4km beach spreads crowds.
Best 100 Beaches in Japan list, Surf Atlas
North of Miyazaki city. Car recommended.
Takezaki is surfing at the edge of space—literally. This quality beachbreak sits beneath sandstone cliffs near JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center, where you can catch waves with rocket launch pads visible in the background. The island is considered Japan's best surf destination, with its long narrow shape catching swells from both the Pacific and East China Sea. When typhoons roar past, Takezaki produces powerful, quality waves—though access becomes difficult with flights and ferries cancelled.
🚀 Surf meets space • JAXA rocket backdrop • Japan's best waves
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 13s+ (long-period groundswell).
Best during typhoons. Year-round swell possible.
Remote island. Flights and ferries cancelled during storms.
Fly or ferry from Kagoshima. Car essential on island.
Ikarashi Cospo is the heart of Sea of Japan surfing, producing consistent waves when Siberian winter storms sweep across from the northwest. The beach features white sand, dunes, and gorgeous views of Sado Island, with mellow waves that work for all levels. The water is shallow enough to touch bottom, making it ideal for beginners, while winter swells can produce fun right-handers across multiple peaks. The local community is welcoming, without the localism found at more famous breaks.
❄️ Winter storm swells • Sado Island views • Sea of Japan soul
Works best with swells from 300° (WNW). Workable range: 260°-340°.
Needs at least 6s period. Ideal: 9s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 50°-130°. Best window: morning.
Winter NW swells from Siberian storms. Summer flat.
Near Niigata city. Parking and facilities available.
Machino Rivermouth sits on the exposed Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, jutting out into the Sea of Japan to catch maximum swell from Siberian winter storms. When northwest winds howl down from the continent, this rivermouth lights up with powerful peaks—some of the biggest barrels Japan has to offer. The remote location means empty lineups, but also cold water, limited facilities, and serious commitment. This is frontier surfing for those who earn their waves.
🌊 Noto Peninsula power • Maximum swell exposure • Frontier surfing
Works best with swells from 320° (NW). Workable range: 280°-360°.
Offshore wind from 120° (ESE). Offshore range: 80°-160°. Best window: morning.
Winter only. Noto Peninsula catches maximum swell.
Remote peninsula. Cold water requires full winter gear.
Remote drive to Noto Peninsula. Car essential.
Hamaatsuma is Hokkaido's most accessible surf spot, a beginner-friendly beachbreak south of New Chitose Airport with consistent 2-foot waves and full facilities. The water is cold year-round—even summer requires at least a 3/2 wetsuit—but the tradeoff is uncrowded waves and an authentic Japanese surf experience far from the Tokyo masses. August through November offers the best combination of warmer water and typhoon swells.
🥶 Hokkaido frontier • Uncrowded waves • Cold-water adventure
Typhoon season best. Summer warmest water.
Cold water year-round. Full wetsuit required even summer.
South of New Chitose Airport. Parking and facilities.
Shioya is where Japan's surf and ski cultures collide—a rivermouth break near Otaru that lights up with the same Siberian storms that dump legendary powder on Niseko and Hokkaido's ski resorts. The water temperature drops near freezing, requiring 5mm+ wetsuits with hoods, gloves, and boots, but the reward is empty, powerful waves with snow-covered beaches. A small but committed community of surfers brave these conditions, often combining morning surfs with afternoon powder runs.
🎿 Surf & ski country • Siberian storm power • Powder & waves
Winter only. Same storms that bring powder to ski resorts.
Bitter cold. Water temp near freezing. 5mm+ wetsuit essential.
Near Sapporo. The same road to Niseko ski resorts.
Sunabe Seawall is the most hallowed ground for surfing in Okinawa, a series of reef breaks along a seawall near American Village. The area features multiple distinct peaks—Bowls, California, Hawaiians, Hotels—each breaking over rock reef with dedicated paddle channels. The consistent windswell from October through March combines with occasional typhoon groundswells to produce fun waves in tropical water. Shallow reef means you surf around high tide and wear booties, but the warm water and welcoming community make this a Waikiki-like experience.
🌺 Okinawa's sacred ground • Warm reef breaks • Tropical vibes
Works best with swells from 280° (W). Workable range: 240°-320°.
Oct-Mar for NW swells. Summer typhoons possible.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🦔 Urchins, 👥 Crowded, ⚠️ Shallow
Shallow reef. Booties recommended. Only surf around high tide.
Near American Village. Easy access from Naha.
Ikei Island offers Okinawa's best east-coast waves, catching E-SE swells when the popular west-side breaks are blown out by onshore winds. The island is accessible by car via bridges, but getting to the surf requires a long paddle to the point—worth it for those who make the effort. The reef break works for all levels, with beautiful coastal scenery and significantly fewer crowds than Sunabe. Tide-dependent like all Okinawa breaks, with surfing limited to higher tides.
🏝️ East coast escape • Long paddle reward • Okinawa's hidden gem
East coast works when west has onshore. Typhoon season best.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🦔 Urchins, ⚠️ Shallow, 🚶 Difficult access
Long paddle to point. Very shallow at low tide.
Drive to Ikei Island via bridges. Long paddle out.
Sendai-Shinko is described as one of Japan's best beachbreaks, producing barrelling peaks when solid swells arrive from the Pacific. Located on the Tohoku coast, this northern break catches both typhoon swells from the southeast and winter swells from the northeast. The water is colder than southern Japan, but the quality of the waves—hollow and powerful when it's on—rewards those who brave the temperatures. The Sendai surf community is active and welcoming.
🌊 Japan's best beachbreak • Tohoku barrels • Northern quality
Needs at least 9s period. Ideal: 13s+ (long-period groundswell).
Typhoon season and winter NE swells. Cold water Oct-May.
Can get crowded as Sendai's main surf beach.
Sendai city beach. Accessible by train and car.
Shirahama is the Izu Peninsula's premier surf beach, a consistent beachbreak that hosts competitions and draws surfers from across the Kanto region. The white sand beach is picture-perfect, and the wave works across a range of conditions, though it needs typhoon swells to really come alive. The scenic Izu Peninsula drive makes the journey worthwhile, and the area offers hot springs (onsen) to warm up after cold-water sessions.
♨️ Izu Peninsula gem • White sand beauty • Hot springs après-surf
Works best with swells from 140° (SE). Workable range: 100°-180°.
Summer typhoon swells. Popular contest venue.
Train to Izukyu-Shimoda, then bus. Beautiful coastal drive.
Shizunami represents Shizuoka Prefecture's growing surf infrastructure, with a new surf stadium built nearby that signals Japan's investment in wave-riding culture. The southeast-facing beach catches typhoon swells and produces quality peaks across multiple sandbars. Located between Shizuoka city and the surf towns of Hamamatsu, this is a reliable option when Chiba is too crowded or the swell angle favors the southern coast.
🏟️ New surf stadium zone • Shizuoka quality • Growing scene
Typhoon season best. New surf stadium built nearby.
Between Shizuoka and Hamamatsu. New surf park nearby.