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.
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
2/10
Crowd level
9/10
Access: Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Kugenuma-Kaigan station.
Peak: Jul-Sep
Secondary: Oct, Nov
Typhoon season only. Often flat outside storm windows.
Verified by Japan Travel, Surfline
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions