Shioya Beach

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.