Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)
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.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (130°)
- Direction range
- 90° - 180°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (320°)
- Offshore range
- 280° - 360°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
6/10
👥 Summer Break (Jul 20 – Aug 31) — expect extra crowds
Access: Car essential. Limited public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline) works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.4m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
Offshore wind at Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline) blows from the NW (320°). Anything in the 280° to 360° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline) wants SE swell (90° to 180°) between 1m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
The main season at Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline) is Jun-Nov. A secondary window runs Dec, Jan, Feb. Typhoon season Jun-Nov produces world-class waves.
How do I get to Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
Fly into TKS, then allow about 90 minutes by road. Car essential. Limited public transport.
What kind of wave is Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline) is a beach break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Nov
Secondary: Dec, Jan, Feb
Typhoon season Jun-Nov produces world-class waves.