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.
Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline) surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (130°)
- Direction range
- 90° - 180°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- 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
Access: Car essential. Limited public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
Kaifu River is a beach break in Kaifu, Japan, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
Kaifu River picks up swell from the E round to the S, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SE. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.9 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
A NW wind is dead offshore at Kaifu River, and anything from the W round to the N keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
Kaifu River is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.4m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
The most reliable run of swell at Kaifu River comes Jun to Nov. There's a second window in Dec to Feb too. Typhoon season Jun-Nov produces world-class waves.
How cold is the water at Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
The water at Kaifu River averages around 23°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline) good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Wave reserved for experienced surfers. Strong localism.
How do I get to Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
The nearest airport on our list is TKS, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Car essential. Limited public transport.
What other surf spots are near Kaifu River (Japanese Pipeline)?
The closest breaks we track are Ikumi Beach (5.4 km), handy when Kaifu River isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Nov
Secondary: Dec, Jan, Feb
Typhoon season Jun-Nov produces world-class waves.