If you're short on time, head to Katase Higashihama, right by Enoshima Island. If you love beaches, Id also recommend you to check out these articles, too! This is the place to be, says Canadian expat Mike Buttrick, who's been surfing . Habushiura Beach on the east coast offers consistent, powerful waves for experienced surfers. You can of course rent a surfboard or SUP board and get lessons, but the location is also designed to be a pre-surf and post-surf chill-out space. The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Japan - Surf Atlas After entertaining us for a bit, some of his friends stopped in to the shop for beers, and the place was soon buzzing with chit-chat about the day to day in Shonan, when the next swell was coming, and how hot its getting already! The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The Surf Atlas is a trading name of Closeout Digital Ltd (Company number:14335732), 2019-2023 All rights reserved The Surf Atlas (The Surf Atlas is a trading name of Closeout Digital Ltd), Loads of breaks still waiting to be surfed. Yuigahama, Zushi, and Isshiki beaches are the closest beaches near Tokyo that are 8.2 km, 66.6 km, 70.3 . You can also take a train to the neighboring town of Shimoda, which takes around two and a half hours, then catch a bus from there to Shirahama Beach. Facilities-wise, this beach break offers free parking and a large beach area to chill out when not in the water. The beachs Southern Cmonument is a famous marriage and photo spot, and wandering onward leads strollers to plenty of restaurants and small businesses along the coastline. Anyway, with Japanese surfing enjoying the brightest spotlight in its history in 2020, it's highly likely you'll be wanting to get out there and try The Land Of The Rising Sun's saltwater for yourself. Western Kyushu features many great spots along the East China Sea, while Eastern Kyushu is located along the Pacific coastline. . There are plenty of places where you can rent beach umbrellas to protect you from the sun, making this one of the best beaches near Tokyo to just hang out. For more information about traveling and living in Japan, check these articles below, too! They say the swells at Aha Point are relatively small, but that doesnt mean you cant catch sizable swells. If thats what youre looking for, check out Okinawa Surfing Experience to get the basics of standing up or polishing your skills under close guidance. They, Tokyo can have you feeling like a pinball being flung about in one giant game of pachinko. Stop at this surf shop: Check out Miki Recycle Shop in Miyazaki. Its actually fairly suitable for all skill levels, and year-round surfing. Thanks to its decent waves, local surfing contests are held every now and then, especially at the Akabane beach. 1. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Public facilities such as shower stalls, parking lots, and camping grounds are available for surfers to rinse off and relax after riding the waves. The majority of spots are not for beginners, as heavy winds and strong currents create great swell. Urban exploration, food, long-standing traditional culture, trips into deep nature but dont think you need to be in Indonesia or Thailand to have some fun in the sun, or better yet surf! Its quite close to the main island Honshu, a little off to the southwest. While technically no one will be able to just stop someone from showing up at the beach with a surfboard, it is considered bad manners to do so unprepared. And fast trains can whisk you from central Tokyo via Tokyo Station to some really incredible coastal destinations. The Nichinan Coast , which stretches for some 90 kilometers and offers sea-stacks up to 70 meters in height, is one of the highlights of the region. South of Miyazaki City is a fairly long, straight beach called Kisakihama. Looking for a lesser-known surf spot in Japan to avoid the crowds? Grab your own board or rent one from the many businesses in town and enjoy the Polynesian influence on this part of Japan. For those seeking to extend beach hours, the fun doesnt end at dusk over at Atami Sun Beach. Surfing in Japan during the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics - SurferToday.com This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its located near both Shinagawa and Oimachi stations. The sandy beach break offers consistent waves for surfers of all skill levels. About Japan Surf Travel. Did you think you could do a surfing day trip while you're in Tokyo, the biggest metropolis on the planet? Both left and right-handers are constant here depending on swell, and because of the constant waves, it can be a busy place to surf. White sandy beaches, breaching whales, tropical shells, the water clarity of dreams, and a reef break thats good enough for international competitions, well let Tebiro, the most famous surfable beach on the small and idyllic island of Amami in southwest Japan, speak for itself. 1 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert for Chicago, Illinois Level Contributor 72,979 posts 64 reviews Luckily, almost every beach that allows surfing will have surf shops located nearby. The waves are not so big usually, so Id recommend it to beginners. Going by the name Isonoura, it features typical swell from typhoons and low pressure fronts, however easy access to this spot and its abundance of facilities tend to make it fairly crowded on good days. 01 / 04 Chiba Featured Breaks Just a few of the many great surf spots in Chiba. Yes, we can now surf in the city! Of course, locals tend to love Senjo, so be sure to be respectful and follow standard surf etiquette. One of the most appealing aspects of surfing in Japan is the opportunity to explore the countrys rich history and breathtaking natural landscapes. However, a visit outside of the season is still possible, and this is when the beaches are at their most pleasantly uncrowded. Just 12,000 people call this historic coastal spot in Chiba home, whilst a whopping 600,000 wave-riders descend upon it every year to hit the Pacific swells it lures in, thanks to its peninsula location just 1hr 20mins from Tokyo. Events draw in large crowds, creating a festival atmosphere without the fumes smoking is forbidden here. Surfing spot near Tokyo, Japan: Southern Chigasaki Beach - YouTube The summer months captivates numerous surfers across the country. However, if you are brave enough to wade into the frigid water, you can experience some excellent surfing in a variety of locations in and around Hokkaido. Surfers test waves ahead of sport's Olympic debut at Tokyo The newly opened Sporu Shinagawa Oimachi sports centre, a five-minute walk from Oimachi station, is home to the Citywave Tokyo wave pool a small but does-the-job permanent wave for those desperate to get wet. The beautiful lanterns lit during the festival cast reflections in the water that are mirrored by the skyscrapers, making for an atmospheric and quintessentially Japanese experience. Surfing under Mt. * The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19. Autumn, and October in particular, seems to be the absolute best time to surf Okuragahama. There are a wide variety of activities to be done here, with surfing being a major draw. Be respectful and dont litter. Tubes form right on the mouth of the Kaifu river, creating some truly jaw-dropping scenes. Editorial credit: Dane Gillett / Shutterstock.com. Aside from Malibu, Katsuura has a number of other popular and pumping spots. Spring means cherry blossom season in Japan, but the romance is fleeting lasting only for a week or two. You should come to this spot with a good amount of surf experience, as the waves can really get pumping and experts will surely be trying to catch a good one (or ten)! Keep in mind that similar to many other locations in Okinawa, Sunabe is located over reefs keep your composure and be mindful. 5 Best Places to Surf near Tokyo - Japan Web Magazine Fuji? Theres no locals only atmosphere that you hear associated with hardcore surfing. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. However, depending on the weather, this can also make a great place to visit in the off-season. Theres a good one in the Ueno area of Tokyo. Nowadays, some shops offers lessons in English, too. Shidashita Beach in Chiba Prefecture was chosen as a contest site due to its renowned waves and easy accessibility from Tokyo, with a clubhouse and changing rooms open to the public. Theyll fire with hollow barrels on the best low-pressure storms. However, it was where surfing was introduced as a sport at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, showcasing Japans wonderful surf spots. Tokyo Olympics: surf town hosting sport's Games debut looks to ride The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". With almost 30,000km of coastline, and made up of nearly 7,000 islands, were not sure whether wave-hunters in Japan have the easiest, or hardest, job on their hands. Surfing in Japan may not be the first place that pops into your mind when it comes to surfing the best waves in the world. But its the rivermouths that reign supreme. When the peak season rolls by, big, sculpted sets can roll into the towns northern quarter. Surfing in Japan: How (And Where) to Get Started - Tokyo Weekender . Shinto shrine: One of the most famous landmarks on this well-known beach is the clifftop red gateway of a Shinto shrine. Hes been an avid surfer in Shonan since his college days, and is ready with a smile to help you start surfing yourself. There are several important things to be mindful of before deciding to go surfing, especially for anyone who isnt local to the area. Youll have access to warmer water and waist-high waves consistently due to the better swell. A decade long resident, his exploration of Japan has always been to unconventional locations, and often by means of bicycle and skateboard. June 20th, 2023 Japanese women Anon Matsuoka and Kana Nakashio win the women's QS5,000 and Pro Junior competitions Ishikari Bay, near the city of Sapporo, features a variety of breaks suitable for surfers of all skill levels. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If youre looking for a sunny, hot location to do some beginner to intermediate surfing, Irino Beach is definitely the spot for you! There are beaches like Shimanto and Toyo that have wide shelves and good wind shelter thanks to the coastal mountains. If going with the rental option for getting started this is even more important to remember. They dominate most of the coast and work best in fall storm swells with a W offshore. The area is a popular beach destination during summer, and known for the beautiful beaches and ocean with crystal clear water. Make sure to keep in mind that lifeguards tend to only patrol the beaches during the summer months. Be prepared for chilly water temperatures, and dont forget to bring a high-quality wetsuit! There are lots of businesses in town where you can rent a surfboard and take a class to learn the sport for yourself. Should probably tune in. There are some downright epic waves to be discovered if you have the will and a car were talking pumping right points that barrel like a wave pool. Japanese beaches tend to be clean, despite a lack of garbage cans beachgoers pack up their trash and take it home with them, and visitors should do the same. The day was subtly cloudy, but still had clear views of Enoshima in the background. Even just an hour in the water before you get lunch or explore the area is sure to boost your spirits. Located on the southeastern coast of Kyushu, Miyazaki is known for its consistent surf and warm climate. The beach is packed in summer for fireworks and events, making it a superb spot for a bit of people-watching. However, surfers must be wary as theres a hidden reef amongst the sand, which may impact or injure someone who has a bad wipeout! The first surf location within the Kansai region is located in the southwestern Wakayama prefecture, and it is a major hotspot. Shikoku, the smallest of Japans main islands, boasts pristine and uncrowded surf spots. Located close to the popular Zushi Beach, Isshiki is every bit as lovely, offering views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions. 1. That has an inevitable knock-on effect on the surf scene, which is growing but still nascent, and mainly made up of local crews. July 23 was declared as a holiday (Sports Day) in Japan to honor the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. The local community is actively involved in the surfing scene, and now it's getting ready to accommodate travelers from afar. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. You'll find surfers here in any season since this wide beach has reliable swells and breaks that make it a great place for surfing. For more challenging waves, head to Kisakihama Beach further south. Therefore, its crucial to check with the weather forecast to see if it is the best time to surf in your area! From Tokyo to Osaka to Okinawa, find your perfect surf break and plan your next surfing trip to Japan. Address: 2 Chome-1 Hiromachi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0005, Japan . Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. You dont have to fly all the way to Japan to see splendid cherry blossoms. .stk-8a88241 .stk-block-text__text{color:#000000 !important}.stk-8a88241.stk-block-text{text-decoration-color:black !important}We'll send you the latest surf destination guides, surf gear reviews, and surf camp deals, all straight to that inbox of yours. If youre looking for a crowd, seek out Tsujido point, as well as Kugenama you are bound to find good, consistent swell, at the behest of competition for the best waves. Enjoy the freedom to explore while waiting for your Airbnb to be ready. Definitely get a guide if youre unsure or not fully confident about your skill level! . For a truly unique surf experience, head to the Tottori Sand Dunes, located along the coast of the Sea of Japan. Komesu Coast, also known as Suicide, is a beach in the southernmost part of Okinawa. Its got nothing on Kellys Pool or the all new perma-barrel in Bristol, but a little over 6,000yen (about 40 quid) will get you a 50-minute advanced session on a 4ft wave. Watch the sun set between the towers of Tokyo, and enjoy this urban beach for what it is. Beginners with no equipment of their own have many options to rent boards and wetsuits, and of course get lessons if they feel the need to; although you may want to make a reservation for lessons just in case. The nearby town of Oarai is also worth exploring for its charming streets and traditional Japanese architecture. This is the only beach within Tokyo itself, so if you want to enjoy water and sand without straying far from the city, this is the place to do it. The issue is that true NE groundswells arent that common here. Our own surfing experience started in a hub of surf culture down in Shonan. Commonly known as the Wave Riding Dojo, Tsurigasaki is emerging as one of the top choices worldwide for surfing enthusiasts. Are you a surf bum? While Japan does have good water temperatures for surfing year-round, it will be much more dangerous without the presence of lifeguards. And with that, we give you the nine Japanese surf spots that you really need to know about. It is the home of major cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. Some will even provide live demonstrations so you can see how experienced professionals handle themselves. For those wanting even fewer crowds and have a bit of confidence in their Japanese, head an extra hour or so north by express train to the beaches of Ibaraki Prefecture. Plus, visiting Tokyo doesn't come cheap. Part of the appeal of Onjuku Beach is how easy it is to reach. Watch the sunset: The water here isn't great for swimming. Go there and get ready to drool. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. A lovely laid-back beach not far from Tokyo, this scenic location is a great place for families and anyone who wants a beach vacation without all the fuss. During the summer, beachside cafes, restaurants, and bars are open for business, and beach huts and rental shops cater to . Japan has reopened, so it's time to look again at the country's greatest hits for first-timers and repeat visitors. Sunabe is a one-peak point break that even locals compete against each other for, and for good reason! Moving away from Miyagi and into the Iwate Prefecture, the next surf spot is Namiita, located in the north Iwate region. No matter if youre a beginner or a professional, Japan has everything it takes to be a paradise on Earth. Gobo is home to a wide range of reef breaks, an excellent setting for mild waves to show up. The Best Surf Shops in Tokyo | City-Cost Oct 30, 2015 The Best Surf Shops in Tokyo Let's be honest, we all know that a key part of being a surfer is doing one's best to look like one. Best Places to go Surfing in Japan Japan is an island country in East Asia. On the plus side, there are a ton of small, hidden spots to paddle out to and have a blast at Shirahama. Latest Japan Surfing News The latest surfing news and information from Japan. And hoo boy, is it about to get a whole lot busier, too. However, finding one with lessons in English can be a little bit more difficult depending on the beach. The story goes that in 1991, the day after paddling out at a world tour event and defiantly refusing to catch a wave in protest of its poor location selection, Tom Curren one of the most revered watermen of all time grabbed his outrageously undersized 69 and slid down the face of a monster 18-footer at Uchiumi as fellow pros, including Kelly Slater, could do nothing but look on in fearful awe. Area: Kanagawa Another icon in the famous Chiba district, every Japanese surfer knows about this consistent multi-reef beach. Another popular beach near Tokyo, Atami Sun Beach offers a 400-meter-long stretch of coarse sand, incredibly clear water, and even the curative waters of local hot springs. He was jealous I was from such a cool place, but I have nothing but praise for Shonan as being more affordable, friendly, and convenient. Its recommended for beginners to group up with more experienced surfers so they can help guide them on the etiquette of when it is okay to try and catch the waves. Surfing In Japan - Surfing in Tokyo Featured image by Dane Gillett via Shutterstock.com. With winds coming from the west, and general waves hitting at around 2 feet, Namiita is an ideal spot for beginners looking to get some experience and time on their boards. Many professional surfers come here to practice. The combination of warm tropical waters in the south and colder seas in the north provides a variety of surfing conditions throughout the year. Shikoku - Tokushima Prefecture's southern coast and neighbouring Koichi in Shikoku both have decent waves. Get here before the crowds come back. In Japan, it's important to be aware of your environment and keep yourself informed about some potential dangers. Maybe you don't think of Tokyo as much of a beach destination, but the truth is, the city is absolutely surrounded by splendid beaches. Theres Kamakura, some hours drive to the south, or Kamogawa down in Chiba Prefecture thats a bit better but 1.5 hours drive away. I Visited the Actual Site for Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch in Japan | The Should probably tune in. It is quite a famous location for sightseeing, with tourists going to see the incredible Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps. Sunbathing: In beautiful surroundings like this, often the best thing to do is just stretch out on the sand and enjoy the scenery. Stress not, as Tokyo is now a surfing city. Surfing school lessons in Katsuura, Chiba.Editorial credit: Dane Gillett / Shutterstock.com. Okinawa and the Southwest Islands comprise one of Japan's pretty little secrets a side of Japan that differs from the mainland in culture and pace. Use common sense! No one thinks of Tokyo as a beach destination. Chiba is an easy surf getaway, as it is located very close by the international airport Narita. The tussle between those two opposing factors makes for a country thats only tentatively open to foreigners; welcoming to tourists, suspicious of expats. Beaches tend to be patrolled by lifeguards only during the summer months, so take extra care the rest of the year. More recently, he has been putting his skills to use helping lesser known areas of Japan share their unique stories and attractions. Yuigahama Beach is a popular surfing spot in the area, offering a great mix of surf and culture. Enonshima in Shonan area is the closest and most convenient surf point nearby Tokyo. Its also where a little worldwide sports competition in summer 2020 has decided to host its first-ever surfing event. Yep, were not at Fistral any more, Toto. Well dig into that more later, but for now well just say that its when the surfing in Japan draws the photographers, heralding two months of glassy sandbank barrels that go off like clockwork. Weather in the Kansai region changes rapidly throughout the year, with short but blazing hot summers. It is well-known as one of the best surfing beaches in Japan and offers a wide range of other marine sports as well. Located in Southern Chiba Prefecture, Kamogawa is one of the most talked-about sites to go surfing in Japan thanks to its accessible location. Details regarding reservation information and operation conditions can be found on the official website. Amami is a 1.5hr flight out of Tokyo, and worth every minute. Summertime from August to November attracts a large number of surfers visiting Hokkaido, Japans second largest island. However, the further you get away from the center of the beach, the quieter it gets, so if you're looking for relaxation, you can find that here, too. Personal Instruction in English & Japanese Many locals wear hats or hide under beach umbrellas. All rights reserved. Like most places in Japan, this beach and the small coastal town surrounding it also have a rich and fascinating history, which you can explore if you want to break from the sun and the waves. Good paddling is necessary, as you will be looking at shorter rides, but if youre keen you can be sure to catch a ton per session depending on weather conditions. The owner, Arata-san, is a real swell guy; pun intended. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. Katsuura (Malibu) Beach / Reef World class beach/reef break that really turns it on when typhoon swells roll in from the South. The guidebooks will tell you that Kamakura City is the most historically rich day trip out of Tokyo, thanks to its Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and very, very, cool samurai legacy. Uradome and the Uradome Coast in the Eastern Tottori prefecture boasts some immaculate, clear water and beautiful rock formations. Some of the more popular spots on the island include Zenibako, Uchiura Bay, and Hama Atsuma. Beach Festival: In July, Odaiba Beach hosts a matsuri or festival that is a great cultural experience to take part in. From the bustling shores of Shonan and the remote beaches of Okinawa to the icy waters of Hokkaido, Japans surfing scene is as diverse as the country itself. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It can also be a real waiting game, as theres a bit of a swell drought for much of the year on this side of the Pacific. A southern swell is the best situation, providing short, consistent rides for surfers who are up to the challenge. The ideal time of year to visit Zenibako is from Autumn to Winter. Offshore typhoons are an advanced surfers best friend here, because the swell responds accordingly and provides up to 6 foot waves if youre lucky. Check this guide to see what the debut site of Olympic surfing can offer and whens best to go. Blue Moon beach house: A great place for a meal or drink with an incredible view, this popular beach bar is made with recycled bamboo. Kyushu is generally less crowded than areas near Tokyo so it's ideal for those seeking some relaxation and a monopoly on those waves. The isolated, refined, and oh-so-Japanese world of Tokugawa-era Japan changed one summer day in July 1853, when the squadron of ships commanded by United States Navy . Japanese surf culture is welcoming and vibrant, with a strong sense of camaraderie among the local surfers. Irino also features relatively warm water temperatures all year round, with perfect temperatures during the summer. The sub-tropical chain that dashes through the Pacific some 400 miles south of the next main island. Exercise extra caution if you plan on surfing in Okinawa, as the unpredictable tropical storms and jagged coral reefs can pose a hazard to the uninitiated. Kamakura is a historic city known for its beautiful temples and traditional Japanese gardens. With a mix of beach and reef breaks, this surf destination caters to all skill levels. Theres a surf school and rental Killer Surf to the eastern end of the bay. However, it was where surfing was introduced as a sport at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, showcasing Japan's wonderful surf spots.
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