outdoor japan’s
Surf Guide
Ibaraki
The incomplete guide to surfing in Japan.
Kanagawa Nearly every island nation has surf, and Japan is no different. There is literally surf from Hokkaido down to Kyushu, as well as the far-flung islands. OJ’s Surf Guide doesn’t cover everything. What it does cover is the areas most accessible to most of us, namely in and around the Kanto and Chubu regions. The east coast of Japan gets waves, good waves, and if you are brave enough to challenge getting wet in winter, you are in for a treat. We haven’t included everything; after all, surfing is all about adventure and discovery. There are plenty of breaks accessible by train, but to get to the good stuff you’ll want your own vehicle so you can explore new breaks, and take in the natural surroundings at your own pace. So, what are you waiting for? Roll up this mag, throw it in your back pocket, and go surfing!
Shizuoka
Aichi
Tokyo Islands
Reef 5mm
ICON LEGEND
2 0 1 0
Sand
Rocks
River mouth
3mm
Semi-dry
Short john
Spring suit
Boardies
Bikinis
Boots
Gloves
Head cap
Toilet
Shower
Car park
B Beginner JUL/AUG
Chiba
I Intermediate
A Advanced
45
Ibaraki By Kuni Takanami
Just north of Chiba, Ibaraki faces the open ocean, thus receiving good swell and boasting many year-round surf spots. The warm water current stops in the South Chiba area, meaning the water temperature in Ibaraki is generally much colder than the rest of Kanto. As a result, winter waves are reasonably uncrowded despite easy highway access from Tokyo. The exposed location does mean the area cops a lot of wind and, for best conditions, you want to be out there early morning or late afternoon, although the winds die down in winter.
NORTH IBARAKI Futatsujima Takahagi Kawajiri Kawarago
IBARAKI
Aigaura Oarai Onuki Topsanteshita Kashima Hasaki
N
orth Ibaraki’s long, straight stretch of coastline from Futatsujima to the powerful breaks at Oarai is cold in winter, requiring even the keenest surfer to wear a spring suit through summer. If you don’t mind the chill, you are in for a real treat, with consistent sand and reef breaks although, because it is so open, it is easily affected by wind. Northerly and northeasterly swells are best, but be careful, as the area is known to have strong currents. Locals demand respect, especially at Kawarago, so take care, and everyone can enjoy the waves. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Point Name Futatsujima Takahagi Ibuki Beach Ishi Beach Kawajiri Haka-shita Hotel-shita Hitachi Station Kawarago Hitachi Lighthouse Hitachinaka Beach Ajigaura Oarai Onuki Tsurukame Resort Hotel-mae Umi-no-ko
Offshore Winds Level B NW A W / NW B W B W A W / NW I A W I A W / NW B W / NW B W / SW A W B W B SW I A W B W / SW B W / NW B W / NW B W / NW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season AUG – NOV OCT – NOV OCT – DEC ALL YEAR OCT – DEC OCT – NOV OCT – NOV OCT – NOV OCT – NOV OCT – NOV SEP – NOV SEP – NOV FEB – APR FEB – NOV ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR
Facilities
Wetsuit DEC – MAY: JAN – FEB: MAY – NOV:
KASHIMA AND HASAKI
T
he breaks stretching along the coastline from Kashima to Hasaki are consistent and pack a good punch when the swell hits. The big windmills along the coast indicate the area gets a lot of wind, so be sure to check the weather before you go so you can time your surf just right. With the right wind and northeasterly or southeasterly swells, you are in for some great waves.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
46
Point Name Cosmo Tosante-shita Akashi Haka-shita Hirai Hasaki Seaside Park Shari Beach Hasaki Kanekyu Hasaki Main Beach
Offshore Winds Level B W / SW B W / SW B SW B SW B SW B W / SW B W / SW B SW B SW
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season JUN – SEP JUN – SEP JUN – SEP JUN – SEP JUN – SEP MAY – OCT MAY – OCT MAY – OCT MAY – OCT
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – MAY: JAN – FEB: JUN – NOV:
SURF GUIDE
Chiba With more than 500 kilometers of coastline facing the Pacific Ocean, Chiba has some of the most consistent surf in Japan and a variety of waves from fun beach breaks and river mouths to more challenging reefs. Its convenient proximity to Narita Airport and Tokyo and relatively cheap land prices make it a popular alternative to the city.
By Kuni Takanami
North Chiba North Chiba’s black sands may not be the most inviting and will certainly test your bare-foot mettle in the middle of summer, but year-round consistent waves make up for it. The area covers the breaks from Iioka down to the white sand beach at Onjuku, giving surfers plenty of options with offshore winds and good swells. Iioka
IIOKA
Katakai
CHIBA
Ichinomiya
Onjuku Hebara
Heisaura
Kamogawa Wada Chitose Chikura
I
ioka has consistent waves to suit all levels and the mostly sandy beach breaks work better on northerly and southerly swells. It’s an easy oneday trip from Tokyo, so weekends can be crowded, but not as bad as Ichinomiya or Shonan. Water temperatures are much cooler than the southern areas, meaning you will need a 5-mm. semi-dry wetsuit right through to Golden Week.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Point Name Shingo-shita Iiokaso Shop-mae Main Ameya-mae River Mouth Pipe-shita Shiinauchi
Offshore Winds Level B N B N B N B N I A N B N B N / NW B N / NW
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season DEC – APR DEC – APR DEC – APR DEC – APR DEC – APR DEC – APR DEC – APR DEC – APR
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – APR:
MAY – JULY: AUG – NOV:
47
KATAKAI AREA
A
lthough it’s popular with long boarders, the Katakai area has consistent surf for all levels. Most of the waves develop off break walls and tetra pods breaking over a sandy bottom, working best on northwest winds with northeasterly or southeasterly swells. Katakai is particularly busy on the weekends, thanks to easy access from Tokyo and abundant parking and showers.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Point Name Sakuta Katakai Fishing Port Katakai Shintei (Breakwall) Katakai Chuo (Middle) Migigawa (Rights) Toyoumi
Offshore Winds Level B W / NW B NW B NW B NW B NW B NW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season SEP – NOV SEP – NOV SEP – NOV SEP – NOV SEP – NOV SEP – NOV
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – APR: MAY – JULY: AUG – NOV:
South Chiba ONJUKU
O
njuku is a quiet beachside town nestled around a large, crescent white-sand beach. The area needs a decent-sized southeast swell to turn on good waves, but the main beach break is a mellow wave perfect for beginners. The huge white sand and clear water lure many beach lovers who lounge about the umi no ie (beach houses) in July and August.
1 2 3
Point Name Iwawada Onjuku Main Beach Onjuku Fishing Port
Offshore Winds Level B W B W I A W
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season MAY – AUG MAY – AUG SEP – NOV
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – APR: MAY – JULY: AUG – NOV:
HEBARA & MALIBU
T
he Hebara area is for the more advanced surfer. Breaking over both sand and reef, good waves here need a southerly, easterly or northerly swell. The area gets many big swells that can get solid and heavy and has been home to world-class big wave contests in the past. The car park is always full on weekends, so drive safely around this area.
128
Hebara 4
1 2 3 4
Point Name Kuso-shita Hebara Obachan Malibu
Offshore Winds Level I A NW I A NW I A NW I A N
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR AUG – NOV
3 2 1
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – MAR: APR – MAY: MAY – NOV:
KAMOGAWA AREA
K
amogawa is another area that gets decent swell, particularly in the typhoon season. Maruki is perhaps the best point in the area and is home to the Chiba leg of the Japan Pro Surfing Association (JPSA) short board tour. Locals here don’t like you messing around in the water, so surf safe and sensibly. Works best on northerly or southerly swells.
1 2 3 4 5
Point Name Maruki Royal Hotel-shita Grand Hotel-shita Machizaki River Mouth Seaside
Offshore Winds Level B N / NW I A N / NW B NW B NW B W / NW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season SEP – JUN SEP – JUN ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – MAR: APR – MAY: MAY – NOV:
48
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
Onjuku
SURF GUIDE ICHINOMIYA AREA
I
chinomiya gets some of Japan’s most consistent surf. It has a laidback beachside atmosphere and is home for a number of Japan’s pro surfers. Weekends and holidays are especially crowded, but locals are friendly and, providing you surf safe and abide by the rules, you’ll enjoy no shortage of waves. Works best on easterly and southerly swells.
1 2 3 4 5
Point Name Ichinomiya Beach Uma / Sunrise Torami Shida-shita Taito
Offshore Winds Level B W B W I A W I A W / SW B SW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season MAY – AUG MAY – AUG SEP – NOV SEP – NOV SEP – NOV
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – APR: MAY – JULY: AUG – NOV:
WADA
W
ada has been a whaling town since the 1600s. Unfortunately, today you won’t be able to enjoy any waves with these magnificent creatures, although whale does still show up on some local menus. Surfing-wise, there are a bunch of excellent beach and reef breaks with fewer crowds than the rest of Chiba. Most spots work best on a northerly or easterly swell.
1 2 3 4 5
Point Name Haka-shita J's Shirasuka Ohara Car Park-mae Hanakago
Offshore Winds Level B NW B NW I A NW I A NW I A NW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season DEC – MAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – MAR: APR – MAY: MAY – NOV:
CHITOSE TO CHIKURA
W
hen the swell picks up, this area can hold powerful waves without big crowds. The breaks are well spaced apart and vary between beach and reef, breaking best on northerly or easterly swells. Chikura is home to one of Chiba’s two JPSA long board contests, the Real B Voice Pro.
1 2 3 4
Point Name Maruyama Chitose Satohama Chikura
Offshore Winds Level B W / NW I A W / NW B NW B SW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season APR – AUG APR – AUG APR – AUG APR – AUG
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – MAR: APR – MAY: MAY – NOV:
HEISAURA
A
lthough the waves here are a little fickle, usually needing a big westerly swell, when Mother Nature supplies the right combination, you are in for a treat. The water temperature here is the warmest in all of Chiba, and the beach is clean with brilliantly clear water. The breaks are mostly beachies friendly to all surfers, but there is also one outer reef point for advanced riders, packing a good punch during the typhoon season. Most spots need a good-sized easterly or southerly swell.
1 2 3 4 5
Point Name Tomoe Ikoino-no-mura-mae Nanpara Family Park-shita Hotel Action-mae
Offshore Winds Level I A E B NE B NE B NE B N / NW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season JUL – NOV JUL – NOV JUL – NOV JUL – NOV JUL – NOV
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – MAR: APR – MAY: MAY – NOV:
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
49
Tokyo
By Kuni Takanami
People are often surprised to hear you can surf in Tokyo. There are actually two groups of islands that technically fall under the jurisdiction of Tokyo. The Izu Islands (Izu Shoto) are a group of volcanic islands stretching south and east from the Izu Peninsula. Although traditionally referred to as the "Izu Seven" (Izu Shichito), there are actually more than a dozen islands and islets. The Ogasawara Islands (also known as the Bonin Islands) are a stunning archipelago of more than 30 islands similarly administered by Tokyo, although it takes more than 25 hours to get there in good weather (approx. 1,000 kilometers) from Tokyo Bay. The Izu Islands, however, are a great weekend (or longer) surf trip destination for those seeking crystal clear waters, warmer water temperatures and spectacular scenery without actually leaving Tokyo. The Islands have a friendly local vibe, fresh local food and, of course, a variety of surf from easy beach breaks to top-class reefs.
TOKYO
NIIJIMA
N
Izu Oshima
iijima is the most popular Tokyo island for surfing and is home to local and international surf contests. There is a variety of consistently good waves with breaks that can handle everything from easterly, northeasterly, southeasterly, westerly and southwesterly swells. The eastern coast is a long white sand beach break that gets some powerful tubes. To the north is an experts-only point due to the strong currents. The western coast has some popular spots but does not get as much swell. Be sure not to miss the island’s natural outdoor hot spring. 1
Niijima
2 3
Kozushima
4
Miyakejima
5 6 7 8 9 10
50
Hachijojima
Point Name Awaiura Habushiso Habushiura Heli-shita Secret Missile-shita Mama-shita-ura Kurone B-tei Mama-shita-ura
Offshore Winds Level A W B NW B W B W I A W A W I A E / NE B E B E B E
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR
Wetsuit
Facilities JAN & FEB:
MAR – MAY & DEC:
JUN – NOV:
SURF GUIDE
IZU OSHIMA
I
zu Oshima, known simply as “Oshima,” is the closest of the Izu Islands and has clear waters and a stunning landscape which includes a giant volcano in the center of the island. Good waves make Oshima a great surf trip destination for the hardcore surfer. Most reef breaks perform all year round, handling swells from the northeast, south, southwest and west.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Point Name Fudeshima Sanohama Junkame Keta Reef Motomachi-mae Naganehama Izumihama
Offshore Winds Level A W B N B N A NE A E A N / NE A E
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR SEP – NOV ALL YEAR
Wetsuit
Facilities JAN & FEB:
MAR – MAY & NOV: JUN – OCT:
KOZUSHIMA
K
ozushima, known for its stunning scenery and white sand beaches, is a local island, and respect must be given in and out of the water. The breaks are quite consistent and work best on northerly, easterly, southeasterly and westerly swells. If for some reason the surf falls flat, there is plenty to keep the keen outdoor lover busy with four hiking trails, onsen and good campsites.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Point Name Kaesuhama Hashiri Takouwan Maihama Tsumari Maihama Mouri Maihama Nagasawa Nagahama
Offshore Winds Level B SW I A NW A W B E B E A E A E / SE
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season JULY – NOV JULY – NOV JULY – NOV DEC – JUNE DEC – JUNE DEC – JUNE JULY – NOV
Wetsuit
Facilities JAN & FEB: MAR – MAY, OCT – DEC: JUN – SEP:
MIYAKEJIMA
F
amous for dolphins, a (very) active volcano, diving and rare nature and wildlife, Miyakejima also turns on reasonable waves. Although not nearly as consistent as most of the other islands, there are a good number of challenging reef breaks for the advanced surfer that handle swells from almost any direction. The high cliffs of neighboring Mikurajima are home to wild dolphins and thus attract dolphin-swimming tours. Visitors often stay on Miyakejima where the dramatic landscape is a harsh reminder of the power of nature. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Point Name Sunset Gyokou School Miera Iruka / Dolphin Turtle
Offshore Winds Level I A E I A N / NW A N / NW A W / NW I A W / NW I A W / NW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season MAY – NOV MAY – NOV MAY – NOV MAY – NOV MAY – NOV MAY – NOV
Wetsuit
Facilities NOV – APR: MAY – OCT:
HACHIJOJIMA
H
achijojima is the most southern of the Izu Islands and is known for spring temperatures year-round. A volcanic landscape, onsen and year-round consistent surf await the expeditionary surfer. Its open ocean location means it gets swells from every direction, but the main breaks particularly feed off northerly or southerly swells. It breaks all year but is best in winter. The water is usually warmer than the Kanto area due to the Black Current. Don’t expect sandy beaches; there are many rocks that will be difficult for beginners, but great for intermediate and advanced surfers. Tourist surfers are welcome but, as anywhere, respect the locals, and you will catch more waves. Make sure to drop into the Aussie-run Anchor Pub to get the lowdown. Point Name 1 2 3
Kaizer's Santos Tacos
Offshore Winds Level A NW A NW A NW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season ALL YEAR NOV – FEB JUN – NOV
Facilities
Wetsuit DEC – MAR: APR – NOV:
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
51
Kanagawa Kanagawa’s Shonan area is said to be the home of surfing in Japan and, with easy access to Tokyo and Yokohama, it is one of the most popular (and populated) surfing communities in the country. In general, Shonan covers everything from Zushi and Kamakura to the east all the way to Oiso and Yoshihama to the west. The area from Zushi to Enoshima has the most spots, although Kugenuma is most popular with longboarders with waves rarely getting overhead high. Weekends and holidays are crowded but, if you can get up early, you’ll find a fair number of offshore days and some nice waves.
By Kuni Takanami
ZUSHI & KAMAKURA
A
KANAGAWA Chigasaki
Kamakura Fujisawa
West Shonan
Zushi
lmost all the breaks in the Zushi and Kamakura areas are within walking distance from the train lines and Route 134. During typhoon season, expect the reef breaks to be turning on some good waves, some surfable for beginners, but others for experts only, so check first. The water is a bit cleaner on this side of Enoshima, as there are fewer rivers, but it is also more sheltered, so waves are a bit smaller. Yuigahama is good for beginners, although it may be closed to surfers in July and August when the umi no ie (beach house) opens. Shichirigahama is a one-kilometer beach with sand and reef bottom. The reef is covered with kelp, so it’s fairly safe, although you might want to be careful at low tide and wear booties. The spots in front of First Kitchen and the parking lot are most crowded. The area takes anything from south, southeast, west and southwesterly swells. Best to talk to the locals for the best spots when typhoon swell is pumping, but they are notoriously unforgiving here, so obey the rules and definitely don’t drop in. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
52
Point Name Osaki Kabune Tamishi Yuigahama Venus Café-mae Inamura Ubagaya Henoji Shichirigahama Loa Minegahara Kojiki Kamakura High School-mae Keifu-mae Koshigoe Fishing Port Enoshima Harbor
Offshore Winds Level A N A N A NE B N / NE I A N / NW A N / NE I A N B N B N / NE B N / NE B N / NE B N / NE B N / NE B N / NE B N B NW
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season MAY – NOV MAY – NOV MAY – NOV ALL YEAR MAY – NOV MAY – NOV ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR MAY – NOV ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR
Facilities
Wetsuit DEC – APR: (you might need boots JAN and FEB) MAY – NOV:
SURF GUIDE
FUJISAWA
M
ost of the surf spots in Fujisawa are within walking distance from the station, making it popular with city surfers. It’s mostly sandbar beach breaks that work best on west to southwesterly swells. The main area is Kugenuma, with a big clubhouse, showers, café and beach volleyball courts. Longboarders flock to the mellow consistent waves and expect to be shoulder-to-shoulder with surfers, bodyboarders and swimmers on summer weekends, so be careful. Down the beach, Tsujido is a lesscrowded option, although a much farther walk from the station. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Point Name Offshore Winds Level I A Dairoku E B Suizokukan-mae NE B Mac Donald's-mae N / NE B Hikichigawa River Mouth N / NE B Skate Park-mae (Pool Garden-mae) N / NE B Hanchan-mae N / NE B Suehiro-mae N / NE B Shoyocho-mae N / NE B Tsujidou N / NE B Hashi-mae N / NE B 2nd Car Park N
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season AUG – OCT AUG – OCT ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – APR:
(you might need boots JAN and FEB) MAY – NOV:
CHIGASAKI
C
higasaki is home to Outdoor Japan’s new office. Lucky for us, the surf community is home to some decent beach breaks. There’s no shortage of surf shops or laid-back bars and cafés to kick back in after a day at the beach or hang out at the Umi no Ie at Southern Beach in July and August. It’s similar to Tsujido, but with a bit less swell. There is a bit of localism, but not to the extent of Kamakura or neighboring Hiratsuka. Chigasaki works best on south, southeast and southwesterly swells.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Point Name Kuso shita Chisan Chiipa Park T-bar Shirakaba Shop shita Kabocha
Offshore Winds Level I A N B N B N B N B N / NE B N B N B N
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR MAR – MAY MAR – MAY MAR – MAY
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – APR:
(you might need boots JAN and FEB) MAY – NOV:
WEST SHONAN
O
n the west side of the Sagami River, Hiratsuka, Oiso and Yoshihama get some consistent swell and, on a good south-west swell, can produce some epic waves. Hiratsuka can get crowded with some unforgiving locals, so a better bet might be heading down to Oiso where the beach is closer to the station anyway, and surf around the Hanamizu River. There are some other locals-only points near Hiratsuka, but access is tricky, and it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing.
255
1
271 10
9
Oiso
8 7 6 5
Hiratsuka 1 4 3 2
Yoshihama 11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Point Name Offshore Winds Level B Namakon N B Surf 90 N B Sodegaura N B Pool-shita N B Nijigahama N B Hanamizu-gawa River Mouth N / NE B Resthouse-mae N / NW B Iso Kou-mae (Iso High School) NW B Tunnel’s NW B Oiso NW B Genji NW B Yoshihama NW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR ALL YEAR
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – APR:
(you might need boots JAN and FEB) MAY – NOV:
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
53
Shizuoka By Kuni Takanami
A warm climate and consistent surf in summer puts Shizuoka on Japan’s surf radar. Beginner-friendly beach breaks are abundant, while there are plenty of reefs and river mouths to keep more experienced surfers happy. Getting slotted inside the green room (surf speak for getting barrelled) is common during the peak swell season from June to September. Beautiful landscapes with ocha (green tea) plantations cover the coastline and there are numerous onsen with oceanfront views in which to relax after a day in the water.
SHIZUNAMI AREA
P
opular with beginners, Shizunami has a number of fun beach breaks within walking distance from the beachside campground. You will need a car to access Yoshida Kou up north and the southern breaks below Katahama. Most breaks prefer northwesterly winds and an easterly swell teamed with good sand banks.
SHIZUOKA Nakatashima Maisaka
Shizunami
242
150
Shizunami 8 7 6 9
69
1 2 4 5
3
10
Usami 1 2 3
Omaezaki
233 473
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Point Name Yoshida Kou (Yoshida Port) Bros-mae Benjyo-mae (Toilet-mae) Megami-mae Teibou-yoko Katsumata Kawaguchi (Katsumata River Mouth) Kashima Katahama Sakai-kou (Sakai Port) Susuki
Offshore Winds Level B NW B NW B NW B NW B NW B
NW
I A
NW NW W W / NW
B B B B
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season MAR – DEC MAR – DEC MAR – DEC MAR – DEC MAR – DEC
1 2 3 4 5
JAN – MAR
1 1 1 1
MAR – DEC ALL YEAR MAR – DEC JUN – NOV
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
Wetsuit
Facilities
(boots and gloves JAN and FEB)
DEC – APR: MAY – JUN OCT – NOV: JUL – SEP:
OMAEZAKI AREA
S
trong winds blow between October and April, making Omaezaki a popular windsurfing destination. The next few months give way to great surfing conditions at a variety of sand and reef breaks backed by scenic mountain views. Turtles breed on the shores and locals ask visitors to be wary of their eggs and always keep the beach clean. The local sashimi is incredible, and you won’t regret treating your friends with a bag of Omaezaki locally grown green tea as omiyage (souvenirs).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
54
Point Name Offshore Winds Level I A Melon N / NE B Main N / NE B Saka-shita N I A Odaka N I A Butagoya-mae NE B Pension-mae NE B Secret NE B Sharkret NE B Kawaguchi (River Mouth) NE B Shark NE I A Sakukawa (Saku River Mouth) N / NE
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season MAY – DEC MAY – DEC MAY – DEC MAY – DEC MAY – DEC MAY – DEC MAY – DEC MAY – DEC MAY – DEC MAY – DEC MAY – DEC
Omaezaki
241
11 150 10 9
8
357
7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – APR: MAY – JUN OCT – NOV: JUL – SEP:
(boots and gloves JAN and FEB)
SURF GUIDE
IZU SHIMODA
International Licence for
IWATA / NAKATASHIMA AREA
T
his long stretch of coastline is picturesque both in and out of the water, with good waves throughout the year except winter. A good mix of sand banks and river mouths, some you will have to explore on your own. Good eateries and onsen scatter the coast as well as a beachfront auto-campground, so take a couple days to enjoy this friendly area.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Point Name Dori Toyohama Nishihama Samejima Komaba Godo Godo Kawaguchi (Godo River Mouth) Nakatashima Ichijyo
Offshore Winds Level B N I A N I A N I A N / NW B N / NW I A N / NE
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season JUN – NOV JUN – NOV JUN – NOV JUN – NOV JUN – NOV JUN – NOV
NE
I
A
1 2 3 4 5
JUN – NOV
N / NE N / NE
I
A
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
JUN – NOV JUN – NOV
B
SURF LESSON
Hamamatsu 1
257 9
150
1 8 7 6
2 1
3
4
5
www.real-surf.com
Wetsuit
Facilities
(boots and gloves JAN and FEB)
DEC – APR: MAY – JUN OCT – NOV: JUL – SEP:
MAISAKA / SHIOMI AREA
G
ood beach breaks with consistent swell; the main Maisaka breaks are strictly local breaks and much respect must be given when surfing here. Don’t bother trying to learn at these breaks; instead make your way down to Okurato to enjoy fun waves free from heavy locals. All of these breaks like north winds and a good sand bank to perform best.
332
301
1
2 3 4 5 6
Point Name Maisaka Toudai-mae (Maisaka Lighthouse) Maisaka Main Arai Okurato Toilet-mae Kenzagai
Offshore Winds Level
Wave Consistency
Bottom
Peak Season
N
I
A
1 2 3 4 5
AUG – NOV
N N N N N
I
A
1 1 1 1 1
AUG – NOV AUG – NOV AUG – NOV AUG – NOV AUG – NOV
I
A B B B
2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5
3
4
5
6
1
62
Maisaka 2
1
Wetsuit
Facilities
(boots and gloves JAN and FEB)
DEC – APR: MAY – JUN OCT – NOV: JUL – SEP:
IZU AREA
T
he east side of the Izu Peninsula is home to white sandy beaches and clear warm water. The mountainous interior which overlooks the coastline is full of the area's other popular attraction, onsen (hot springs). A nice mix of reefs and sand breaks provide a variety of waves for every surfer. Izu is also one of the largest producers of wasabi in Japan; be sure to try it with the fresh, local seafood for a kick!
1
Atami 1
Ito 414 3
Shimoda
6
136
8 11 10 9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Point Name Usami Imaihama Kawazu Prince-mae Jinja-mae Chuo (middle) Resteru-mae Tatadohama Iritahama Main Ohama Main Toji
Offshore Winds Level I W / NW I NW B W B W B W B W B W B N B NW B NW A W / NW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season SEP – NOV OCT – FEB MAR – OCT MAR – SEP MAR – SEP MAR – SEP MAR – SEP ALL YEAR ALL YEAR AUG – MAR NOV – MAR
2
5
4
7
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – APR:
(boots during the coldest months)
MAY – JUN OCT – NOV: JUL – SEP:
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
55
Aichi Irago is Aichi Prefecture’s diamond-in-the-rough surf destination. It’s not far from Nagoya, one of Japan’s major industrial cities, yet it has a combination of consistent quality waves, sparse crowds and a welcoming inaka spirit. The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) must agree, as they have chosen Irago’s Akabane/Longbeach area to host world-class events here. Irago’s speciality Pork Rice Bowls are some of the best in the country and fill up an empty stomach after a long surf session. Irago has mainly sandy beach breaks that favor northwesterly winds, and the swell is consistently quite good all year except in winter.
By Todd Wilkes
TERASAWA / DODO AREA
A
AICHI
Sentan
Dodo Longbeach
Terazawa
westerly swell will give the Terasawa/Dodo area’s breaks more size than Akabane/Longbeach, but the quality of the surf here depends on the perfect match of light offshore winds and a decent sand bank. Waves tend to break all year, apart from winter, but the banks are quite shifty and change often. Highway access has improved, making the area popular on weekends.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
56
Point Name Kojima Terasawa Takatsuka Ikobe Poporo Aranami Mutsure Dodo Sekihi Kominkan
Offshore Winds Level B N / NW B N / NW B N / NW B N / NW B N / NW B N / NW B N / NW B N / NW B N / NW B N / NW
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season APR – OCT APR – OCT APR – OCT APR – OCT APR – OCT APR – OCT APR – OCT APR – OCT APR – OCT APR – OCT
Toyohashi
1 407 23
259
397 42
8 10 9
7
6 5
4
3
2
1
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – MAR: APR – MAY LATE OCT – NOV: JUN – OCT:
(gloves JAN and FEB)
SURF GUIDE
AKABANE / LONGBEACH AREA
L
ongbeach is the best-known break in Irago, put on the map thanks to the World Qualifying Series (WQS) contest held here. The surrounding beaches and water are clean and the waves consistent. Aside from Yahachi, all the breaks are sand banks and, when good swell hits and the banks are in good shape, expect to get barrelled with just you and the locals to see it. A little more crowded on the weekends, but you’ll have no problems getting your share of waves.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Point Name Chicken Sarimano Mirror Yahachi Akabane / Longbeach Loco Minato Hidarigawa (left side of the port) Minato Migigawa (right side of the port) Zen-nihon (All Japan) Shin-nihon (New Japan)
Offshore Winds Level B N / NW B N / NW B NW A NW B N / NW B NW
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season APR – OCT APR – OCT ALL YEAR APR – OCT ALL YEAR APR – OCT
N / NW
B
1 2 3 4 5
APR – OCT
N / NW
B
1 2 3 4 5
APR – OCT
N / NW N / NW
B
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
APR – OCT ALL YEAR
B
259
Tahara
259
414
28 416 42
6
3 5 4
1
2
10 9 8 7
Wetsuit
Facilities
(gloves JAN and FEB)
DEC – MAR: APR – MAY LATE OCT – NOV: JUN – OCT:
SENTAN AREA
T
he consistency of the swell around Sentan isn’t great, but when it does hit, you get some of the best waves in Japan. Big swells bring strong currents, which make the difficulty level high, and along with hollow barrels when the waves are pumping around here, you need to know what you are doing. Otherwise, just enjoy watching the locals ripping from the beach.
1 2 3 4 5
Point Name Horikiri Sekimon Koijigahama Sentan Kaisuiyokujyo
Offshore Winds Level I A N / NW A N / NW I A N I A E B E
Wave Consistency 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Bottom
Peak Season JUL – OCT JUL – OCT APR – OCT JUL – OCT JUL – OCT
5 4
259
497 3
497 42
2
1
Wetsuit
Facilities DEC – MAR:
(gloves JAN and FEB)
APR – MAY LATE OCT – NOV: JUN – OCT:
E-mail: creative@outdoorjapan.com
Tel: (0467) 81-3212
JUL/AUG
2 0 1 0
57