Surfing may not be as synonymous with Japan as sushi or sake, but there’s a thriving surf scene in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. The annual typhoon season (especially between August and October) brings powerful swells to Japan’s Pacific Coast, making this the optimal time to hit the waves. And with almost 18,500 miles of coastline to choose from, there’s no shortage of shores. Keen to narrow down the options? Read on for our round-up of the best places to surf in Japan…
1. Chiba Prefecture, Honshu
2. Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu
3. Okinawa Prefecture, Kyushu
4. Niijima Island
5. Shikoku Island
Chiba Prefecture, Honshu
Best for: proximity to Tokyo
Chiba is one of the most famous surfing spots in Japan. Its claim to fame? Tsurigasaki Beach (Shidashita to locals) in Ichinomiya, which was chosen to host the first-ever Olympic surfing competition at Tokyo 2020. Impressive stuff. Aside from Tsurigasaki, there’s plenty for all levels to enjoy. Head to Malibu Point for classic reef breaks (and watch pro surfers in action) or to Kujukuri Beach, which is beginner and intermediate-friendly.
For those wanting to combine skyscrapers with swells, you’re in luck – Chiba is only around a two-hour train ride from Tokyo. However, this means that the waters can get crowded. But with charming surf towns like Ubara, Onjuku and Kastuura to explore, there’s plenty to do when you’re not among the waves. Tuck into fresh seafood, peruse the surf shops and kick back in cosy izakayas (pubs).
Image by AdobeStock / Dane
Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu
Best for: a legendary surf scene
Next up on our list of the best places to surf in Japan is Miyazaki, located on the southeastern coast of Kyushu Island. This picturesque prefecture has a strong surfing legacy and is home to some world-class surf breaks centred around Hyuga, Miyazaki City and Nichinan. Enjoying warmer waters, a wider swell window and fewer crowds than northern surf havens, Miyazaki is wonderful year-round.
The best part? There’s something for every type of surfer. Scenic Aoshima Beach is an iconic surf spot with waves for all levels and plenty of surf schools (it’s also within walking distance of the beautiful Aoshima Shrine). Kisakihama Beach is best for seasoned surfers, Uchiumi is a fun reef break offering rights and lefts in different swells, while novice-friendly Ibii Beach boasts gentle (and forgiving) waves for beginners.
Image by AdobeStock / leodaphne
Okinawa Prefecture, Kyushu
Best for: subtropical island surfing
Consisting of 161 islands, Okinawa is a postcard-perfect prefecture with warm, crystalline waters and a subtropical climate. Located in ‘typhoon alley’, Japan’s southernmost island chain is subject to sensational summer swells, making this one of the best places to surf in Japan.
Much of the action happens on the main island, with plenty to keep surfers of all abilities busy. Beginners and families can enjoy Tropical Beach, where gentle waves dominate the scenic setting. Intermediates can try their luck at the ominously named Suicide Cliffs or the range of reef breaks of Sunabe Seawall, while the pros can tackle Aha-yoko, which produces powerful waves during southeast swells.
Image by Romain Laprade
Niijima Island
Best for: a picturesque surf setting
Dramatic chalky white cliffs, long sandy beaches and cerulean blue waters fringe Niijima Island, one of Tokyo’s idyllic Izu Islands. This dreamy surf destination draws wave-chasers from nearby Tokyo (roughly a 40-minute flight or a speedy three-hour ferry ride away), with its consistent surf all year round.
Head to heavenly Habushiura Beach, which stretches along most of Niijima’s east coast, or search for secret spots around the island to surf in solitude. As well as its waves, Niijima is famous for its glass artworks, fascinating stone sculptures and hot springs (thanks to its volcanic origins). Hit up Yunohama, Jinata or Mamashita Onsen to soak sore muscles after a day in the surf.
Image by AdobeStock / Ken Tyler
Shikoku Island
Best for: rivermouth waves
For an off-the-beaten-track surfing adventure, head to Shikoku, Japan’s fourth-largest isle, best known for its wild natural beauty and laid-back surf scene. Make a beeline for the island’s exposed southeast, where a mixture of rivermouths and long sandy stretches pepper the coastline between Minami and Kochi.
If you’re just starting out, Shishikui Beach has plenty of local surf schools, and Ikumi is a popular beach break for beginners. Novices – don’t mess with Kaifu, a thrilling rivermouth break world-famous for its hollow right-handers that attract the best surfers in the game. Up for the challenge? During the typhoon season, you can find other fierce rivermouth waves at Yasuda and Niyodo.
Image by Romain Laprade
Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by AdobeStock / Dane
