Surfing in Japan: a country with plenty of beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks | Photo: Red Bull

Japan is an island nation comprised of almost 7,000 islands. As a result, it receives plenty of swell from nearly all directions.

Nevertheless, Japan's east coast is blessed with consistent waves all year round, thanks to the regular Pacific Ocean swell activity.

Despite being relatively unexplored and uncrowded, the country's coastline has several well-known regions that perfectly suit the average surfer.

In fact, Japan benefits from many of the favorable variables that often transform East Asian archipelagos into unforgettable surfing paradises pumping world-class waves nearly 365 days per year.

The Land of the Rising Sun is still an enigmatic surf destination.

Still, the regional typhoons (April through January), monsoon cycles (April through September), and year-round groundswells traveling from the North Pacific generate unexpected surprises.

Located in the northwest of the Pacific, Japan can be a snowy haven for winter sports enthusiasts and a tropical dream for surfing addicts.

The territory is divided into eight regions. From north to south, they are:

  1. Hokkaidō;
  2. Tōhoku;
  3. Kantō;
  4. Chūbu;
  5. Kansai;
  6. Chūgoku;
  7. Shikoku;
  8. Kyūshū;

Each of these eight regions features prefectures, which are smaller administrative jurisdictions or territorial subdivisions.

Japan has 47 prefectures. But if you're a surfer visiting Japan, you should focus on two or three regions and a handful of prefectures.

Hokkaidō Prefecture | Hokkaidō Region

Surfing in Japan: Hokkaidō Prefecture | Hokkaidō Region | Photo: japansurf.com

The Hokkaidō prefecture is the northernmost of Japan's four main islands.

Despite being a popular snowboarding region, you can also find a few wave-riding gems on the west coast facing the Sea of Japan.

Hokkaido is more snowboarding than surfing, with some bitter water and air temperatures in winter.

So, it can be too cold for the average weekend warrior.

But during summer, it could be a superb option because there aren't many local surfers.

Watch out for the icebergs, though.

 

Miyagi Prefecture | Sendai

Surfing in Japan: Miyagi Prefecture | Sendai | Photo: japansurf.com

Welcome to a region known for its powerful, world-class waves.

Sendai has a long surfing history, and the area is famous for having spectacular surf breaks.

At most of the peaks, you'll get overhead waves, but if the ocean's flat, there's always the city for a bit of action.

Further north, winter days can be extremely cold, and you'll definitely need a 5/4 mm wetsuit - or even a dry suit - for the coldest days.

 

Fukushima Prefecture

Surfing in Japan: Fukushima Prefecture | Photo: japansurf.com

Fukushima has a wide variety of beach and reef breaks and delivers consistent waves throughout most of the year.

During wintertime, the water temperatures are extremely low, so grab yourself a warm wetsuit before paddling out.

Localism is a bit heavy around here due to the fact that these surf spots are located near Japan's capital, Tokyo.

Nevertheless, since the tragic 2011 tsunami, the surfing community has dramatically decreased in number, so you'll always find a peak to sit on.

 

Ibaraki Prefecture

Surfing in Japan: Ibaraki Prefecture | Photo: japansurf.com

The region is known for its small-wave beach breaks and wind turbines.

As a result, you'll get lots of wind, which is not always good for the surf. Onuki, for instance, is a longboarder and beginner's heaven.

But if you're on a shortboard, you should definitely travel along the coast in search of hidden gems.

Sooner or later, you'll find a reef break pumping perfect waves.

 

Chiba Prefecture

Surfing in Japan: Chiba Prefecture | Photo: japansurf.com

Chiba is one of the most popular surfing regions in Japan.

It is known for its powerful beach breaks and thundering reef breaks, making it the go-to surf destination in the Land of the Rising Sun.

The area is home to several international surf contests thanks to its consistent swells and highly rideable surf lines.

Chiba can get crowded, especially between August and October, the best time of the year to surf the region.

 

Niijima Island | Tokyo Prefecture | Kantō Region

Surfing in Japan: Niijima Island | Tokyo Prefecture | Kantō Region | Photo: japansurf.com

With clean, crystal-clear water and waves, Niijimia is one of the 12 islands and islets of the Izu Island volcanic chain.

The place has pristine beach break waves during summer, the time of the year when young Japanese party animals visit the island looking for a good time.

Make no mistake. With a good south swell and offshore winds, Niijima pumps flawless barrels.

To access the island, catch the ferry or book a flight from Haneda Airport.

 

Kanagawa Prefecture

Surfing in Japan: Kanagawa Prefecture | Photo: japansurf.com

Kanagawa is located south of Chiba, and it's a famous surfing region because it blends urban life with wave-riding opportunities.

The region offers consistent, small, and fun beach break waves at Kugenuma or Shona, and it can be accessed easily.

Pay attention to the Pacific typhoon season calendar, and work your way up the coast between August and October.

 

Shizuoka Prefecture

Surfing in Japan: Shizuoka Prefecture | Photo: japansurf.com

Shizuoka is a laid-back and rural surf region located south of Tokyo.

It is less crowded than Shonan, but it can deliver better waves, especially when typhoons approach the area.

There are plenty of beach breaks, reef breaks, and river mouths for you to explore here.

 

Wakayama Prefecture

Surfing in Japan: Wakayama Prefecture | Photo: japansurf.com

Wakayama has some of the best reef breaks and point breaks in Japan.

It is one of the favorite regions for the Osaka surfing community, and it always has a perfect empty wave waiting for you.

With a decent swell, the area produces world-class surf.

 

Tokushima and Kochi Prefectures | Shikoku Region

Surfing in Japan: Tokushima and Kochi Prefectures | Shikoku Region | Photo: japansurf.com

Shikoku is the fourth largest island in Japan and is known for its relaxing vibes and big waves.

With a coastline facing southeast, Kochi is the island's main surf center and provides plenty of beach breaks and point breaks.

The Kaifu river mouth is one of the stars of the region and should pump spectacular waves during the typhoon season.

 

Okinawa Prefecture

Surfing in Japan: Okinawa Prefecture | Photo: japansurf.com

Okinawa is a synonym for reef breaks and tropical waters.

It's an island chain comprising more than 150 small islands and islets that will deliver an Indo-like surfing experience.

With the right swell direction, you'll get world-class waves breaking over sharp coral.

This advanced surfing region has warm waters all year round and will allow you to witness American F-16 fighter aircraft flying above you.

You can start exploring the main island of Naha before embarking on a boat trip to the many tropical surfing gems that can be found in the surroundings.

 

Tottori Prefecture | Chūgoku Region | Sea of Japan

Surfing in Japan: Tottori Prefecture | Chūgoku Region | Sea of Japan | Photo: japansurf.com

The Sea of Japan is the epicenter of thunderous winter storms.

So, it is no surprise that it can deliver the goods and produce giant, cold waves. Tottori is where you want to be if you're into big-wave surfing.

Winter swells will also pump some of the biggest barrels Japan has to offer.

The best time of the year to surf the region is between December and April. You'll love the scenery and enjoy the clean local waters.

Top Stories

On March 7, 2024, Cloudbreak delivered one of the most epic swells in Fiji's big wave surfing history.

Is there any correlation between warmer or colder ocean waters and bigger waves? What is the influence of temperature on wave height?

It's one of the world's most out-of-the-radar big waves and certainly one of the most exciting surf breaks in Latin America and the South Pacific. Bienvenidos a El Buey.

Surfing is all about working the unbroken wave face and maximizing riding time. But how can you optimize and balance these two goals that cancel each other out?