Japan is an East Asian island country with tourists hovering everywhere all year round. There are a number of historical destinations to visit and a number of exciting activities to engage in, including climbing Mt. Fuji, attending a Sumo show or a cherry blossom festival, enjoying Tokyo’s nightlife, or braving the chills and going surfing. Japan, in fact, features some surfing spots which are as amazing as any other spot in the USA or Australia. If you want a perfect surfing experience in Japan, then you have got to know which are the best times to find the best waves in a particular spot along 3,000 kilometre-long (1,864 miles) coastline. Check out the best surf spots in Japan below.
1. Kamakura, Kanagawa
Kamakura is a city in the south-west coast of Kanagawa Prefecture south of Tokyo, with beaches such as Yuigahama and Enoshima. Comprising some of the most accessible beaches, offering numerous marine sports activities, and teeming with more than a hundred Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines, Kamakura stands out as a historically rich and amusing tourist destination. There are shops along the seaside which provide surfing gear and also training to amateur surfers. A mesmerising glimpse of Mt. Fuji is promised to surfers along the beaches.
2. Uchiura Bay, Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the second-largest island in Japan. The summer months between August and November are the best time to go surfing at Hokkaido, as this is when typhoon swells mostly uncover themselves in the Pacific Ocean, thus giving the east coast, including Uchiura Bay, some good waves. Hokkaido, being extremely cold especially during the winters, is generally empty with only regular local surfers hovering around. So, if you are as enthusiastic a surfer as these locals, then you are going to love the peace and quiet of this beach.
3. Shirahama Beach, Shizuoka
Shirahama Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Tokyo to not only surf but also swim. The sand dunes are not harsh and course and the water is crystal clear. Summers are the best time to surf or swim here. You can come here with your family and friends and have a good time. You will find the beach packed with crowds most often than not. Do not worry if you don’t have a surfing board on you–you can easily rent gears from in and around the beach.
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4. Oarai, Ibaraki
Ibaraki in Oarai has sandy beaches stretching across miles. Ibaraki is known for its ISU Ibaraki Surfing Classic (surfing competitions) owing to its popular beaches. August is a great time to surf the beaches out here. Several other kinds of water sports are also very popular around this region because some of the beaches are quite shallow. These spots are also great for sunbathing and swimming,
5. Shinko, Sendai
Shinko, one of the most amazing entertainment spots in Sendai offers great waves to surfers, especially between Spring and Autumn (March to November). The region is known for its fantastic surf breaks. The waves on the beaches of the Shinko area can be massive at the breaks. However, during the winter months, the waves are much smaller; they are fun and enjoyable nonetheless.
6. Kamogawa, Chiba
Kamogawa is only a short distance away from the south of Chiba. The city is usually quiet crowded and invites plenty of surfers (both locals and tourists), owing to its accessible location. Prominent beach breaks such as Shonan and Kugenuma make Kamogawa a fun place to be at. The summer months offer the best waves. The waves are moderate but it does pull in a lot of crowds.
7. Gobo, Wakayama
Gobo in Wakayama is not usually too crowded and the waves are not massive. Those who want to avoid the crowd while surfing will enjoy at the beaches here. The best time to surf here, similar to most other beaches in Tokyo, is during the summer months. Reef breaks are pretty common in this region so frequent small waves will mostly be available.
8. Kamioka, Fukushima
The surfing population in Fukushima is pretty sparse so you can enjoy surfing in seclusion. During the winters, the water will be chilly so it is advisable to carry proper wetsuits and gear before you get on board. Breaks are plentiful in the beaches of Kamioka. You can choose between reef and beach breaks. The wave quality is moderate in nature but is pretty consistent all year round.
9. Aha Point, Okinawa
Aha Point in Okinawa is a low-tide spot and hence, more often than not, pretty crowded. The swells in the beaches out here are pretty unpredictable; however, the right swells do come through, offering opportunities for awesome surfing experiences. Consider surfing out here only if you are a professional surfer, as you will face quite sharp reef breaks. The best part about surfing in Okinawa is that the water on the beaches around here remain warm for most of the year.
10. Aoya (Tottori), Japan Sea
The quality of the waves in the Japan Sea is tremendous. The winter swells are massive so if you are willing to be tested by the cold and chilling waves, then you must surf out here. Several local surfers and even professional surfers from outside enjoy the waves, between the months of December and April. In fact, in the Japan Sea in Ayoa, summer months are not the best time for surfing. Do carry your wetsuits and gloves to brave the snow.
The best unconventional surfing spots to lose yourself in
You thought wrong if you thought that countries like the USA and Australia are your only bets for when you want to experience the best surfing. The beautiful and massive coastline of Japan has you well-covered. The list above will help you figure out which place has the best waves and when so that you don’t waste time and energy at the wrong places at the wrong time. You will find a number of local surfers (and some outsiders too) braving the chills and the waves.
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