Surfing in Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia known for their advanced technology, delicious food and friendly people. Recently the japanese surfing scene has been thriving year after year. Japanese surfers are excited to have a good representative on the WSL, Kanoa Igarashi, and to host many important international competitions like a prestigious stop of the WQS and the debut of surfing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Although the country is not famous for their waves there are still lots of surf spots and even world class waves to be enjoyed. There would be even more breaks if the coastal development didn’t destroy some of them. There country has 4 main islands and infinite smaller ones that totalize 29,750km of coastline that can produce a vast variety of surf breaks suiting any kind of surfer. Bathed by the Pacific Ocean to the East and by the Japan Sea to the west there are abundant wind and swell options. The main surfing areas in Japan are Chiba and Miyasaki. The best time to surf in the country is during the typhoon season from August to November. This is when Japan receives constant solid long period swells that can create waves from shoulder high to triple overhead. There are many reasons to visit Japan and now that you know the potential of surfing in the country you can book your next surf trip to the land of the rising sun. Arigato!
Climate in Japan
Although Japan is not a very large country there are 3 weather patterns in this island nation. In the north the climate is cold with lots of snow and ice during the winter. The central region is temperate and almost tropical in the small southern islands. Most of the territory has constant rains that are more abundant between summer and autumn when Japan is striked by torrential storms caused by typhoons. The country is heavily influenced by the monsoon circulation. The best and most consistent time to surf in the country is during the typhoon season that goes from September to November. During winter time (December to April) there are good waves but the water and the weather can be very cold. Spring is from May until June and is probably the worst time to surf. The water temperature changes throughout the year. From April to July and from October to November you will need a 3/2 full wetsuit. August to September is possible to surf in your boardshorts. From December to March it's the coldest time of the year and you will need a 4/3 wetsuit plus booties, gloves and a hoodie.
Best surf spots in Japan
Japan is an island nation composed of 6,852 islands. There are four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. The best surf zones are the prefecture of Chiba and Miyazaki.The most famous surf spots are: Izu Shirohama, Nijima, Sakawaka River, Kugenuma Beach, Yugawara Beach, Ichiyumi Point, Chiba Wada Beach in O’hara, Amami Oshima (Kagoshima), Shonan, Enoshima Beach, Shikoku Island, Okinawa, Isonoura and Bira Reef.
Budget Planning
Meal price range
Simple meals start at $8 USD. Mid-range meals start at $25 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $70-120 USD
Equipment rental
There are a few places where you can rent gear. Boards start at $23 USD for an hour and a wetsuit is $10 USD.
Prepaid SIM cards
b-mobile is a good choice. SIM cards can be purchased from vending machines and staffed kiosks at the arrivals area at Tokyo Narita Terminal 1, but you’ll pay a premium and they can also be found at major electronics stores. One of the easiest ways to get a SIM card is to just include it with your pass purchase.
Note: law changes in 2006 made it difficult for non-residents to buy voice/text-capable SIMs. So you’ll be getting a data-only SIM.
Prepaid packages start at $28 USD.
Public transport
Japan has a comprehensive system of trains to help get you around, for both short and long distances. There is also an extensive network of buses to transport you from A to B.
The Hyperdia Timetable, an online resource, will provide you with a whole range of travel options, including transfers by air, bus, train and ferry between almost any two points in Japan.
Rental cars start at $70 USD per day.
Gas prices
$1.12 USD a liter.
Types of risks
Crowded waves, coral reefs, sharks. Typhoons and earthquakes. .
How to prepare
Visa
Citizens from 66 countries, including EU, US, and Australia, can enter Japan without a visa for up to 90 days.
Vaccines
Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.
Things to know
Language & Currency
The official language is Japanese. You’ll find very few English speakers.
The currency is the Yen (¥)
Best time to go
The best and most consistent time to surf in the country is during the typhoon season that goes from September to November.
Checking Surf forecast
Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.
Do I need pack a pharmacy kit
You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, mosquito repellent and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.
Travel/Surf Insurance
World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.
Emergency
Dial 110 for police. Dial 118 for Coast Guard.
Check surf pictures of Japan at #surfjapan.
