Tokyo surf forecast

Surfing in Tokyo

This board groups the three coasts Tokyo surfers choose between on any given day, rather than one stretch of shore. Each faces a different way, so on most swells one of them will be better than the others.

Chiba, about an hour and a half east of central Tokyo, is the most exposed. Its long east-facing beaches around Ichinomiya and Tsurigasaki Beach, the Olympic venue in 2021, pick up both south-east typhoon swell and winter north-east swell. Piers and groynes break the beach into separate banks, so peaks shift with the tide and sand. It is the most consistent option and produces punchy waves on good swells.

Shonan, around an hour from the city on the coast of Sagami Bay, faces south. The bay shelters it from most swell, so waves around Chigasaki are usually small and tidy, which suits beginners and longboarders, and it only gets serious on typhoon swells.

The Izu Peninsula, two and a half to three hours away, has beaches around Shimoda such as Shirahama that pick up swell from several directions and offer gentle conditions for learners on small days, with surf schools and board hire nearby.

The best period overall is late August to October, when typhoon swell arrives; check the track, as close typhoons bring dangerous seas and onshore wind. Winter can be good in Chiba but is often windy. Expect busy lineups, especially at weekends, with an early start the best way to beat the crowds, and follow local etiquette closely.