Best Places for Surfing in Sakawa, Japan

Surfing enthusiasts from around the globe flock to Japan’s beautiful coastline, but one area stands out for its consistently strong waves and ideal conditions: Sakawa. Located on the west coast of Honshu, Sakawa offers a variety of breaks suitable for surfers of all skill levels.

The Perfect Waves

Sakawa’s proximity to the Kuroshio Current ensures that swells from the Pacific Ocean provide a steady supply of quality waves throughout the year. The best time to hit the water here is during winter, when north-westerly winds bring in powerful swell conditions.

Top 20 Places for Surfing in Sakawa

1. Shimokita Beach

   • Known for its consistent 5-6 foot waves, ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.

2. Nikko Bay

   • Offers a mix of beach breaks and reef breaks with waves up to 8 feet high.

3. Kurashiki Point

   • A challenging spot that provides powerful waves suitable for experienced surfers.

4. Shiojiri Beach

   • Features long, hollow waves perfect for carving turns on the face of the wave.

5. Aoba Bay

   • Provides a variety of conditions from small beach breaks to large reef breaks during winter.

6. Higashiura Point

   • A popular spot known for its long and fast waves, especially good in winter.

7. Ishikari Beach

   • Known for its consistent small to medium swells ideal for learning or refining skills.

8. Nishimura Bay

   • Offers a combination of beach and reef breaks with waves ranging from 4-6 feet.

9. Miyazaki Point

   • A challenging spot that provides powerful waves up to 10 feet high during winter.

10. Shibukawa Beach

    • Known for its clean lines and long, fast runs on the face of the wave.

11. Takada Point

    • Provides a mix of beach and reef breaks with waves up to 7 feet high.

12. Nagashima Beach

    • Ideal for beginners due to its gentle swells and smooth rides.

13. Kawachi Bay

    • Known for its consistent small swells, perfect for surfers looking for a relaxed session.

14. Fukushima Point

    • Offers powerful waves up to 8 feet high during winter months.

15. Yokosuka Beach

    • Provides a mix of beach and reef breaks with waves ranging from 3-7 feet.

16. Nishihama Bay

    • Known for its long, fast runs and clean waves, especially good in winter.

17. Kamikawa Point

    • A challenging spot that provides powerful waves up to 9 feet high during peak season.

18. Sakawa Beach

    • Offers a variety of conditions from small beach breaks to larger reef breaks depending on the swell direction.

19. Wakayama Bay

    • Known for its consistent swells and clean lines, suitable for surfers of all levels.

20. Higashiura Beach

    • Provides a mix of beach and reef breaks with waves ranging from 4-6 feet high, ideal for intermediate surfers.

Each of these spots offers unique experiences, whether you're looking to catch your first wave or challenge yourself in the lineup. Sakawa's diverse surfing landscape ensures that there is always something thrilling waiting just offshore.