Summary
Being so close to Tokyo, the surf in the Chiba prefecture is by far the most accessible hence why it is the number one surfing destination in Japan. It is known for being a swell magnet that provides waves almost all year with only a few flat weeks.
Read: The 10 Best Surf Spots in Asia
The peninsula stretches on roughly 50 km along which you will find several beaches and surf breaks. In summer, most towns offer a very nice vibe and party atmosphere. Furthermore, many surf schools are established in Chiba to help beginners get into the sport.
It is also in Chiba that will be held the first ever surfing contest in an Olympic event in 2020, more specifically at Shida beach which is a pretty controversial decision due to the poor water quality and inconsistent waves.
When to go
The best time to surf in Japan is from September to November since this is right in the typhoon season. The winter months from December to April will have decent conditions with colder temperatures while the summer months will be more inconsistent but still offer surfing opportunities for beginners and long boarders.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers
Air temperature 5°C
41°F12°C
54°F20°C
68°F26°C
79°F20°C
68°F10°C
50°F
Water temperature 15°C
59°F16°C
61°F21°C
70°F25°C
77°F24°C
75°F20°C
68°F
Crowd Few people Few people Fairly crowded Very crowded Fairly crowded Fairly crowded
Swell Consistency 40% 50% 50% 70% 80% 60%
Swell height 5 ft 4 ft 4 ft 4 ft 7 ft 7 ft
Where to stay
Getting there
The Chiba prefecture is located about 50 km east of Tokyo making it easily accessible by public transportation or by car.
Safety/things to know
-Japan can be a pretty expensive country to travel to.
-With the Covid outbreak, read local guidelines before planning a trip.
-English is not widely spoken in Japan.
-Chiba gets very busy in summer
Surf spots in Chiba
Katagai
Kujukuri
Shirako
Ichinomiya
Shida
Onjuku