Surfing in Miyazaki: the best beaches, seasons and lessons

Miyazaki is one of the best places to surf in Japan. Its long Pacific coastline picks up swell for much of the year, the water is warm by Japanese standards, and the surf culture is relaxed and friendly. In 2019, the ISA World Surfing Games were held at Kisakihama, just south of Miyazaki city. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, here is what you need to know.

The best beaches

• Aoshima Beach: next to the island of Aoshima, with gentle waves on smaller days, which makes it a good place to learn. Surf shops, cafés and the train station are close by.
• Kisakihama: a long beach just north of Aoshima, with consistent beach breaks and plenty of space. It is the area’s best-known surf spot.
• Uchiumi and the Nichinan coast: further south, quieter spots with reef and point breaks for experienced surfers.
• Okuragahama, Hyuga: a curving beach of about 4 km in the north of the prefecture, with good waves and a strong local surf community.

When to surf

You can surf in Miyazaki all year. Summer, from July to September, has the warmest water, and a spring suit or boardshorts are enough. The biggest and best waves often come in late summer and autumn, when distant typhoons send swell to the coast, but a typhoon close by makes the sea dangerous and the beaches close. In winter, the water is cooler and you will need a full wetsuit, but the crowds are gone.

Lessons and rentals

Surf schools around Aoshima and Kisakihama run lessons for beginners, usually lasting two to three hours, with a board and wetsuit included. Many instructors speak some English, but check when you book. Experienced surfers can rent boards and wetsuits from surf shops by the beaches.

Safety

• Watch for rip currents, especially on the long beach breaks. If you are caught in one, paddle sideways, parallel to the shore.
• Do not surf when a typhoon is near, and obey closures and flags.
• Respect the local surfers: wait your turn and do not drop in on someone already riding a wave.
• If you feel a strong earthquake on the beach, leave the water at once and head for high ground.

Tips

• Stay near the beach in Aoshima for an early session. See where to stay.
• After surfing, refuel with chicken nanban. Read our guide to what to eat in Miyazaki.
• Check the best time to visit for the seasons and typhoon risk.