Welcome to Japan
Japan is a lesser know destination for a surf trip, however, like most of the worlds best surf towns it sits in the pacific with a wide open swell window, so when there is a cyclone or a strong south swell its likely to see some action. Littered with reefs and points Japan makes an excellent choice for a surf vacation or, if you get skunked, to simply enjoy the culture and other activities that make up the best surf towns.
The best beach towns clearly have consistent surf yet what truly makes the best surf towns is the sum of the parts; great culture, food, locals and heaps of other interesting activity when the surf goes flat.
A Surf Trip in Japan
Just outside Tokyo to the south is the Shonan area. Being so close to a massive city it is reachable by day trip to may folks and can get quite packed, yet it is loaded with reefs up and down the coast that get quite good, in fact much of coastal pacific Japan is.
Getting off the Shonan line from Tokyo you will bump in to Zushi, sound like sushi but it’s a beach and to the north you will find plenty of surf shops and a surf centric culture. In the photo below, find an eager Long Boarder paddling out to some small scale surf near Zushi Beach.
While we were here the surf had just bumped down but a few ambitious warriors pull out their big sticks and SUP’s and snagged a few slides.
The Shonan area of Japan is a hop away from most of Tokyo. Its littered with reefs up and down the coast that can get real good with the right conditions.
I had to capture this photo. This cat was simply stoked. Look at the smile on his face.
Japan: A Coastal Community
Coastal Cottages of Zushi Beach
Surf Trip Feed: Fresh Fish and More
Clearly if you enjoy fish, the Japenesse culture is worth paying a visit the Tsukiji Nippon Fish Port Market is a riot with folks slamming beers, all sorts of street grill ups and rad sushi spots, a true cultural experience.
Tsukiji Nippon Fish Market
Big Tuna Tsukiji Nippon
A street chef gases a diver scallop
Street prepared diver scallop. Tsukiji Nippon Fish Market
Fish and Beer on Ice. The makings of an epic surf trip
Chowder Oysters. There is nothing like a belly full of bad oysters. Risky business
Like all the best beach towns, in Japan you can fine a bounty of grills cooking up fresh food, palms, adirondack chairs and great ocean views to enjoy with an ice cold beer.
The “Surfers” Bar – Restaurant/surf shop is the perfect stop for a cold beer, great food and a stellar view.
You can enjoy the stellar view from the Surfers Restaurant deck.
This Mason Jar Cobb Salad was a great feed post beach or surf session. Keep it clean and Green!
A Unique Experience: Baseball and Tokyo
Running around town you are likely to bump into a baseball game whether a pick-up or at the Tokyo Dome. However, do not have high expectation of the level of play.
Tokyo Dome
Father of Japaneese Baseball
Ueno Park PicK Up Ball Game.
Japan is a great stop on an itinerary just for a goof, the culture is the real gem. If you happen to score some surf….bonus week!!