Kitaizumi Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Kitaizumi Surf Guide
Fukushima is in Northern Japan, and it will take about 4 hours to drive there on the Jouban Highway ... a never-ending toll road. In 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant – situated around 25 kilometres from the beach – was the site of the worst nuclear accident since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, after it was hit by a devastating tsunami. Kitaizumi reopened to the public in 2019 after a huge decontamination effort. Kitaizumi the area's most popular surf spot. The water is cooler than Shonan and Chiba, but there are seldom crowds here, so you'll catch all the waves you want. South swells work best at Kitaizumi, so plan your visit sometime between spring and autumn. The water can be unbearably cold, requiring a 5-mm suit, gloves, booties, and a hood, though there is a hot spring nearby to warm back up in.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginner to advanced
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Very few locals means you can feel the Japanese country atmosphere.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Crowded in the summer with surfers camping nearby.
Spot Rating
Fun
Depends on the quality of the sandbars but can get good on the right swell.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Some current to contend with based on swell size and direction.
Water Quality
Clean
Depends on rains.
Hazards
Officials say radiation is not an issue but worth noting.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Public parking lot.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
Consistent much of the year.
Do you have local knowledge about Kitaizumi?
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