Kugenuma Beach
Kugenuma is the beating heart of Shonan surf culture, just 40 minutes by train from Tokyo's Shinjuku station. The beach represents Japanese surf history, celebrating the roots of 60s and 70s surf culture with a chill, welcoming community. The waves are small and inconsistent—dependent on typhoon swells—but the cultural significance and accessibility make this a pilgrimage site for any surfer visiting Japan. Views of Mt. Fuji on clear days complete the experience.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (160°)
- Direction range
- 120° - 200°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 10s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 320° - 40°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.2m - 1.2m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
2/10
Crowd level
9/10
👥 Spring Break (Mar 25 – Apr 6) — expect extra crowds
Access: Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Kugenuma-Kaigan station.
Best Season
Peak: Jul-Sep
Secondary: Oct, Nov
Typhoon season only. Often flat outside storm windows.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Katsuura
🐟 Southern Chiba escape • Quality peaks • Famous fishing town
Onjuku Beach
🏖️ Family-friendly vibes • Gentle learner waves • Chiba's chill side
Tsurigasaki Beach (Shidashita)
🏅 Olympic surf venue • Tokyo's premier waves • Japanese surfing capital
Shirahama Beach (Izu)
♨️ Izu Peninsula gem • White sand beauty • Hot springs après-surf
Shizunami Beach
🏟️ New surf stadium zone • Shizuoka quality • Growing scene