Surfing in Miyazaki – All You Need To Know
Miyazaki – a spot with WSL pedigree and competition history – is now 100% one of Japan’s premier surf destinations.
It’s littered with offering long, well-exposed beach breaks – plus one or two decent reefs south of town – that work pretty much all year, though, of course, those sought-after typhoon swells deliver the best surf, but even outside of storm season, Miyazaki picks up lots.
I’d say this is among the most consistent surf zones in Japan because it’s got full exposure to the Pacific. Typhoon swells will always be the best, but you can surf lots of days varying from clean NE groundswell in the winter to wind swell slop.
The area has a pretty nice, relaxed surf culture, attracting both local rippers and traveling surfers looking to escape the busier spots in Chiba and Shonan.
I’d get a car and explore everythin from Iibi up to Miyazaki’s urban beaches if you can.
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This guide is just one part of our guide to surf travel in Japan
Where to surf in Miyazaki?
The first beach breaks here extend south from the airport and then you can get beach break after beach break by traveling onwards from there.
A few reefs that love those Aug-Oct typhoon swells break it up and add variety.
We’ll look at it all following north to south.
Kisakihama Beach
Kisakihama Beach is the most reliable surf spot in Miyazaki, offering solid beach break peaks and exposure to swells anywhere between NE and S.
So, it works in a huge range of conditions, making it one of the most consistent spots in the region and actually in Japan as a whole I’d say.
The sandbanks shift regularly, meaning some days offer perfect A-frames, while others can be messy and unpredictable.
The best banks are usually in the middle section of the beach, right infront of those strange concrete breakwaters.
Good SE swells will wedge up nicely, producing fun, rippable peaks with punchy lefts and rights. On its day, Kisakihama can be as good as any European beach break.
The versatility of this spot means you’ll find everyone from beginners to expert shortboarders in the lineup depending on how big it is.
Aoshima Beach
Aoshima Beach is similar to Kisakihama in terms of wave quality, though it tends to be a foot or so smaller, as dominant SE swells have to bend around Aoshima Island before reaching the break.
The standout feature here is Aoshima Island itself, home to a famous Shinto shrine and a long left-hand reef break on the outside.
When conditions align, this can produce one of the longest lefts in Japan, though it’s a bit of a technical wave with a sketchy, shallow takeoff zone.
Uchiumi
Uchiumi is a t high-quality reef break that comes alive when a solid typhoon swell rolls in.
It’s a left-hand reef break that requires a decent level of experience, as the wave can get steep and powerful when it’s pumping.
Because of its more challenging nature, the lineup is often quieter than Kisakihama or Aoshima, with a dedicated crew of locals and experienced travelers.
This is the one you’ve probably seen in those vids of Kelly Slater and the WSL guys in Miyazaki. They came through on a typhoon and ripped this one up.
Ibii Beach
Ibii Beach is the best beginner spot in Miyazaki, sitting 30 minutes south of the city.
It’s a beautiful, protected bay with sandy-bottom waves, making it a favorite for surf schools and first-time riders.
This is one of the most popular places for learning, so expect a friendly, beginner-heavy lineup and the odd flying foamie.
Despite the crowds, there’s usually enough space for everyone, and the scenery alone makes it a great place to paddle out. I’d come here for kicks if it’s a good swell cos I love small wave surfing and that’s that.
When to surf in Miyazaki?
Miyazaki is a year-round surf destination, but the best waves arrive during typhoon season, which runs from July to October.
This is when the powerful Pacific typhoons send long-period swells to the coast, lighting up the beach breaks and reef setups alike. The waves can range from chest and head-high to double overhead, making this an epic season for good surfers, though in my experience there’s a good amount of beginner-friendly days too.
Outside of typhoon season, winter (November to February) offers clean, smaller NE groundswells, which can produce fun, rippable surf at the main beach breaks. This is also a quieter time, with fewer crowds and more glassy conditions. Colder water is the downside.
Spring and early summer (March to June) can be hit or miss, with a mix of small wind swells and occasional solid pulses. However, thanks to Miyazaki’s exposure, there’s almost always something to ride.
One thing we wouldn’t skip on is sunscreen.
I use Suntribe’s blocks because they’ve made a real effort to strip out any unneccessary chemicals.
Plus, they offer Surf Atlas readers 10% off orders with code Surfatlas10.
Where to stay for surfing in Miyazaki?
Miyazaki has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from modern hotels in the city to laid-back surf lodges along the coast. You can base yourself in Miyazaki City for access to Kisakihama Beach and Aoshima, or opt for a more secluded stay along the coastal roads leading south.
- Staying in Miyazaki City – The best option if you want a mix of city life and surf access. Plenty of hotels, restaurants, and bars, plus easy access to Kisakihama and Aoshima.
- Staying south of the city – Ideal for those who want quieter surroundings and direct access to the best surf spots. There are small guesthouses and surf lodges near Ibii Beach and Uchiumi, perfect for surfers looking to be closer to the action. A car would be a gift you go this way.
Here are some of the specific hotels I can reccomend for Miyazaki:
- The Little Garden – A lovely place to stay in the natural surroundings south of the city. Has views of the surf from its windows, a proper Japanese feel, and good access to beginner-friendly Iibi Beach.
- Surf&Turf Aoshima – A two-bedroom, self-catering option that’s close to Aoshima island. Really close to the beach. It’s really cute, too, like a Californian beach house.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
