Called by the Wave to Kochi: One of the best surf points in West Japan
Why is "Kochi" getting attention now?
Kochi Prefecture, located on the Pacific side of Shikoku, is an area that attracts attention from surfers nationwide. The warm climate continues due to the effects of the Kuroshio Current, creating an environment where you can enjoy surfing throughout the year. There are a variety of surf points in the prefecture, from gentle waves for beginners to powerful breaks that senior also groan. It is not related to congestion like urban areas, and the rich local feeling of nature is also an attraction unique to Kochi.
Access from the Kansai area and the Setouchi area is good, about 4 to 6 hours by car, and if you add one day to the weekend, you will realize a fulfilling surf trip. Why don't you choose Kochi as the stage for the next wave ride?
Contents
Top Surfing Spots in Kochi Prefecture
-A unique wave scattered along the coastline
On the coastline of Kochi Prefecture, there are various spots that catch the heart of the surfer. It has different characteristics for each area, and the fun of choosing points according to your level and style is also attractive. Below are some of the most popular spots.
Ikumi Coast [Toyo-cho]
Overview
Ikumi Beach, located in Toyo-cho, the easternmost tip of Kochi Prefecture, is a "sacred place for surfers" known nationwide. Surrounded by a wide sandy beach with a total length of 1 km and rich nature, the diverse wave quality that can be enjoyed from beginners to senior is attractive. The summer, where the tournament is held every week, is particularly busy, and local governments are actively using surfing for community development. Local surfers have been familiar with waves since childhood, and are attracting attention as an environment for nurturing kids and professional surfers. There are accommodations and restaurants around the beach, giving you an open atmosphere where you can experience surf culture.
Location and Topography
A bow-shaped beach stretching north and south with a total length of about 1,000 meters near the border of Tokushima Prefecture. Facing southeast, there is a large rocky area in the center, causing changes in the terrain. Offshore is northwest.
Wave quality and charm
On the right side, the waves are small and for beginners and SUPs. In the center, good-quality breaks are born depending on the terrain, but be careful of rocks. The left on the north side is easy to swell and powerful, popular with intermediate to senior. The condition is stable throughout the year, and many national and local tournaments are held. In summer, waves rise like every day, and it is recommended as a trip destination.
Facility information
There are several paid parking lots. There is a toilet, coin shower / changing room in the parking lot (there is a difference in facilities for each parking lot). Surf shops are lined up, rentals and schools are also available. There are many accommodations and restaurants in the surrounding area, making it highly convenient for a stay base.
Ukibuchi, Nyuno Coast [Kuroshio-cho]
Overview
It is a beach representing Kuroshio-cho, with a vast sandy beach, and is also known as a venue for surfing competitions. Many people come from outside the prefecture, and surf culture is rooted. It also has a face as a stage for regional events. There are many activities related to art and tourism, including the annual T-shirt Art Exhibition, which is held every year, providing a variety of attractions to visitors. It is a unique spot where beginners and families can spend time with peace of mind in a relaxed atmosphere, and you can enjoy both sightseeing and surfing.
Location and Topography
Ukibuchi, an open beach break that spreads out at the mouth of the Fukiage River in Kuroshio-cho, Hata-gun. We pick up swells from southwest to southeast. The Nyuno coast of Long Beach along the pine forest, which is about 2 km long. This picks up the swell from south to east. Ukibuchi and Nyuno Coast are connected across the mouth of the Fukiage River, allowing access to both beaches.
Wave quality and charm
Ukibuchi can also ride long in conditions around the chest. When the condition is in place, high quality wave quality of the tournament scale. On the Nyuno coast, there are multiple peaks throughout the beach, and there are many fan breaks in Melo (serene and gentle waves), making it ideal for beginners and long boards. The peak dispersion is effective and easy to avoid congestion is also safe.
Facility information
roadside rest area Bios Ogata has parking, toilet and coin shower (charged). There is also a foot washing area on the sea side, and you can check in advance with the official live camera of the town.
Futami Coast [Shimanto-shi]
Overview
Located in the southwestern part of Shimanto City, Futami and Hirano Points described below are areas with beautiful location illuminated by the sunset and a history that has been popular with local surfers since ancient times. In addition to surfing, many people visit and combine their face as a sightseeing spot and a surf spot to convey the charm of “a place where life and nature meet”. The surrounding area is dotted with peaceful settlements, and it is also characterized by surfing so that it blends into the daily life of the area.
Location and Topography
Beach break spreading in the bow-shaped bay of Shimanto City's Futaba Sea (surf spot where waves break down on sandy beaches). The southeast is surrounded by rocky areas on both sides, and the offshore is northwest.
Wave quality and charm
Reacts to constant throughout the year and improves the quality from chest to head size. On the other side of the right rocky ground, the light break (the waves collapse at the sea surface) is beautiful, and there are multiple peaks, making it easy to avoid congestion. However, since there are many people on the right rocky ground, beginners who want to practice at their own pace are recommended on the left side.
Facility information
Parking lot, toilet and paid shower are available. It is easy to get crowded in summer. Because the access path is narrow, it is necessary to give up.
Hirano Coast [Shimanto-shi]
Overview
It is a beach break that represents Shimanto-shi, and you can surf even in small conditions. It is also a symbol of Shimanto's surf culture as a place where local locals and visitors interact.
Location and Topography
A vast beach located in the Shimanto City plain. The characteristic is that it receives a direct swell from the open ocean in the southeast direction, and there is always waves. Offshore is northwest.
Wave quality and charm
Waves consistently throughout the year, stable from chest to head size. There are many peaks and congestion can be dispersed, and long rides are also possible. It will also be used as a venue for the conference.
Facility information
Parking lot, toilet and paid shower are available. There are no convenience stores in the surrounding area for both Futami mentioned above, so it is advisable to prepare meals in advance.
Ooki no Hama [Tosashimizu City]
Overview
Located in Ashizuri Uwakai National Park, it is a superb view beach with blue sea and white sand running for 1.5 km. It is highly regarded as a tourism resource, and it is a popular point for surfers to pick up stable swells while visiting families and tourists. It is also a base for environmental conservation activities and sea turtle protection, and it is attractive as a beach where nature and people coexist. There are tourist facilities and hot springs in the surrounding area, and there are elements to further enhance your journey after surfing.
Location and Topography
About 1.5 km sandy beach located in Tosa Shimizu City. To the east, the offshore is west and northwest. The vast location is attractive.
Wave quality and charm
It is sensitive to swells and can be used for long rides in clean conditions. Peaks are dispersed and easy to avoid congestion, but be careful of lip currents (offshore flow). It has a deep pocket that can handle from beginners to senior.
Facility information
Free parking, flush toilet and pay shower are available. The area around the beach is beautiful because of the high awareness of environmental conservation among local people. If you visit not only the beach of Oki but also the sea of Kochi, please actively cooperate with environmental conservation.
+α experience in Kochi
-The charm of Kochi that you can enjoy after surfing -
After getting on the waves, Kochi's unique "the finest countryside, Kochi." The experience is waiting.
Local gourmet
- Hirome Market (Kochi City: skipjack beat / stall village where regional cuisine gathers)
- Suzaki Nabeyaki Ramen Hashimoto Shokudo (Susaki City: popular for morning ramen)
Hot spring / sauna
- Kuroshio Honjin (Kuroshio-cho, open-air bath overlooking the Pacific Ocean)
- Ashizuri Terme (Tosa Shimizu City: fully equipped with sauna and spa)
roadside rest area Local Market
- roadside rest area Bios Ogata (Kuroshio-cho: Sannao City and Morning Market)
- Sunday Market (Kochi City) (Morning Market that lasts more than 300 years)
Camp glamping facility with a view of the sea
- Irino Matsubara Campsite (Kuroshio-cho: adjacent to pine forest and sandy beach)
- glamping Shimanto Star (Shimanto-shi: You can enjoy the stars and waves of the sky)
Model course introduction (1 night, 2 days, 2 nights and 3 days)
ー Weekend Surftrip Model Plan
1 night and 2 days Surfing & Seafood Enjoyment Model Plan (for singles and couples from Kansai)
Flow: Friday night departure → Saturday morning 1st wave ride → Afternoon sightseeing and accommodation → Sunday evening home
Day 1: Saturday (early morning)
Arrival in Kochi (approx. 5 hours by car from Osaka City) → Surfing (Kuroshio-cho: Ukibuchi and Nyuno coast)
Day 1: Saturday (afternoon)
Local seafood gourmet at Taisho Market (about 60 minutes by car from Kuroshio-cho, Ukibuchi and Nyuno coasts)
Day 1: Saturday (night)
Hot spring + accommodation is Kuroshio Honjin (Kuroshio-cho, about 5 minutes by car from Taisho market)
Day 2: Sunday (morning)
Surfing (Floating Kuroshio-cho, Nyuno Coast)
Day 2: Sunday (afternoon)
Lunch at Hirome Market (about 1 hour and 50 minutes by car from Kochi City, Ukibuchi and Nyuno Coast) → Return route
2 nights and 3 days Surfing & Kochi Prefecture Western Enjoyment Model Plan (Family from Kansai)
Flow: Friday night departure → Saturday morning 1st wave ride → Afternoon sightseeing and accommodation → Sunday morning Ichiwari → Afternoon sightseeing and accommodation → Monday evening return home
Day 1: Saturday (early morning)
Arrival in Kochi (approx. 5 hours 30 minutes by car from Osaka City) → Surfing (Shimanto-shi: Hirano Coast)
Day 1: Saturday (afternoon)
40,000 Sogawa Sanri Sinking Bridge Sightseeing (Shimanto-shi, 30 minutes by car from the plain coast)
Day 1: Saturday (accommodation)
Shimanto no Yado (Shimanto-shi, about 5 minutes by car from the plain coast).
Day 2: Sunday (morning)
Surfing (Shimanto-shi: Futami Coast)
Day 2: Sunday (afternoon)
Come in touch with Kochi fish at Aqua Museum Ashizuri Sea Museum SATOUMI. (About 45 minutes by car from Tosa Shimizu City and Futami Coast.)
Day 2: Sunday (accommodation)
Relax with Ashizuri Terme. Take the tiredness of your trip. (Approx. 35 minutes by car from Tosa Shimizu City and SATOUMI)
Day 3: Monday (morning)
Final round at Oki Beach (approx. 25 minutes by car from Ashizuri Terume, Tosashimizu City → return to the afternoon)
Summary / Information link
Kochi Prefecture is a "wave riding heaven" that both beginners and veterans can satisfy. With good access from Kansai and Chugoku regions, it is perfect for surf trips that take advantage of weekends. On the coastline of Kochi, there is surely a "favorite wave" that you don't know yet.
Kochi Prefecture Official Sightseeing Information
・Kochi Travel Net
・A trip to Kochi
・Check it out before you go out! Kochi Live Camera Collection
