The Surf Window

Fukaura

Aomori, Japan

Beach breakIntermediate

On Aomori Prefecture's Shirakami coast, Fukaura faces the Sea of Japan where winter northwest storms deliver powerful, cold swells to a coastline adjacent to the UNESCO Shirakami-Sanchi beech forest, Japan's most remote and primal surf environment.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 1.5–3m at 10–14s

Wind

SE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand and rock

Shape

Multiple peaks along the exposed coast

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Cold, powerful Sea of Japan conditions in a remote setting

Hazards

  • •Very cold water, 3–10°C in winter
  • •Shirakami winter weather is extreme
  • •Very remote, limited assistance

Local Tips

  • •Shirakami-Sanchi UNESCO beech forest is one of Japan's greatest wild spaces, primeval forest
  • •The Juniko (Twelve Lakes) in the forest have extraordinary blue water from ancient geology
  • •Aomori city (2 hours north) has Japan's finest apple culture and extraordinary Nebuta Festival in August

Location

Map showing the location of Fukaura in Aomori, Japan

40.6473, 139.9275