Ogi Sado
Niigata, Japan
Beach breakIntermediate
On Sado Island in the Sea of Japan off Niigata, Ogi faces south and west into the open Sea of Japan, where winter storms generate swells that reach the island's more exposed coasts and create surf on one of Japan's most culturally extraordinary islands.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 1.5–2.5m at 10–14s
Wind
SE
Light to E under 15 knots
Tide
Mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
Nov–Mar
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Beach and reef break
Bottom
Sand and rock
Shape
Peaks on the exposed western coast
Length
60–120m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
- •Why: Remote island location in cold Sea of Japan conditions requires experience
Hazards
- •Cold water, 4–10°C in winter
- •The island ferry stops in severe weather, getting stranded is possible
- •Remote coastline with limited assistance
Local Tips
- •Sado Island was Japan's exile destination for undesirables, emperors, Buddhist monks, and Noh drama artists were sent here, creating extraordinary cultural depth
- •The Kodo drum ensemble is based on Sado, their Earth Celebration festival in August is world-famous
- •Sado's Nishimikawa Gold Mine was the richest in Japan, extraordinary museum
Location
37.8167, 138.3000