The Surf Window

Shakotan

Hokkaido, Japan

Reef breakAdvanced

On Hokkaido's rugged Shakotan Peninsula in the Sea of Japan, this area's cliffs and clear turquoise water are famous throughout Japan, and when Sea of Japan swells arrive, the exposed headlands around Cape Shakotan create powerful reef breaks in one of Hokkaido's most scenic coastlines.

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 to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Rock

Shape

Rights and lefts around the exposed cape

Length

60–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Rocky reef breaks on an exposed cape in cold Sea of Japan conditions

Hazards

  • •Cold water, 3–10°C in winter
  • •Remote cape with limited access
  • •Sea of Japan storms arrive rapidly

Local Tips

  • •Shakotan's sea urchin (uni) is considered the finest in Japan, visit in June–August for the season
  • •The water clarity here is extraordinary, famous for snorkeling in summer
  • •The cape road has dramatic cliff views, one of Hokkaido's great scenic drives

Location

Map showing the location of Shakotan in Hokkaido, Japan

43.3167, 140.4000