The Surf Window

Tomakomai

Hokkaido, Japan

Beach breakIntermediate

On Hokkaido's Pacific coast southeast of Sapporo, Tomakomai is an industrial port city where Pacific swells deliver beach break to a coastline anchored by one of Japan's largest oil refineries, a raw, industrial-meets-ocean surf experience.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–E 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

NW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Dec

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the coast

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent Pacific beach break in cold water

Hazards

  • •Cold water, 4–14°C depending on season
  • •Industrial area, water quality near the port
  • •The coastline is heavily engineered with sea walls in places

Local Tips

  • •The coast south of Tomakomai toward Cape Erimo has more natural and consistent breaks
  • •Tomakomai is 50 minutes from Sapporo, easy for day trips
  • •Cape Erimo at the southern tip of Hokkaido is one of Japan's most dramatic headlands

Location

Map showing the location of Tomakomai in Hokkaido, Japan

42.6341, 141.6055