Surrounded by stunning forests, and towering mountains, the white sands, of Shimoda are home to some incredible surf beaches. As well as impressive waves and plenty of space, the ocean water in Shimoda has been verified grade A-AA by the prefectural water examination committee, making the town one of the best surfing spots in Japan, if not Asia. Thanks to its position on the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, the Shimoda beaches capture west, south, and east swells making it possible to surf all year round. Here are some of the beaches you can’t miss if you’re hoping to take advantage of the area’s surfing opportunities.
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Iritahama Beach Shimoda
![Iritahama Beach Shimoda]()
Iritahama Beach Shimoda
With its sparkling blue water and great waves, Iritahama Beach is an excellent place to stop off and get a little surfing in while hanging out in Shimoda. This local favorite is relatively quiet during the off peak season but is popular with visitors and Shimoda regulars during peak season although it never feels too crowded, making it the ideal spot to try out your surfing ability without worrying about suffering a surfing collision. Located about 3.5kms from the station the best way to get there is via car or taxi, however if you are going via public transport there are buses. It’s recommended you check the schedule ahead of time to avoid long waits.
- Nabetahama Beach
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- Shimoda City Shizuoka Prefecture 5 chome
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Tatadohama Beach Shimoda
![Tatadohama Beach Shimoda]()
Tatadohama Beach Shimoda
If you ask locals their tips on the best surfing spots in the area, chances are you’ll hear the name Tatadohama Beach pretty often. When you arrive at this popular surfing hub you’ll come across a stack of campervans and cars jammed full of boards and surfing gear. Take this as an unofficial sign for ‘surfing hotspot’. The clean and spacious shore is vast so if you need to take a little break and set up a beach camp, there’s always plenty of space. Located just a stone’s throw from Iritahama Beach, it’s a tidy little 3.5kms from the main station.
- Nabetahama Beach
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- Shimoda City Shizuoka Prefecture 5 chome
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- 0558221531
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- [Monitoring/medical station …
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Kisami Ohama Beach Shimoda
![Kisami Ohama Beach Shimoda]()
Kisami Ohama Beach Shimoda
Shimoda has no shortage of stunning surfing beaches and Kisami Ohama is another to tick off your list. Pearly white sand dusts the shoreline while the sparkling clear waves provide ideal conditions for catching a few throughout the year. Given its relaxed vibe, many consider it to be more of a family style beach so if you’re looking for somewhere to teach the young ones how to surf, look no further. From Shimoda Station it will take you about 7 minutes by car and 13 minutes by bus.
- Kisami Ohama Beach
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- Shizuoka Pref. Shimodashi Kisami
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Shirahama Beach Shimoda
![Shirahama Beach Shimoda]()
Shirahama Beach Shimoda
Once you visit you’ll realize there’s a reason why Shirahama is Shimoda’s most popular swimming beach, but it’s also a fantastic surf spot too! Stretching an impressive 800 meters long, and home to some decent waves, it’s a true Shimoda icon. Located about 5kms east of Izukyu-Shimoda Station, the beach also has plenty of stores, restaurants, and surf rental shops ready to supply you with everything you need.
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Real Surf Shop Shimoda
![Real Surf Shop Shimoda]()
Real Surf Shop Shimoda
Of course if you’re travelling and want to go surfing you’re going to need to rent some gear. Given the area’s love of the surf there are plenty of rental places in the area, however if you want a more English friendly spot you can’t go past Real Surf Shop. Located near some of the area’s hottest surf beaches, here you can grab everything you need for a day catching waves. Also if you’re a beginner the team also runs regular surfing lessons to help you brush up on your skills. Visit the website and contact the friendly staff.
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