Hayama
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Hayama is an exposed beach-break area on the Kanagawa coast near Yokosuka, where surfing mainly depends on the right swell and an offshore wind setup. Even in the best month for surfing, it typically only works once in a while, with March showing a very small share of clean, surfable conditions and a higher tendency toward blown-out conditions. For surfing, the most reliable combination is a southwest swell together with north-northeast offshore wind. The break is described as beach-break and exposed, with waves often short and punchy—frequently becoming mushy and potentially closing out as swell builds. During strong events (including typhoon-related periods), conditions can turn heavy and messy. Beyond surfing, the area is strongly shaped by predictable thermal winds in warmer months, typically forming an afternoon sea breeze from the South-Southwest. Wind conditions are described as moderate overall, with typical speeds in the range of about 10 to 20 knots and light gusts; North/Northeast winds are noted as providing cleaner offshore conditions for riding. This wind pattern supports windsurfing and wingfoiling, with several styles reported for both. Safety planning is important: rocks and submerged reefs are hazards, and seasonal beach zones for swimmers and sports apply in summer (typically July and August). Rescue availability is described as limited, but seasonal lifeguards are present during peak summer months. Parking and crowds can be challenging in summer weekends, so early arrival is recommended.
- Offshore north-northeast wind is favorable for surfing.
- Needs a southwest swell for the most dependable surf.
- Afternoon thermal sea-breeze in spring through early autumn supports wind sports.
- Reliable wind/thermal pattern in warmer months supports multiple wind sports.
- Good infrastructure and amenities for wind and water sports, with widely available rentals and repair/gear storage via local clubs and shops.
- Well-known coastal destination with seasonal lifeguard coverage and monitored coastline.
- Surfing works only intermittently and typically needs a strong southwest swell plus north-northeast offshore winds.
- Clean surf conditions are rare in March and blown-out conditions are more common.
- Exposed coast with rocks and (in some areas) submerged reefs; typhoon swells can become messy and heavy.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, N, NE
- Offshore directions
- NNE, NE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Thermal sea-breeze pattern develops on sunny afternoons; summer winds are predominantly South/Southwest.
- Reliability
- Moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Hills behind town can create turbulence and wind shadows during East or Southeast winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Surf is described as small-waves most of the time; bigger swell windows can upgrade conditions intermittently.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beaches at Morito and Isshiki provide ample space for setup.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Extremely crowded on weekends and throughout July and August; quieter on weekdays in the off-season.
June is the peak rainy season; August and September are the primary typhoon months.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is practiced at Morito Beach, while windsurfing is significantly more dominant; best suited to foiling on lighter thermal days.
- Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
A major windsurfing destination with primary hub activity at Morito Beach and consistent sea-breeze conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Extremely popular for relatively flat water inside the bay and consistent light-to-moderate thermal winds; considered foil-friendly.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- Moderate depth is reached quickly from the sandy shore.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach-break that works intermittently. It’s most reliable when there is a strong southwest swell combined with north-northeast offshore wind. Often too small for most surfers outside the larger SW-swell windows.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break.
- Wind Effect
- North or Northeast winds provide cleaner offshore conditions; offshore north-northeast is favorable. Other wind effects were not found for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become messy and heavy during peak typhoon swells; also closes out when swells get too large.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Only intermittently workable; clean surf is rare during March.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Short and punchy beach breaks; waves often close out when swells get too large.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves tend to be short; beach breaks may close out on bigger swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hayama in the full forecast view.
Hayama wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–17 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- N9°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2517 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.4 m7s period
- Temperature
- 13–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Hayama is forecast for daytime winds of 4–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.4–1.4 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Submerged reefs
- Summer crowds
- Jet skis
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are present at major beaches during peak summer months (July and August).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Japan Coast Guard monitors the coastline; ambulance/fire: 119. 118 is used to reach the Japan Coast Guard.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Respect local cultural norms (e.g., cover tattoos in public areas).
Rules of the spot
During the official summer beach season (typically July and August), specific zones are designated for swimmers and sports. Seasonal sport zones; no engine-powered craft in swimming areas.
- Seasonal sport zones
- No engine-powered craft in swimming areas
- Check the local shop flags for wind conditions.
- Use the designated swimmer/sports zones during peak summer season.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Yokosuka
- Nearest Town
- Hayama
- Nearest Airport
- Haneda Airport (HND) ~50 km; Narita Airport (NRT) ~120 km
- Parking
- Several paid parking lots are available near Morito and Isshiki, but they fill up very early on weekends and are expensive during summer.
- Public Transport
- Regular bus services connect the coast to JR Zushi Station and Keikyu Zushi-Hayama Station, with access onward from Tokyo and Yokohama.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available in Hayama and Yokosuka, ranging from guesthouses to luxury vacation rentals.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous high-end cafes and traditional seafood restaurants line the coast.
- Equipment Rental:
- Widely available for windsurfing and SUP at Morito Beach; extensive rental options via beachfront clubs and shops.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by several local clubs on a monthly or annual basis.
- Gear Repair
- Basic sail and board repair services are available at major local shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Hayama mixes an upscale resort feel with established wind and sailing culture, and it’s paired well with nearby coastal sightseeing and short hikes.
Ancient seaside shrine offering iconic views of the torii gate in the ocean with Mount Fuji in the background.
A hub for sailing and luxury yachts, featuring shopping and waterfront dining options.
A distinctive seaside torii-gate viewpoint is part of the local sightseeing landscape.
A memorial site associated with local coastal history is also nearby.
A residence for the Japanese Imperial Family, known for its beautiful surrounding gardens and historical significance.
Shrine and temple visits are part of the nearby coastal sightseeing mix in Hayama and Yokosuka.
A network of trails offering panoramic views of Sagami Bay and the Miura Peninsula.
Trail access and coastal hiking are available in the surrounding Hayama–Yokosuka area.
Famous local pudding shop and cafe with views of the coastline.
Coastal dining and casual eateries are available in the Hayama and Yokosuka area.
Regularly voted one of the best beaches in Japan, ideal for swimming and family picnics.
Coastal walks and scenic viewpoints are available for general family sightseeing in the region.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Hayama?
The best overall months at Hayama are January, February, March, April, September, October, November. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Hayama?
Hayama works with S, SW, N, NE winds. Offshore directions are NNE, NE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Hayama?
Recommended equipment sizes at Hayama: Kitesurfing: 10–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Hayama suitable for?
Hayama suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Intermediate.