Hayama

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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.
Great for
Surfing shortboardWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing foilWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–28 °C
Water Temperature
5–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 5/3mm or drysuit + Boots, GlovesApr–Oct: 3/2mmJul, Aug, Sep: Rashguard or shorty
Crowds by Season

Extremely crowded on weekends and throughout July and August; quieter on weekdays in the off-season.

Storm/Rain Season

June is the peak rainy season; August and September are the primary typhoon months.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Kitesurfing is practiced at Morito Beach, while windsurfing is significantly more dominant; best suited to foiling on lighter thermal days.

FreerideFoil
Kite Sizes
10–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

A major windsurfing destination with primary hub activity at Morito Beach and consistent sea-breeze conditions.

FreestyleSlalomFreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Beach break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • Seasonal sport zones
  • No engine-powered craft in swimming areas
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Best time to visit: Late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October) for the best combination of pleasant weather and reliable water conditions.
Morito Shrine1 km

Ancient seaside shrine offering iconic views of the torii gate in the ocean with Mount Fuji in the background.

Hayama Marina2 km

A hub for sailing and luxury yachts, featuring shopping and waterfront dining options.

Najima Torii Gate viewregional

A distinctive seaside torii-gate viewpoint is part of the local sightseeing landscape.

Yujiro Ishihara Memorialregional

A memorial site associated with local coastal history is also nearby.

Hayama Imperial Villa0.5 km

A residence for the Japanese Imperial Family, known for its beautiful surrounding gardens and historical significance.

Morito Daimyojin Shrine arearegional

Shrine and temple visits are part of the nearby coastal sightseeing mix in Hayama and Yokosuka.

Mount Sengen Hiking2 km

A network of trails offering panoramic views of Sagami Bay and the Miura Peninsula.

Hayama–Yokosuka hiking trailsregional

Trail access and coastal hiking are available in the surrounding Hayama–Yokosuka area.

Marlowe Hayama1 km

Famous local pudding shop and cafe with views of the coastline.

Hayama and Yokosuka waterfront restaurantsregional

Coastal dining and casual eateries are available in the Hayama and Yokosuka area.

Isshiki Beach0.5 km

Regularly voted one of the best beaches in Japan, ideal for swimming and family picnics.

Hayama–Yokosuka coastal viewpointsregional

Coastal walks and scenic viewpoints are available for general family sightseeing in the region.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.