Kainokawa (Tosashimizu)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Kainokawa (Tosashimizu) is a left-hand point break that’s described as powerful and fun when it’s working. It’s typically associated with larger, south-to-south-east swell energy (often typhoon-driven in late summer and early autumn), and the wave can hold up well once formed. The break setup is notably rocky. Access is from a boulder-strewn shoreline, with careful navigation required due to large boulders, sharp rocks, and sea urchins. Hazards are a core part of the experience here, and the spot is also described as having strong currents during larger swells—rip currents may form along the point. Wind can strongly affect wave face quality. Offshore winds from the north and north-west are described as grooming the wave, while wind reliability is reported as low overall. For planning, the spot’s best betting window is reported as August through October (with the wider peak season also stated as July to October), when swell and winds are more likely to align. Local guidance emphasizes preparation and community etiquette: check the wave from the road before committing, use a car for practical access, and respect the lineup by waiting your turn. There is no lifeguard presence reported at the spot, and entry during extreme weather/typhoons may be restricted; no designated swimming area is also noted.
- Left-hand point break with powerful, fun waves
- Typhoon-driven south swells can create the best conditions
- Offshore north/north-west winds described as grooming the face
- Roadside visibility and quick walking access when breaking
- High-quality left-hand point break that can deliver powerful waves.
- Often visible from the road during break conditions; instant coastal access once on-site.
- Typhoon season can produce sought-after south swells with longer, high-quality rides.
- Requires significant swell to work properly.
- Rugged rocky shoreline with hazards including sea urchins and strong currents on bigger swells.
- Wind reliability is described as low for the spot.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, W, NE
- Offshore directions
- N, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Seasonal gradient winds with variability reported; wind reliability reported as low.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- The point can be sheltered from certain wind angles by the local terrain.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky/boulder-strewn shoreline.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Works from around 2–2.5m and can build substantially during typhoon-driven swell.
- Launch
- Small — Roadside access with instant access when surf is breaking; launch from a rocky shoreline requiring careful navigation.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Gemini describes launch difficulty as difficult due to rocky navigation; Perplexity describes moderate launch difficulty.
Through the year
Typically quiet with few surfers; can become busier with locals during major swell.
Typhoon season peaks from August through October; typhoon swells are a major driver of surf quality in late summer and early autumn.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A left-hand point break over boulders that is sought after for powerful, quality waves when swell and wind align. It can become a typhoon-driven surf spot during late summer/early autumn.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 2–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Best tide position is reported as all tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Reported as exposed to the elements at the point.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the North and North West are described as grooming the wave face for cleaner conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds large swells well; specifically sought after for typhoon-generated south swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good to powerful and fun when working.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling wave face reported.
- Ride Length
- Short — Normal rides are reported short (< 50m), with better-day rides extending to 50–150m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal rides are described as short, under 50 meters; optimal days can produce medium to longer rides.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kainokawa (Tosashimizu) in the full forecast view.
Kainokawa (Tosashimizu) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–15 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- SSW209°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2715 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–2.8 m8s period
- Temperature
- 12–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kainokawa (Tosashimizu) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.6–2.8 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- Boulders
- Sea urchins
- Sharp rocks
- Strong currents
- Localism
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are located in Tosashimizu city center.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Sources indicate a sensitive spot with a strong local community.
Rules of the spot
Respect local surfers and wait your turn in the lineup; this is described as a sensitive spot with strong local community presence.
- No designated swimming area.
- Restricted access during extreme weather/typhoons.
- Follow the coast road; when it is breaking, you can see it from the road.
- Use a car for access and check the wave from the road before committing.
- Check the forecast for large south swells, as it often remains flat without significant energy.
- Wear booties to protect against sea urchins and the rocky bottom.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tosashimizu
- Nearest Town
- Tosashimizu
- Nearest Airport
- Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking is available; ensure you do not block traffic or local access.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via road and local bus connections within southwestern Kochi; alternatively, rail to Nakamura Station followed by local buses or rental cars.
- Access
- Follow the coast road (National Route 321). When it is breaking, the wave can be seen from the road; car access is practical with instant coastal access.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and small hotels are available in the Tosashimizu and Ashizuri areas.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and convenience stores are located a short drive away in Tosashimizu.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear is primarily available through surf shops in the broader Kochi/Nakamura area rather than at every individual beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rugged coastal destination in the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park area, shaped by nature tourism and warm ocean conditions influenced by the Kuroshio current.
A protected national-park coastal landscape that shapes the region’s tourism identity.
The southernmost point of Shikoku featuring a lighthouse and 80-meter high cliffs.
Temple 38 of the 88 Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, located at Cape Ashizuri.
Coastal sightseeing and nature-based exploration are major draws in the broader Tosashimizu area.
Glass-bottom boat tours and underwater observation of coral reefs.
Famous for Shimizu Saba (mackerel) and locally caught seafood.
A small local aquarium showcasing the marine life of the Tosa Bay.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Kainokawa (Tosashimizu)?
The best overall months at Kainokawa (Tosashimizu) are July, August, September, October. The best wind months are August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Kainokawa (Tosashimizu)?
Kainokawa (Tosashimizu) works with N, NW, W, NE winds. Offshore directions are N, NW.
What skill level is Kainokawa (Tosashimizu) suitable for?
Kainokawa (Tosashimizu) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.