Kurihama (Yokosuka)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Kurihama is a low-profile, exposed reef break near the mouth of Tokyo Bay in Yokosuka. It is described as not working very often, with clean, rideable waves dependent on a specific swell-and-wind combination rather than any everyday pattern. When conditions line up, it can provide short, peaky rides over reef and sand sections. For surfing, the best setup is reported when a south swell combines with northwest wind offshore. Northwest is therefore the key wind direction for grooming, while south winds can turn onshore and reduce the quality. Even in favorable windows, the spot is described as fickle and inconsistent, and clean surfable conditions are reported to occur only a small fraction of the time in April. Safety is a central concern: rocks and submerged reef are hazards, and the area is adjacent to ferry/ship lanes. Riders are advised to stay clear of ferry lanes and shipping-channel areas, and to watch for boat wakes that can create unpredictable surges. Strong tidal currents are also noted in the vicinity (especially near the ferry terminal), which further increases the need for controlled, careful water entry and exit. Seasonally, spring—particularly April—is highlighted as the main period for better wave and wind patterns. Wetsuit guidance points to spring neoprene use (with boots and gloves recommended in the available material), and the overall vibe is calm/uncrowded, making it a niche option for surfers comfortable with exposed reef setups who can wait for the right conditions.
- Exposed reef setup with inconsistent but potentially clean waves when the south-swell plus northwest-offshore wind alignment hits.
- Rarely crowded.
- Rocks/submerged reef hazards and ferry-lane restrictions near the Uraga Channel.
- Quiet/rarely crowded when it does work.
- Best surf setup is described as south swell combined with northwest offshore wind.
- Spring (especially April) is repeatedly cited as the most promising period.
- Works infrequently; conditions are very timing- and swell-dependent.
- Exposed reef break with rocks and submerged reef in the lineup.
- Nearby ferry traffic and shipping-channel lanes add serious hazards and distractions.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, N
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal passages are described as the main driver of wind patterns at Kurihama (winter/early spring).
- Reliability
- Low; dependent on specific weather systems and swell setup.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported during frontal passages.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April
- Shadow Zones
- Some shelter from southwest winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with rocky areas/reef sections affecting lineups and launches.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small waves most of the time; working swell height reported as about 1.0–2.0 meters.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach primarily, but riders must be cautious of rocky outcrops on either side and submerged reef sections.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Caution required due to rocky outcrops and submerged reef; ferry-lane proximity adds operational complexity.
Through the year
Rarely crowded; slightly more locals during rare good swells.
June rainy season (Tsuyu) and August–October typhoon season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Not a primary windsurfing destination compared with nearby options, but rideable during strong northerly or southerly winds; expect chop rather than flat water.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
Possible when wind is sufficient, but rocky sections and ferry traffic require caution.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Shallow reef/rock areas limit consistent foil riding.
- Min Depth
- Requires walking past shallow reef and rock sections.
- Wing Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
An exposed reef break that does not work very often; best chance of clean waves when a south swell wraps with northwest offshore wind.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Exposed overall, but with some shelter effects depending on wind direction.
- Wind Effect
- Northwest wind is reported as offshore and can groom waves; southwest wind may offer some shelter. Onshore with south winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds moderate size, but can become messy if the swell is too direct from the bay entrance.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Reported as moderate power; often inconsistent.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Peaky, slow peeling sections over reef/sand.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short, peaky rides over the reef and sand sections.
- Ride Length Details
- Short, peaky rides over reef and sand sections.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kurihama (Yokosuka) in the full forecast view.
Kurihama (Yokosuka) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–18 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- NNE12°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2518 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.3 m6s period
- Temperature
- 14–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kurihama (Yokosuka) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.4–1.3 m with a period of about 6s. 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 reef
- Heavy ferry traffic / ferry lanes nearby
- Strong tidal currents
- Rocks and submerged reef sections
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
Rules of the spot
Stay clear of ferry lanes and shipping channels of the Uraga Channel.
- Ferry lane proximity
- Best conditions are reported with a south swell combining with northwest offshore wind.
- The spot works infrequently, so timing matters.
- Watch for boat wakes that can create unpredictable surges.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Yokosuka
- Nearest Town
- Kurihama
- Nearest Airport
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) ~45 km away
- Parking
- Public parking available near the beach and ferry terminal.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via the Yokosuka/Kurihama rail network; rail access via Keikyu Main Line and JR Yokosuka Line with local buses to coastal areas.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels and guesthouses available in Yokosuka and near the Kurihama ferry port.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance of the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental for windsurfing, wingfoiling, and SUP is described as widely available through specialized shops along the coast.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Kurihama area mixes maritime history and waterfront recreation, with nearby parks, historic sites, and local food options.
A large park known for seasonal flower displays (including poppies and cosmos) with a Godzilla-themed slide.
Coastal area in Yokosuka with nearby access to the broader Miura Peninsula visitor circuit.
Commemorates the 1853 landing of Commodore Matthew Perry, with a memorial monument and museum.
The only natural island in Tokyo Bay, with historic Meiji-era brick fortifications and tunnels.
Scenic ferry crossing connecting Kurihama to Kanaya on the Boso Peninsula.
Local restaurants serving the historic 'Navy Curry,' associated with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Waterfront park popular for BBQ, fishing, and skateboarding with views of the bay.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Kurihama (Yokosuka)?
The best overall months at Kurihama (Yokosuka) are April. The best wind months are January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Kurihama (Yokosuka)?
Kurihama (Yokosuka) works with NW, N winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Kurihama (Yokosuka)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Kurihama (Yokosuka): Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4.5–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Kurihama (Yokosuka) suitable for?
Kurihama (Yokosuka) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.