Shibagaki (Hakui)
- Freestyle, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Shibagaki is a wide, sandy beach break near Nagate Jima on the Hakui coast, known for consistent surf that starts working below 1m and can hold up to around 2m+ / 6ft+. The waves generally have good quality and peeling character, with rides that are usually short but can reach a longer “good day” length (about 50–150m). Both left and right directions are available, and the spot is described as working across all tides. For wind direction and session cleanliness, offshore winds improve conditions for surfing: west, southwest, and south are described as optimal for cleaner lines. Wind is characterized as a gradient pattern, with steady gust behavior reported. For wind sports, the sandy beach and space for launching are emphasized; kitesurfing and windsurfing are described as beginner-friendly during the peak season, with typical kiteloop sizes and sail sizes varying by season/front strength. Safety considerations are important. Rip currents are specifically noted as a hazard, and the area near Nagate Jima includes rocky outcrops—so riders should keep extra awareness when launching, landing, and choosing wave sets. Rescue availability is described as limited for on-beach wind sport emergencies (maritime safety managed by the Japan Coast Guard), with seasonal lifeguards reported. Winter water temperatures are cold, and winter sessions call for a high-quality 5mm wetsuit or drysuit, plus appropriate cold-weather accessories. Seasonally, Shibagaki’s best surf timing is described as September–October, aligned with typhoon-season swell potential. Weekday crowds are described as few, while weekends can be crowded with visiting surfers. Local guidance highlights that the northern end near the rocks often shapes better waves for surfing.
- Wide sandy beach with easy access near Nagate Jima.
- Works across all tides with good wave quality and consistent fun rides.
- Offshore west/southwest/south winds help keep surfing cleaner.
- Wide sandy beach with easy access for launching and practice.
- Works on all tides and is suitable for all surfer skill levels.
- Good wave quality with consistent, fun rides; also supports wind sports (kitesurfing/windsurfing/wingfoiling).
- Rip currents can occur, especially during higher swell periods.
- Water is cold in winter; winter sessions require proper thermal protection.
- Conditions can become crowded on weekends.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, SW, N
- Offshore directions
- W, SW, S
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Wind described as a gradient pattern (noted as offshore directions improving ride cleanliness for surf).
- Reliability
- Moderate; highly dependent on winter pressure systems from the Sea of Japan.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady.
- Best Months
- September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach composition.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Surf size ranges from starting below 1m to working up toward about 2m+ / 6ft+.
- Launch
- Big — Very wide sandy beach provides ample space for launching and landing.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch and access described as easy/instant from parking.
Through the year
Weekdays generally quiet; weekends can be crowded with surfers from nearby areas.
July–October (typhoon season). Tsuyu rainy season typically mid-June to late July; typhoons can affect the region from August to October.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Reported as a well-regarded kitesurfing spot in the region with plenty of space on a wide sandy beach and a mix of flat water and small ramps.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Highly regarded for windsurfing due to easy beach access and consistent side-onshore winds during peak season; sail size varies by season.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Reported as excellent for wingfoiling thanks to sandy bottom and limited submerged hazards; check depth at extreme low tide near shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly reported.
- Min Depth
- 1.0 meter
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Low-profile sandy beach break with ordinary power and generally good wave quality. Works across all tides, offering both lefts and rights, with short, fun rides that can stretch to 50–150m on good days.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE, NE, NW, WNW, W
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Surf works across all tides.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Nagate Jima can provide some protection near the island; otherwise the beach break is semi-sheltered/exposed depending on conditions.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with offshore winds (west, southwest, south); choppy but rideable with westerlies.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up to about 2m+ / 6ft+ before closing out; can handle around 2m before closing out, with some protection near the island.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good wave quality reported; not described as mind-blowing but consistent and fun.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Ordinary/moderate power; works consistently.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling wave shape reported.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Peel speed reported as slow (surf descriptions vary between slow/medium across providers; kept as slow where explicitly stated).
- Ride Length
- Short — Short, fun rides; short ride lengths usually, with good day length extending.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short (<50m) normally; good day length 50–150m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Shibagaki (Hakui) in the full forecast view.
Shibagaki (Hakui) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–15 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- NNE23°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2615 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–2.9 m5s period
- Temperature
- 8–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Shibagaki (Hakui) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.3–2.9 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
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
- rip currents
- cold water in winter
- rocky area near Nagate Jima
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards reported as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-beach kite/windsurf rescue service; broader maritime safety via Japan Coast Guard.
- Emergency Info
- No dedicated on-beach kite/windsurf rescue service; maritime safety is managed by Japan Coast Guard. For emergencies: dial 119 (ambulance/fire) or 118 (maritime emergencies). Nearest major medical facility: Hakui City Hospital.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism described as mild.
Rules of the spot
Standard water priority rules apply; respect local surfers and designated swimming zones if present during summer.
- Seasonal swimming boundaries may exist in July and August.
- The northern end near the rocks often has the best shaped waves for surfing.
- Winter sessions require a high-quality 5mm wetsuit or drysuit.
- Be cautious around rip currents, especially during higher swell periods.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hakui
- Nearest Town
- Hakui
- Parking
- Car parking required; spot is accessible within 5 minutes by car from the road. Ample parking reported at/near the beach.
- Public Transport
- Access is possible via the JR Nanao Line to Hakui Station, followed by local buses or taxis to the coastal areas.
- Access
- Instant access (<5min driving); take a car to reach the spot near Nagate Jima. Accessible via the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway or local roads from Hakui.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and small hotels are available in Hakui and nearby Chirihama.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and restaurants are located within walking distance of the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental services for surfboards and kite gear are available at local shops near the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Available at select local surf shops.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and kite repairs offered by local shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Hakui’s wider draw blends dramatic Noto Peninsula shoreline scenery with nearby cultural stops and distinctive local experiences.
A quirky local museum focused on space and extraterrestrial themes.
A scenic beach-drive destination in the broader Hakui area.
Japan's only beach where cars and buses can legally drive on the hard-packed sand.
Historic temples and shrine visits are part of the wider Noto tourism circuit.
A major local shrine often included in regional sightseeing itineraries.
A historic Shinto shrine known for its association with finding love and its ancient sacred forest.
A former samurai residence associated with the Kaga domain.
Coastal hiking and landscape exploration are a major draw along the Noto Peninsula's craggy shoreline.
Scenic coastal roads popular for long-distance cycling tours.
Local markets offering fresh crab, yellowtail, and other Sea of Japan delicacies.
Space-themed museum visits are a distinctive family-friendly attraction in Hakui.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Shibagaki (Hakui)?
The best overall months at Shibagaki (Hakui) are September, October.
Which wind directions work at Shibagaki (Hakui)?
Shibagaki (Hakui) works with W, WNW, SW, N winds. Offshore directions are W, SW, S.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Shibagaki (Hakui)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Shibagaki (Hakui): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Shibagaki (Hakui) suitable for?
Shibagaki (Hakui) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Beginner.