Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo) is an exposed Pacific beach break known for generally reliable surfing conditions in Shikoku. The wave setup commonly provides both left and right-hand waves, with quality improving when the swell arrives from the east to east-southeast and the wind comes from the north-northwest/NW offshore directions. Low tide is repeatedly highlighted as a key factor for getting the best on-the-beach shape. For smaller days, the surf is often described as soft and rolling (a good match for less aggressive progression). As swell builds—particularly during the typhoon season—conditions can become more powerful, with hollow/wilder characteristics reported during larger systems. Sources also note that the break can sometimes close out on very large swells, depending on sandbar behavior. Wind reliability is described as quite reliable by one source, with typical usable wind reported around 10–20 knots. Offshore NW/N-NW winds are emphasized for grooming the waves; by contrast, east winds may make conditions choppier. Seasonal peaks are associated with the period leading into and including typhoon activity, with best months most often cited around September and October in addition to a broader summer-to-autumn window. Safety-wise, the beach can attract crowds—especially on weekends—and rip currents are a notable hazard, particularly near the river mouth and during larger swells or stormy conditions. Swimming-area restrictions during July–August may limit where you can surf, and lifeguards are only present seasonally at designated areas.

  • Exposed beach-break with both left and right waves
  • Offshore NW/N-NW wind improves surf
  • Often best at low tide
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • One of the more reliable beach-break options in the region with year-round surf.
  • Both left and right-hand waves.
  • Best conditions commonly come from east-to-southeast swells combined with NW/N-NW offshore winds, ideally around low tide.
  • Amenities and access are straightforward (parking, toilets; and additional facilities are available nearby).
Heads up
  • Exposed location makes it sensitive to wind and swell direction.
  • Can be crowded, especially on weekends and during peak summer/holiday periods.
  • Rip currents can occur, particularly near the river mouth and during larger swells.
  • During July–August, designated swimming areas may restrict surfing zones.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW
Offshore directions
NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — N to NNW gradient/offshore pattern; also described as mixed by one source.
Reliability
quite reliable
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Light gusts reported by one source.
Best Months
October

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Also described as medium; swell can become powerful during typhoon events.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach entry across the bay is reported.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Easy entry from a wide sandy beach.

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
Mar–Oct: 3/2mmJan–Dec: 5/4mmJun, Jul, Aug: boardshorts or rashguards
Crowds by Season

Peak crowds in July and August and during weekend holidays throughout the year.

Storm/Rain Season

Typhoon season runs roughly August through October; rainy season can run June to early July.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break with both left and right-hand waves. Tends to be most favorable with an east-to-southeast swell paired with NW/N-NW offshore wind, and is often best at low tide.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
ESE, E, S, SE
Swell Height
0.6–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Another source indicates mid tide can work.
Shelter
Exposed — Open coastline exposure.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the north-northwest/NW groom the waves; east winds can create choppier conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can hold typhoon swells at times, but may close out when swells exceed about 3 meters.
Wave Quality
Good — Good to very good across typical conditions; one source rates it good.
Wave Power
Soft — Soft/rolling on smaller days; can become powerful and hollow during typhoon-season swells.
Wave Shape
Mushy — Peeling on average conditions is also reported; typhoon-period waves can become hollow.
Peel Speed
Slow — Also described as medium by another source.
Ride Length
Medium — Rides reported between 50 and 150 meters depending on sandbar configuration (typical ~100 m).
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Waves typically provide rides between 50 to 150 meters depending on sandbar configuration.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo) in the full forecast view.

Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–9 ktsGusts 18 kts
Direction
NW319°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 259 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–2.3 m8s period
Temperature
10–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.5–2.3 m with a period of about 8s. 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

  • rip currents
  • crowds
  • designated swimming areas during peak summer months (July–August) may restrict surfing zones
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported for the wider area during peak periods at designated swimming areas.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is limited; coast monitoring may be available.
Emergency Info
Emergency services can be reached at 119.
Localism / Vibe
None — One source describes localism as none; another describes mild localism.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies. Respect local priority and keep the beach clean.

Restrictions
  • Designated swimming areas during peak summer months (July–August) may restrict surfing zones.
Local Tips
  • Low tide is best.
  • Northwest offshore wind improves conditions.
  • The nearby river mouth can affect water clarity and sandbar shapes after storms.
  • On weekends it can get crowded due to visiting surfers.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Tokushima
Nearest Town
Kaiyo
Parking
Parking facilities available near the beach/roadside station; about 1,000 yen per day (reported).
Access
Open 24/7; accessible by car via Route 55 with parking available near the beach/roadside station.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Japanese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Restaurant
Accommodation
Nearby town — Several surf-oriented guest houses and a hotel with an onsen are within walking distance of the beach.
Food & Drink
Local restaurants and a roadside station nearby offering local seafood.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is available at local surf shops near the beach.
Gear Repair
Basic board repairs available at local surf shops.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo)?

The best overall months at Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo) are July, August, September, October. The best wind months are October.

Which wind directions work at Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo)?

Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.

What skill level is Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo) suitable for?

Shishikui Beach (Kaiyo) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.