Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands) is a scenic beach-break surf spot tied to the island setting near Shimonoseki, with water that is consistently described as exceptionally clear and visually striking. The wave works with North and Northeast swells, typically starting around 1.0–1.5 m and holding up to roughly 2.5 m and beyond during stronger storm/typhoon periods. Sessions are described as offering both left and right waves, with wave quality reported as good. Rides are usually short (< 50 m) but can extend to around 50–150 m on better days. Wind is best when it comes from the South through East—these directions are described as offshore and supportive of clean conditions. Tide is generally workable across all tides, with rising tide often preferred. For safety, the key risk is submerged volcanic rocks, especially to the left of the large rock, and rip currents that can appear during larger swells. Summer also has designated swimming zones (July and August), and lifeguard coverage is described as seasonal, so swimmers and surfers should be mindful of local restrictions and water conditions.
- Exceptionally clear, turquoise water
- Beach-break surfing with both left and right waves
- North/Northeast swell picks up well
- Typhoon swell can significantly improve surf in late summer and autumn
- Exceptionally clear, often highly rated water
- Works with North/Northeast swell and offers both left and right waves
- Often quiet on weekdays
- Submerged rocks (including volcanic rocks) require extra caution, especially near the left side of the large rock
- Rip currents are possible on larger swells
- Summer can be flat unless typhoon swell reaches the Japan Sea
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSE, E
- Offshore directions
- S, SSE, E
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Optimal directions are South, Southeast, and East; winter is associated with more frontal/winter pressure while summer can be lighter.
- Reliability
- Moderate during winter months
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light gusts.
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Hills on the island can create wind shadows in certain directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Also described as medium in some reports; commonly characterized as small in summer unless storm/typhoon swell arrives.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy beach entry at Ohama Beach; instant access reported with car access and a short walk to the break.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy launch; sandy beach entry with instant/near-instant access.
Through the year
Summer (especially July and August) can be peak with tourists/swimmers; surfers are most active in winter.
Typhoon season from late summer to early autumn; also noted as September to October in some surf-specific notes.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A scenic beach break with exceptionally clear water that picks up North and Northeast swells and offers both lefts and rights. Summer can be small/flat unless a typhoon swell reaches the Japan Sea.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Best tide position is described as all tides, with rising tide often favored.
- Shelter
- Exposed — The break is described as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- South to East winds are described as offshore, helping provide cleaner conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- During storms/typhoon swell, waves can grow much larger (overhead possible) and may close out around higher sizes.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality is consistently described as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Also described as ordinary/fun power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Reported as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Reported as medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Short — Normal rides are typically short (< 50 m), with better days producing longer rides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal rides are reported as short under 50 meters; on better days rides are described as roughly 50 to 150 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands) in the full forecast view.
Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–15 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- NE35°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2615 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–2.4 m6s period
- Temperature
- 11–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands) 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 NE. Waves run 0.5–2.4 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- Submerged volcanic rocks
- Rocks (including rocks located at the ends of the beach area)
- Rip current
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Reported as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited (and no dedicated on-beach kite rescue services in the regional context).
- Emergency Info
- In the regional context: 118 is the Japan Coast Guard emergency number; 119 is the primary number for ambulance/fire services, with major medical facilities in Shimonoseki City about 45–60 minutes away.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism is described as none.
Rules of the spot
Caution near submerged volcanic rocks; pay extra attention to the left side of the large rock. Use the rip current only if you are confident and positioned safely.
- Designated swimming zones during July and August.
- Use caution near the rocks, especially to the left of the large rock.
- Rising tide is often described as the best time for surfing here.
- The spot is reported as very quiet on weekdays.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Shimonoseki
- Nearest Town
- Tsunoshima
- Parking
- Public parking is available at Ohama Beach.
- Public Transport
- Access to the island is via the Tsunoshima Bridge; bus services exist from Kottoi Station, but a private vehicle is typically the most practical way to transport gear.
- Access
- Accessible via Route 191 from Shimonoseki, with car access; also described as accessible via the Tsunoshima Bridge on Route 191. Walking distance from the main entry is reported as instant/under 5 minutes.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping sites and small guesthouses are available on the island; nearby accommodation options range from traditional ryokans/minshuku to small hotels and campsites near the coast.
- Food & Drink
- Local seafood restaurants are located near the bridge and main beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is described as limited; some rentals may be available at the beach during peak summer season. Regional context also notes basic equipment rental is available through a few regional schools, but on-island rental is limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An island tourism and surf/wind-sports setting anchored by the Tsunoshima Bridge, with nearby scenic viewpoints and coastal leisure in summer.
A 1,780-meter long bridge offering iconic views of the turquoise sea.
A historic Western-style stone lighthouse built in 1876, still active and open to the public for panoramic views.
A local Shinto shrine representing traditional island culture and history of the Shimonoseki region.
Guided paddling tours popular in summer to explore crystal-clear coves and rock formations.
A famous fish market in nearby Shimonoseki known for fresh pufferfish (fugu) and sushi.
A family-friendly sandy beach with clear water and basic facilities during the summer swimming season.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands)?
The best overall months at Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands) are August, September, October, November. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands)?
Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands) works with S, SSE, E winds. Offshore directions are S, SSE, E.
What skill level is Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands) suitable for?
Tsunoshima (Kanmon Islands) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.