Fukuoka, Kyushu
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Positives
- Potential good spots
- Uncrowded surf for Japan
- Relatively warm in winter
- Pacific coast proximity
- Cosmopolitan city
Negatives
- Narrow swell window
- Cold winters
- Inconsistent Genkai Sea
- Expensive local costs
- Language barrier
Fukuoka, Kyushu surf travel guide
Fukuoka is situated on the northwest coast of Kyushu, Japan's westernmost island. Its coastline faces the Genkai Sea, a small body of water at the southwest tip of the Sea of Japan. Picking up northerly swells coming out of the Sea of Japan, this narrow swell window is offset by warm water and low crowds, compared to the surf zones further north and offers visitors a real taste of the Japanese surf experience.
Surf spots in Fukuoka, Kyushu
Research the 15 surf breaks in Fukuoka, Kyushu and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Fukuoka, Kyushu.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Fukuoka, Kyushu
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 31,192,000
- Population
- 126,476,461
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- JPY
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 121.36 JPY JPY
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +81
- Dialing out
- 010
- Language
- Japanese
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most countries can visit Japan visa free for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
As a gateway to western Japan, Fukuoka (FUK) has easy access. Flights from all over SE Asia plus connections with South Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. There's a ferry to / from Busan in South Korea. Hakata Station connects Fukuoka to the Shinkansen high-speed rail network.
Getting Around
Renting a car will cost about $300/wk at Tocoo Travel. Fukuoka's efficient public transport provides access by train to breaks north of the city from Shika-no-shima to Tsuyazaki. For west coast breaks between Nishinoura and Keya take the Chikuzen Railway to Imajuku and then take a bus. You can also take buses to get to northern breaks between Tsurigawa and Waita.
Accommodation
Anything from cheap 'capsules' ($40-60/n) to 5-star hotels. Centrally located Khaosan Int'l Hostel in Fukuoka suits the budget traveller. There's a peaceful campsite on Nokonoshima island or near Keya and Iwaya breaks. Try mentaiko cod-roe (spicy fish eggs) or hakata ramen (salty, oily pork noodle soup). Eat out at the night stalls known as yatai, in the Tenjin and Nakagawa districts.
Activities
Visit Dazaifu, Kyushu's old capital: the grand Tenmangu Shrine and the nearby Zen temple contrast differences between Shinto and Buddhist styles. For modern attractions, check out Robosquare near Fukuoka Tower. Don't miss Japan's largest basalt cave, Keya Oto and Uminonakamichi Marine Park. Most mountains are a bit over 1000m high.
Hazards & hassles
Beware of stinging jellyfish in the water in late summer and early autumn. Fukuoka surfers have a reputation for friendliness, but they can become territorial when the surf gets good so always remember to be respectful and wait your turn in the line-up.
Handy Hints
Plenty of surf shops around, but gear is expensive. Better bring your own standard thruster and something for mellow waves. Most of the road signs are in English, but if you don't speak any Japanese, you might have trouble finding your way.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.