Shikoku
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Positives
- World-class rivermouth waves
- Warm water in the surf season
- Laid-back ambience
- Amazing cultural experience
Negatives
- Inconsistent rivermouth swells
- Flat winters
- Relatively wet climate
- Very high living costs
Shikoku surf travel guide
Amongst the best places in the country to head for is Shikoku, Japan’s fourth largest island. Shikoku is made up of four provinces and exudes quintessential Japan; water gardens full of temples, traditional fishing harbours, and crystal clear rivers meandering through open countryside. The exposed SE facing coastline crosses the Kochi and Tokushima provinces, where the abundant rainfall feeds numerous rivers. When these rivers spill into the sea, they help to form decent sandbanks for the typhoon generated swells to break on, resulting in some grinding righthand rivermouth breaks.
Surf spots in Shikoku
Research the 10 surf breaks in Shikoku and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 10 breaks in Shikoku.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Shikoku
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Shikoku.
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
The quickest but not necessarily the cheapest way of getting to Kaifu is by flying to Osaka and getting the ferry from Nanko to Kannoura, an uncomfortable 7hr journey.
Getting Around
Shikoku Trains run along the coast but are frequently packed. A rental car costs about $250/w and fuel is around $1.20/l. If you can’t read Japanese then driving yourself around will be a nightmare. You usually have to pay to park at the beach.
Accommodation
Japan is ultra-expensive so avoid Osaka and the big cities. Hostels are about the cheapest accommodation (fr $25/n for a dorm bed!). Minshukus are family guesthouses, and are a much better option, although more expensive at ±$65/dble. The local food is delicious, sushi and rice will cost about $15 a meal.
Activities
There are spectacular views from the Seto-Ohashi Bridge outside of Osaka. There is a road in this area used by Buddhist pilgrims, along which are 88 temples. The Yosakoi Festival in Kochi in mid-Aug is unmissable.
Hazards & hassles
Seismic activity is the highest in the world, but it's not really something to worry about. The largest typhoon swells can get a bit intimidating. Local surfers are supercool to foreigners (Gaijin) but despite this it's worth avoiding the popular spots and ridiculous crowds on Sundays.
Handy Hints
A growing surf industry is forming in this area and there are plenty of surf shops and shapers but gear is very expensive. Credit cards are accepted in major cities and larger outlets, but cash is the only option for many visitor attractions and small shops. Many ATMs in Japan do not accept cards issued outside of Japan (Post Offices and 7-Eleven stores do).
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.