Tanegashima
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Positives
- Most consistent surf in Japan
- Warm water year-round
- Quality reefs & rivermouths
- World Heritage nature on Yakushima
Negatives
- Rarely world-class
- Limited access
- Often onshore Super expensive
Tanegashima surf travel guide
Located 40km off the southern tip of Kyushu is one of the finest surf destinations in Japan. The island's long, narrow shape and good exposure to both Pacific and East China Sea swell, makes consistency high by Japanese standards. There's a variety of breaks to suit all levels and the water is warm all-year-round. Many surfers have moved to Tanegashima simply for the surf, which can get really good on both coasts, particularly when a typhoon roars past the region.
Surf spots in Tanegashima
Research the 15 surf breaks in Tanegashima 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 Tanegashima.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Tanegashima
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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
Fly to Tanegashima (TNE) from Tokyo's Haneda Airport via Kagoshima (3h) and direct from Osaka's Itami Airport (1hr 20 mins). It’s also accessible by boat from Kagoshima on the 'Rocket' and 'Toppy' high-speed boats (1hr 30mins) and the 'Princess Wakasa' ferry (3hrs 30mins). Boats from neighbouring Yakushima take 50mins.
Getting Around
Public transport on Tanegashima is limited and infrequent. Taxis are available but are quite expensive because of the relatively long distances between breaks. The best option for maximum access is rental car. Rates begin from around $50/day.
Accommodation
Choose from western-style hotels or Japanese-style roll out futon mattresses in self-contained units to family-run minshuku guesthouses. Surf Villa Narai and Mauna Village cater specifically to surfers. Sushi, sashimi and sweet potatoes, are a prominent feature of the island's cuisine. Expect $15-20 for a meal.
Activities
Expect a relaxed island lifestyle offering a welcome escape from drab Japanese suburbia. Large limestone caves (Chikura and Matatenoiwaya) border the white sand beaches on the SE coast. Visit the Tanegashima Space Centre outside of launch times.
Hazards & hassles
The best surf generally results from summer typhoon swells, however at such times access can be difficult with flights and ferries often cancelled. The line-up can get intense when the surf gets big and locals assert their priority, but you shouldn't have a problem if you are polite and friendly.
Handy Hints
It's possible to find some boards to rent but prices will be really high. There's a surprising array of ethnic cuisine, catering to the palates of well-travelled surfers. English knowledge is higher than the rest of Japan, but if you don't speak any Japanese, you might have a tough time communicating.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.