Tanegashima Surfing

The island of Tanegashima, located about 40km (26mi) off the southern tip of Kyushu in Kagoshima Prefecture, is one of the finest surf destinations in Japan. With the island's long, narrow shape and good exposure to both Pacific and East China Sea swell, the probability of scoring waves at any time of year is high by Japanese standards. There are a variety of breaks to suit all levels of surfer and the water is relatively warm all year round. Many surfers have moved to Tanegashima simply for the surf, which can get so good on both coasts, particularly when a typhoon roars past the region.