Tsurigasaki Beach: A Guide to the Surfing Mecca of Ichinomiya, Chiba

Tsurigasaki Beach in Ichinomiya, Chiba served as the surfing venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics held in 2021, and it is one of Japan's premier surf spots. Because so many surfers gather here in search of high-quality waves, it is called a surfing mecca. The beautiful coast facing the vast Pacific is the heart of a stylish town where surf culture has taken root.

Highlights

Tsurigasaki Beach faces the Pacific in the Sotobo area and produces fine waves. The Shidashita Point at the southern end is regarded as one of Japan's best and is essential to the story of Japanese surfing. When surfing became an official Olympic sport for the first time at Tokyo 2020, this beach was chosen as the stage, bringing it sudden fame. A torii gate stands on the shore, and each September the grand festival of Tamasaki Shrine, the Kazusa Junisha Festival (a naked festival), is held here, making it a special place tied to local faith. On days with good conditions, surfers fill the sea in a lively scene.

Enjoying the Seasons

Surfing can be enjoyed year-round, but autumn and winter, when swells arrive more easily, are popular with advanced surfers. For comfortable time on the beach and swimming, summer is best. Surf shops and schools line the coast, making it approachable for beginners too. In the town center stands Tamasaki Shrine, long revered as the first shrine of Kazusa Province and popular as a power spot known for blessings of matchmaking and children. Pairing a visit with surfing is a distinctly Ichinomiya pleasure.

Access and Basic Information

• Getting there: The nearest station is Torami Station on the JR Sotobo Line, about a 30-minute walk from the beach. During major events, a shuttle bus may run from neighboring Kazusa-Ichinomiya Station.
• From Tokyo: About one hour by limited express to Kazusa-Ichinomiya Station.
• By car: There is parking near the beach, and car access is convenient.

Parking fees and hours and shuttle bus operations vary by season, so confirm in advance.

Practical Travel Notes

The best seasons are summer for comfortable time by the sea and autumn to winter for waves. Combining surfing, a visit to Tamasaki Shrine, and a tour of seaside cafes fills half a day to a full day. Because the station is some distance from the beach, a car or rental cycle makes getting around comfortable. Stylish cafes and restaurants dot the coast, perfect for relaxing after surfing. Dining runs from a few hundred to low thousands of yen per meal. In waves, watch for designated swimming zones and rip currents, and do not overexert yourself.

A Quick Tip

Beginners should always take a lesson or have support from experienced surfers and avoid overexertion. Facing the open Pacific, the waves can be high and rip currents can occur. When swimming or playing in the sea, always check the weather and sea conditions and put safety first.

📚 Sources

For Tsurigasaki Beach (the surfing venue of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the Shidashita point), Tamasaki Shrine as the first shrine of Kazusa Province, and the Kazusa Junisha Festival held on the beach, information published by Ichinomiya Town, related tourism bodies, and Tamasaki Shrine is a helpful reference. Check the official information of each operator for access from Torami Station and Kazusa-Ichinomiya Station on the JR Sotobo Line and the shuttle bus during major events. Parking fees and hours vary by season. Fares, hours, and access may change, so please confirm with official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: Half a day to a full day combining surfing, a visit to Tamasaki Shrine, and seaside cafe hopping.
• What to bring and prepare: Since it is some distance from the station to the beach, a car or rental cycle adds comfort. Beginner surfers should get support from a school or an experienced person. Facing the open sea the waves are high, so watch swimming zones and rip currents.
• Suggested route: Enjoy surfing at Tsurigasaki Beach (the Shidashita point) and worship at Tamasaki Shrine in the town center. Relaxing at seaside cafes and restaurants is a way of spending time unique to Ichinomiya.
• Best time of day: Summer for the sea and comfort, and autumn to winter if seeking waves, are the targets.
• Seasonal note: Each September the annual festival of Tamasaki Shrine is held on this beach.