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Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding has everything to attract water-based sports lovers – it’s simple, yet complex enough so that you can learn something new and add a new skill to your life.
It offers a new adventure every time you practice it while it remains to be practical and uncomplicated. The art of kitesurfing brings a bit of danger with it, just enough to get your adrenaline rushing and make it more fun than you have ever experienced before.
Kitesurfing or kiteboarding is a fun extreme sport that combines different aspects of skateboarding, wakeboarding, snowboarding, windsurfing, surfing, and paragliding into one, more convenient, and less expensive sport.
If you’ve been thinking about traveling and planning your holidays around good locations for practicing different extreme sports then you should think about Japan and everything it has to offer.
Besides being full of history, rich culture, and spectacular cuisine, Japan is a very popular destination for kitesurfing.
This amazing island country located in the Pacific ocean is a perfect destination that offers many kiting sports all year round due to the consistent wind and the pleasant climate.
Why is kitesurfing so popular in Japan?
Japan is one of the top destinations in the world when it comes to kitesurfing and many other water sports and activities.
First of all, Japan has great locations for kitesurfing all year round. It’s located in the Pacific ocean which provides a great climate with lots of wind especially needed for kitesurfing.
This means that you’ll be able to practice it, no matter what time of the year it is, making it more convenient for people around the world and their working schedules.
Moreover, Japan offers a beautiful and breathtaking environment, and in addition, it’s accessible to all those that are interested in this extreme sport – no matter the age or the skill.
With Japan being such an interesting and diverse country with lots of different things to offer, you can adjust your holiday in any way you want it – it can be all about kitesurfing or you can add some sightseeing and learning about rich Japanese culture.
There aren’t many locations out there such as Japan, especially if you’re just looking to learn and practice kitesurfing.
Things to keep in mind while kitesurfing in Japan
Firstly, you need a lot of space for kitesurfing and you’re not going to have a good experience if the place is overcrowded.
Luckily, Japan has some months that offer uncrowded beaches and a great amount of wind, especially from September to May. When you decide to book your holiday to go kitesurfing in Japan, keep these months in your mind.
If you don’t know too much about kitesurfing and you’re going there to learn and practice there, you may be wondering if there are any lessons provided and what are the prices.
The answer is affirmative – Japan ha lots of places that provide kitesurfing lessons with the prices around $60 per hour (they can go up to $100 per hour).
Waters in Japan are not too cold which mostly depends on the time of the year. Water temperatures can go low as 15 degrees and up to 28 degrees when it’s warm outside.
The dangers of Japan kitesurfing
There aren’t many dangers of Japan kitesurfing expect the one most important – weather conditions. Although Japan has mostly temperate climate, with warm and wet summers and mild winters, it is also known for its strong and unexpected winds.
Depending on the part of Japan, weather conditions and winds may vary and change. For example, Northern Japan has hot summer but long and extremely cold, snowy winters, while southwestern Japan has long, hot summers and short, almost warm winters.
Besides the weather conditions, Japan is considered to be very safe with a low rate of crime and almost no dangerous animals or insects.
How expensive is it to kitesurf in Japan?
The prices of kitesurfing in Japan depend on the parts of Japan, as well as on your skills and equipment. If you’re experienced in kitesurfing, you probably won’t need any lessons and you have your equipment, which means that you won’t have to spend any money on those parts of your holiday.
If you’re a beginner and want to take kitesurfing lessons, you will pay around 60 USD per hour. Most people need from 6
to 12 hours to become independent in kitesurfing, which means that you can expect to spend from 400 to 800 USD.
If you don’t have any equipment, and you’re planning on buying everything you need for this activity – you need to think about some extra costs.
For example, you can buy a used kite for around 600 (up to 1000) USD, or a new one that’s a bit more expensive – around 800 (it can go up to 1800) USD. The prices mostly depend on kite sizes.
Besides the kite, you’ll need control bar/lines, board, and harness. You can find used lines for 100 USD, and new ones around
350 USD. Boards are around 400 USD when used, and around 600 USD if you’re buying them new.
Finally, the harness can be found for 100 USD (prices can go up to 400 USD). If you decide to rent equipment, you can do it at most of the kitesurfing schools for about 60 USD per hour.
When it comes to other costs, Japan is considered a bit expensive for tourists. However, you can still find some good deals and save your money by staying in a hostel, eating local food, and by booking your flight early.
The best locations to kitesurf in Japan
Japan is full of beautiful places, but some kitesurfing spots in Japan are just a little bit better than others. Here are the top five locations to kitesurf in Japan:
Kaichu Doro Beach
This beach always has small waves and great wind present. It’s a great spot which kitesurfers and windsurfers share. However, everyone has their own place and one activity can’t mix with the other.
This is a sandy beach with a sandy bottom and a lot of rocks on a low tide. The wind is expected to be stronger near the bridge so you’ll need to be more careful.
Toguchi Beach
This sandy beach with lots of rock in the water has shallow water and constant warm, thermal front winds. Waves can go up to medium, but they are mostly small and choppy.
There are some sharp corals in the water and there could be swimmers, so you’ll need to pick the best time in the day for kitesurfing.
Chiba
Chiba has great, strong wind all year round. Full of different places for kitesurfing, Chiba can get a bit overcrowded, and some beaches are a bit shallow, but most of the spots are almost perfect for this great sport.
Omaezaki
Very close to the capital of Japan, Omaezaki offers amazing winters and lots of wind. It’s very popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers, but it won’t get overcrowded.
Omaezaki has some popular beaches that you can avoid and find those hidden treasures with almost no one there. Kitesurfing in Japan is an amazing way to spend your vacation – full of adventure and peace at the same time.
Travelling with kitesurfing gears
Most airlines allow you to carry your kite and harness as part of your carry on luggage due to their smaller size, but you must remove the line leash and knife if you do.
If you want to take your board, you’ll need to check this on to be stored in the luggage compartment.
You should confirm with the airline before booking your vacation to be clear on their requirements for traveling with these specific items.
