How to Surf Shizunami Surf Stadium – Travel Guide to Japan’s Best Wave Pool
If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing in Japan, the Shizunami Surf Stadium is a hidden gem that rivals — and in many ways beats — the famous Waco surf pool in Texas. In this guide, I’ll show you how surprisingly simple and affordable it is to make the journey, even if you’re traveling internationally.
🗾 How to Get There
From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to JR Shizuoka and hop on a local bus to the stadium. New to Japan? Just go to a green window ticket counter for help — super simple, even with luggage or boards.
🧳 Bring or Rent Your Gear?
I strongly recommend renting so you don't have to hassle with boards in Japan. I definitely did not want to try to drive in Japan, though I have heard it's totally doable even if you don't read Japanese.
You can consider using Japan’s Kuro Neko (Black Cat) courier service to send your board ahead instead of bringing it on the train.
Or you can just rent a board at the surf stadium. If you rent, here's a pro tip: bring your own fins. The selection there is tiny and a bit beat-up.
🏨 Where to Stay: Swing Beach Resort
Right across from the stadium. For about $150USD, you get:
- 1 night accommodation
- 2 surf sessions
- A meal voucher + buffet breakfast
Not luxury, but clean, convenient, and full of unexpected charm (plus manga and virtual golf).
When I went, I bought two packages for 4 sessions and 2 nights stay!
🌊 What Surfing Is Like
You get 9–10 waves per session, regardless of how fast your group paddles.
No poaching waves — Japan is organized! Expect instructions from a guide, numbered jerseys, and thumping horror-movie-style sounds before each wave. It’s weird but fun.
Once you're up and riding, AIM FOR THE WALL.
📹 Filming & Coaching
You can rent a tripod for cheap or get iPad-based coaching. Just be prepared to cringe if it’s your first time watching yourself surf.
🍛 Eating & Exploring
The on-site restaurant is decent, but don’t miss nearby gems like Valor Supermarket, Sukiya, 7-Eleven, and CoCo Ichibanya (great allergy-friendly curry). Also — lots of camper vans and quirky surf trucks nearby.
🎎 Cultural Notes
Japanese people generally don’t joke with strangers. A quick sarcastic exchange might confuse the locals — not a big deal, just something to keep in mind if you’re American and talk to everyone.
🧥 Wetsuit Reminder
If you’re not visiting in summer, bring a wetsuit. Water temps are posted on the stadium website — check before packing.
📦 Final Thoughts
This trip was affordable, easy, and a blast — even as a kook. If you’ve been dreaming of surfing a wave pool in Japan, this is 100% doable.
Questions about the trip? Drop them in the YouTube comments — and check the description there for helpful links to plan your journey.
HELPFUL LINKS
Shizunami Surf Stadium English Page: https://www.surfstadium-japan.co.jp/forforeigners
Using Suica Card: https://en.japantravel.com/guide/how-to-get-a-suica-card/22316
Setting up Suica Card: https://support.apple.com/en-us/108772
Directions to Shizunami Surf Stadium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyC9tRIfI_k
Text directions: https://www.surfstadium-japan.co.jp/access
Board Rental at Shizunami Surf Stadium: https://www.news.jack-surf.com/surfboardrental
Hotel and Surf Session Promotion: https://shizunami-resort.jp/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/202412_surfing.pdf
American Family at the Shizunami Wave Pool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOei8GIJQog
