Hello, I'm Kota, the founder of Japan Surf Trip. 

In this page, let me share the story behind this service.

Over 10 years ago, I was working at a major IT company, feeling completely drained both physically and mentally. I had taken the job without much thought, uninterested in the work itself, and was only in it for the paycheck. My long-term girlfriend had left me, and my routine revolved around drinking heavily on Fridays to cope with stress and spending the weekends in bed, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. Gone was the passionate, sporty version of me, replaced by someone out of shape and consumed by negativity.

 

One day, a friend invited me to try surfing for the first time. It was a Saturday, and we started early—at 4 AM. I skipped my usual Friday drinking session and headed to the ocean. I still remember it vividly: we were in Yugawara, Kanagawa. I rented a board, got a quick lesson on paddling, and after a few tries, I managed to catch a tiny wave. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. 

I felt like I had regained something I’d lost. It had been years since I last challenged myself to try something new. The sensation of riding a wave, the warmth of the sun—it was as if my body and mind had been cleansed. 

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From that moment, I was so into it. I traveled across Japan and abroad, chasing waves wherever I could (and I still do today). Surfing also sparked my interest in nature-based experiences. I began exploring mountains, rivers, and ways to enjoy and preserve the natural world. It showed me just how enriching life could be. Surfing also forced me to unplug—no phones, no distractions—just pure focus on the waves. It’s mindfulness at its finest, and in today’s fast-paced world, I believe it’s exactly what we need.

 

Japan Surf Trip was born out of this journey. I’ve handpicked surf spots across Japan that I’ve personally visited, offering not just surfing experiences but also local cuisine, unique cultural encounters, and hidden gems in each region. It’s the same kind of trips I take myself—authentic, enriching, and full of discovery.

Through surfing, you’ll get to know the essence of each place while giving back to the local community. Japan is more than just Tokyo. I hope you’ll explore its many sides, and just like I fell in love with Japan all over again, I hope this trip leaves you rejuvenated in both body and soul.

Let’s ride the waves together and discover a side of Japan you’ve never seen before.