Honshu / Kemigawahama (Chemicalgawahama) Search Add Picture Edit

Continent
Asia
Country
Japan
Next Big City
Tokyo, Narita
Next Town
Chiba, Makuhari
 
Type:
Ocean
Rider Ability:
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Features:
Shop

Water

Type:
Chop
Hazards:
Wave breaker
Quality:
Cloudy
Best Tide:
No information

The water is the north end of Tokyo Bay, surrounded on either side by steel and chemical plants, hence the nickname, `Chemicalgawahama`. But it is the closest beach to downtown Tokyo, so it is used frequently. The riding area is enclosed between two breakwaters and part of the beach is concrete embankment (wear a helmet).

Beach

Type:
Grass, Sand
Size:
Medium
Hazards:
Rocks, Other
Beach Users:
No information

There is grass to rig up on, beach is wide enough for launch, though there are a fair amount of rocks, sticks to get in your lines. Beach can get somewhat crowded with kites, so rig up, launch and get out in the water.

Weather

Spring:
Normal
Summer:
Shorts
Fall:
Normal
Winter:
Thick

Cold in November to February, but riding possible. Nice from June to September. Warm water, no wetsuit needed in summer.

Wind

Best Months:
No information
Wind Type:
Thermal
Best Direction:
S, SSW
Main Direction:
S, SSW, SW

Frequently 5-12 m/s afternoon thermals out of the S, SW. Gusty on anything with any north or much east to it. One of the more consistent spots in summer due to thermals out of the SW off of Tokyo Bay. Almost guaranteed afternoon wind on a sunny summer day. Prevailing thermal is almost directly onshore, so you need to be competent at staying upwind to have fun here.



How to get there

Transport
Car, Train
Access
Short walk

Higashi-Kanto expressway east from Tokyo, exit at Wangan-Makuhari. Take the 1st right after exiting, drive straight through the Makuhari-Messe towards the bay and take a left. Go about 2km, immediately after crossing the river is the launch, you will see kites up if there is wind. Alternatively, take the JR Keiyo line from Hatchobori or Shin-Kiba to Kemigawahama station, then about 1km cab ride to the beach.

Extra information

Rules
Zones

Theoretically, windsurfing is prohibited at this beach, but there are usually plenty of them here. Stay outside of the yellow/orange floats if you are not taking a lesson. It is usually straight onshore or close to it, so stay upwind to get and stay outside the traffic. No jumping inside.

Nightlife

Tokyo is an hour away with more nightlife than you could ever want.