Awaiura

Awaiura is a sandbar and rock-bottomed beach break with both left and right-hand waves, located on Niijima's northern shore. The break receives consistent south swell along with northeast and east-facing swells; westerly and west-northwest winds provide offshore conditions. The wave tends toward hollow sections and powerful peaky barrels characteristic of exposed beach breaks. Conditions remain rideable across all tide stages, though much of the swell arrives as wind-generated waves rather than organized groundswell. The sandy bottom becomes rocky near the beach entry and exit zones, where water depth is shallow and surfers risk toe injuries. Dangerous rip currents form near the island end of the beach and persist even during smaller swell periods.

Niijima Island holds historical significance as the birthplace of modern surfing in Japan and has hosted international competitions since at least 1979, including the 2003 Quiksilver Pro World Championship Tour event. Earlier Japanese communities practiced a wooden board-riding tradition called Setsukashi, though continuous modern surfing culture dates to the mid-twentieth century. Detailed historical records specific to Awaiura as an individual break are limited, and the spot remains less renowned than Habushiura, the island's primary break.

Awaiura lies north of Wakago village and is accessible by vehicle only via a four-kilometer tunnel carved through the island's mountain; four-wheel-drive vehicles handle the route more reliably than standard cars. A small parking area with toilets and shower facilities sits at the break. The beach is approximately ten minutes' drive from Habushiura. Peak surfing seasons run from May through November, with warm water temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius in midsummer and reliable conditions through autumn when experienced surfers favor the site.