Take a Break from the Hustle Bustle of Tokyo … Enjoy Nature, Water Activities and the Adventurous Side of Japan on the Kinugawa River, Just a Two-Hour Tobu Railway Ride North From Tokyo
While Nikko is most well known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen areas in Tochigi Prefecture are also replete with natural waterways, which beckon visitors with exciting aqua-themed activities -- rafting, canyoning, river boat rides, and more -- from late April through November (more date specifics below). The Kinugawa River is particularly famous for the dynamic beauty of its natural river valley, where warm weather water activities give visitors the opportunity to feel at one with nature.
NAOC Rafting Tour
NAOC launched in 2000 as the first rafting operator in Tochigi Prefecture. The company, led by experienced outdoor guides, provides safe rafting on a tributary of the Kinugawa River. The journey carries rafters along clear water, through the breathtaking seasonal river valley, including waterfalls and cascades, which can only be conquered through the cooperation of everyone in the boat.
*Operational: April 21-November 25, 2018
*Departure Twice Daily: Morning 8:45 am (at NAOC Kinugawa Base), afternoon 12:45 pm (at NAOC Kinugawa Base), only once a day in November (10:00 am at NAOC Kinugawa Base)
*Duration: 3-hour excursion (You can take a hot shower after the tour!)
*Fees: JPY 7700 (+JPY500/Insurance) per adult - Includes: tour guide (no English), life-jacket, helmet, wetsuit, sales tax, hot water shower
*Video: https://www.facebook.com/pg/naocjp/videos/
Address: 871-2 Kinugawa Onsen Taki, Nikko City, Tochigi
Access: Kinugawa Onsen Station, Tobu Kinugawa Line then Shuttle bus to the site. (You need a reservation for shuttle bus.)
Reservation: Tel 0288-70-1181 (No English. Your hotel concierge can call or arrangements can be made through the Nikko concierge, see below.)
NAOC Canyoning
Yes, canyoning hits Japan! NOAC's canyoning adventure has you diving into waterfall pools and plummeting down watery/rocky slides. To reach your destination, you'll also need climbing skills to pass through the water and wet rocks. Canyoning is a thrilling river sport giving you firsthand experience in Japan's outdoors.
*Operational: June 1-October. 8, 2018
*Departure Twice Daily: Morning 8:45 am (at NAOC Kinugawa Base), afternoon 12:45 pm (at NAOC Kinugawa Base)
*Duration: 3-hour excursion (You can take a hot shower after the tour!)
*Four Course Options:
➤Fukama Canyon: Adventurous -- featuring diving, sliding, climbing
➤Happy Canyon: Low Impact -- Good for families
➤Eight Canyon: Walking -- through mountain paths with pristine nature, such as waterfalls, fountains, sliders, etc.
➤Oak Canyon: A premium canyoning experience. Trek through deep woods and play in a natural pool, with a water slide and diving.
*Fees: JPY 7500 (+JPY500/Insurance) per adult - Includes: tour guide (no English), life-jacket, helmet, wet suit, sales tax, hot water shower
Address: 871-2 Kinugawa Onsen Taki, Nikko City, Tochigi
Access: Kinugawa Onsen Station, Tobu Kinugawa Line then Shuttle bus to the site. (You need a reservation for shuttle bus.)
Reservation: Tel 0288-70-1181 (No English. Your hotel concierge can call or arrangements can be made through the Nikko concierge, see below.)
Kinugawa Traditional Wooden River Boat Ride
Join a dozen or so other adventurers on a traditional wooden boat ride along the Kinugawa. Your happi-coat and straw hat clad captain maneuvers the vessel along the rapids. At the same time, you and your boatmates pull up the clear, plastic protector along the sides of boat, as the thrilling white water splashes up during the fun-filled 40-minute journey. More Images.
*Operational: April 16-Late November, daily 9 am to 3:45 pm (check-in 20 min before departure)
*Duration: 40 min.
*Fees: JPY 2800 per adult
Address: 1414 Ohara, Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko City, Tochigi
Access: Kinugawa Onsen Station, Tobu Kinugawa Line, then five minute walk
Reservation: Tel 0288-77-0531 (No English. Your hotel concierge can call or arrangements can be made through the Nikko concierge, see below.)
Arranging Water Activities and other Excursions
Tobu Nikko Station offers a concierge service for foreign tourists, with staff ready to provide guidance in English, including arranging accommodations and local tours. For those traveling directly to Kinugawa Onsen Station and not stopping in Nikko, questions and arrangements can be asked and made in advance via email to nikko-concierge@tobu.co.jp.
About Tobu Railways Co. LTD
TOBU Railway Group is a major Japanese corporate conglomerate consisting of approximately 90 companies. Tobu Railways covers the longest operating distance in the Kanto area, leading to numerous tourist attractions, including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen, famous as world heritage sites and natural hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and historic Kawagoe, where the atmosphere of the Edo era lives on.
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