Experience the thrill of traditional rafting on the Kitayama River
If you like outdoor excitement, you'll love the age-old tradition of log rafting, standing on platforms of logs as they are steered through the choppy white waters of the Kitayama River.
How to Get There
Tours meet at Michi-no-Eki Okutoro Tourist Center, Kitayama Village.
There is very limited public transport to Kitayama Village, and only one bus will get you to the tour on time, the 9:10 a.m. bus from Kumanoshi. There is also free parking at the tourist center.
Quick Facts
The traditional log rafts are just one of the boating activities found in Dorokyo Gorge, where you can also ride hovercrafts
Riders stand on the rafts, with metal and wooden handrails for support
The three ikadashi, or drivers, ride standing, with both hands on their oars while wearing life jackets
A historic boat trip
Traditionally-dressed river runners skillfully transport the log rafts through the clear waters and thrilling sections of whitewater, winding around the sheer cliffs of Dorokyo Gorge . More than a fun ride, river running is a part of the area's history. Logging has been a major industry in Kitayama for hundreds of years. Logs were traditionally tied together making rafts for transport down the river.
Know before you go
The log rides operate in May and June on weekends and holidays, and from July to September every day except Thursdays unless Thursday falls on a public holiday. Departures are at 10:40 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
You will be provided with safety equipment, including a life jacket, but it is recommended to bring a change of clothes, as you will get wet. Log rafting costs 6,600 yen for adults (tax included.) Children are 3,300 yen.
Reservations can be made at the Michi-no-Eki Okutoro Kitayamamura Kanko Center or on the Kumano Travel website .
* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.