The wildest way to experience the serene natural beauty of Japan's Kitayama River? Rush down its thrilling currents while standing up on a narrow wooden raft.
Courtesy Kitayama Village
Only in Wakayama —
Are we having fun yet, kids? Wakayama is the only place in Japan that offers the traditional log rafting tours.
Courtesy Kitayama Village
Yoshino-Kumano National Park —
The Yoshino-Kumano National Park, where the Kitayama River lies, covers parts of the Mie, Nara and Wakayama prefectures.
Courtesy Kitayama Village
Kitayama cowboys —
Wooden oars in hand, the guides must pilot the rafts down the river rapids while standing, wearing rubber-soled boots, a hat...and no life jacket.
Kitayama Village
Balance is key —
The adventure sport was inspired by Japan's traditional lumber industry. Felled wood was assembled into rafts then sent down the river -- a transport method used for more than 600 years. In the late 1970s it was introduced to tourists.
Kitayama Village
View from above —
The rafting season lasts from May to September, with reservations accepted from April 1.
kitayamamura
Beautiful scenery —
Dense virgin forests, sheared cliffs and unique rock formations line the Kitayama River.
