This is the eighth installment of our series introducing great spots for kayaking and SUP.
This time, we will introduce the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, which is also known as "Japan's last clear stream."
A map is included at the end of this article, so please check it for details.
The Highly Transparent Shimanto River
The Shimanto River is one of Japan's three major clear streams and is known as "Japan's last clear stream" because it has no large dams and maintains pristine water quality.
The Shimanto River is famous for its Chinkabashi (submersible bridges), which are designed to be submerged when the river floods so that they are not destroyed.
You can enjoy the unique scenery of the Shimanto River.
Right by the Shimanto River! "Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawarakko"
There are several facilities on the Shimanto River where you can enjoy kayak and SUP tours.
This time, we would like to introduce "Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawarakko" which uses FOLBOT kayaks and SUPs.
"Kawarakko" is an auto campground with 26 beautifully maintained grassy sites overlooking the Shimanto River.
The adjacent community center has restrooms, shower rooms, a coin laundry, and a multi-purpose room.
A wide variety of rental items such as tents and lanterns are available, making it reassuring for camping beginners.
In addition to tent camping, there are also bungalows with a capacity of 5 people.
They are fully equipped with bedding, a refrigerator, a kitchen, air conditioning, and a unit bath with a toilet.
You can also enjoy a BBQ in the garden.
There is also an accommodation facility called "Shimanto Hinoki House," which is a model house for experiential stays.
There are three ways to use it: tours, experiential stays, and events (temporary use), so you can choose according to your purpose.
Beginners Welcome! Kayak & SUP Experiences at "Kawarakko"
Just below the campsite, the magnificent Shimanto River spreads out, where you can enjoy kayaking and SUP.
There are approximately 100 kayaks and SUPs available!
Among them are FOLBOT kayaks and SUPs.
The FOLBOT SUP available at "Kawarakko" is the "ATTACK SUP."
It is the widest and most stable freestyle model among FOLBOT's SUPs.
You can also ride it with your pets or children.
Click here for product details
"Kawarakko" offers two types of activities for both kayaking and SUP: experience programs and tours.
The experience programs allow you to freely enjoy within the supervised area.
The appeal is that you can easily try it out.
Click here for kayak experience program details
Click here for SUP experience program details
Tours involve going down the Shimanto River with a guide for 2 to 3 hours.
This is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy the activity of river cruising and the Shimanto River.
Click here for kayak tour details
Click here for SUP tour details
When you visit Kochi Prefecture, why not enjoy kayaking and SUP on the Shimanto River?
≪MAP≫
≪Launch Point≫
Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawarakko
≪Recommended Points≫
Highly transparent water, known as "Japan's last clear stream"
Can launch directly from the campsite
Tours and experience programs are safe for beginners
≪Recommended Nearby Spots≫
Katsuma Bridge (Katsuma Chinkabashi)
As mentioned in the article, the "Chinkabashi" is a famous feature of the Shimanto River's scenery.
Shimantogawa Yakatabune Nattoku
In addition to kayaking and SUP, houseboat tours are also recommended. There are also tours where you can enjoy lunch.
*This information is current as of the time of writing. Please always check the latest information yourself and enjoy responsibly by following the rules!
