Introducing kayak and SUP spots, part 9.
This time, we went SUPing on the Ogawa River in Miyazaki Prefecture.
The Ogawa River in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture, is so beautiful it's called the "Miraculous Clear Stream."
Looking down into the transparent river, you can observe the riverbed's topography and fish swimming.
A map is included at the end of this article, so please refer to it for more details.
Every year, on August 31st, the day before the opening of the ayu fishing season, staff from the Nobeoka City Hall and members of Himuka Kando Taiken World, an NPO that provides outdoor experiences in Nobeoka City, conduct a river cleanup activity while rafting down the Ogawa River.
Himuka Kando Taiken World NPO currently handles FOLBOT kayaks and SUPs for their tours.
Due to this connection, 18 employees from Tamurakoma Co., Ltd., the company operating FOLBOT, participated in the river cleanup SUP tour.
Time to launch
After a 10-minute drive along a mountain road from "Hotaru no Yakata," the base of Himuka Kando Taiken World NPO, we arrived at the launch point.
Gasps of admiration escaped us at the transparency and beautiful color of the river.
Most of the participants were first-time SUP users.
After receiving instructions on precautions and how to paddle a SUP, we set off.
The river current was very gentle, flowing slowly.
The water level was low on this day, creating shallow areas.
SUPing in overly shallow areas can be dangerous, as you might trip over the riverbed or rocks and lose your balance, so standing up is not recommended.
We proceeded carefully, mostly kneeling, and avoiding overly shallow spots.
Of course, in deeper areas, you can stand up and enjoy SUPing.
Although there were a few points where the current became swift, we proceeded with peace of mind thanks to the support of the Himuka Kando Taiken World NPO members.
We leisurely made our way down the beautiful Ogawa River, surrounded by lush green mountains.
Occasionally, lying on the SUP and gazing up at the blue sky was an extraordinary experience.
When it got hot, we dove into the river. The moderately cool water cooled us down.
There was also a spot with high transparency where, under the right weather conditions, the shadow of the SUP would be cast on the riverbed, creating a photo that made it look like we were floating in mid-air.
Midway through, we landed at a barbecue spot and carried out a clean-up activity.
Although it seemed there was little trash at first glance, we collected surprisingly large amounts of garbage, including cans and cigarette butts, making it a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about environmental preservation.
Because of the river's high transparency, we were even able to spot cans at the bottom and dive in to pick them up.
As we continued downstream, the group arrived at a jumping spot.
There were three levels: upper, middle, and lower, and everyone challenged themselves at their chosen level.
*Make sure to confirm safety carefully to avoid accidents and enjoy at your own risk!
At the chinkabashi (submersible bridge) at the end of the river descent, there was also a diving spot.
We enjoyed it together with local children.
After about three hours, we reached the goal! It was a very satisfying SUP tour.
When you visit Miyazaki Prefecture, why not visit the "Miraculous Clear Stream" for kayaking and SUPing?
≪MAP≫
≪Tour Group Used≫
Himuka Kando Taiken World NPO
If you join this tour, you can use FOLBOT PFD jackets, kayaks, and SUPs. For more details, please contact Himuka Kando Taiken World NPO.
≪Highlights≫
A beautiful river with high transparency, known as the "Miraculous Clear Stream"
Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery created by the sky, mountains, and river.
Tours available for beginners, ensuring peace of mind.
Diving spots available.
≪Points to Note≫
▶ Be careful in shallow waters
The water level and depth of the river vary daily. Be careful not to fall in shallow areas.
▶ Exercise extreme caution at diving spots
Before enjoying, always thoroughly check the safety of rocky areas and water depth.
≪Recommended Nearby Spots≫
Hotaru no Sato Kyukamura Hotaru no Yakata & Hotaru no Yado
The facility we used this time.
"Hotaru no Yakata" has exhibition rooms and a firefly breeding room, designed to convey the charm of Miyazaki Prefecture's Nobeoka City nature and outdoor activities. The facility also has showers and training rooms, making it suitable for groups.
"Hotaru no Yado" is a wooden building with a pleasant woody scent. It also has baths. The inn is surrounded by a river and mountains. You can fully enjoy nature.
Michi-no-Eki Kitagawa Hayuma
You'll find local gourmet foods and souvenirs here, such as soft-serve ice cream, salted ayu (sweetfish) grilled over charcoal, and charcoal-grilled chicken. We highly recommend trying the salted ayu, grilled to perfection.
Sunfresh Mushika
A local supermarket. It's a charming, retro-style store. Local ingredients and unique local products are on display, making it exciting just to browse!
*This information is current as of the time of writing. Always check the latest information yourself and enjoy responsibly while adhering to the rules.
