This is the fourth installment of our series introducing spots where you can enjoy kayaking and SUP. This time, we cruised through Dotonbori, a classic Osaka tourist spot.
The route involves heading south on the Higashi-Yokobori River, cruising along the Dotonbori River, and aiming for Ebisubashi Bridge in Dotonbori as the final destination.
A map of the route is included at the end of this article, so please check there for details.
The starting point is "β Honmachibashi," a facility operated by the Japan City SUP Association and others, located a 5-minute walk from Sakaisuji-Honmachi Station on the Osaka Metro.
If you're driving, there's no parking available, so you'll need to use one of the nearby paid parking lots. There's one about a minute's walk away.
This time, we used the "Tekoten ~Hand-Paddled Heaven~" plan offered by the Japan City SUP Association.
You can freely cruise the Higashi-Yokobori River and Dotonbori River between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
Reservations must be made by 7:00 PM the previous day, and the usage fee is 1,100 yen including tax. SUP rental is also available for 2,200 yen including tax.
However, this plan is only available to experienced users of self-managed hand-paddled boats such as canoes, kayaks, and SUPs.
The reason for this is that you must return to the starting point by 9:00 AM.
When the floodgate opens at 9:00 AM, sightseeing boats and other vessels will begin to pass through, and strict adherence to the time is required for safety reasons.
For more details, please check the following.
Preparations began around 5:30 AM in front of the facility so we could launch precisely at 6:30 AM.
Since it's also a public walkway, we assembled while being mindful of passersby.
This time, Mr. Osada, owner of the Yamanashi outdoor shop "STANDARD point", and Mr. Tomita, owner of the Aichi outdoor shop "Camp Shop Lantern", also joined us.
From the pier in front of the walkway, we finally set off. The early morning cruise had begun.
We headed out in two FOLBOT SUPs and three kayaks.
The river current was minimal, and there wasn't much wind that day, making it easy to paddle.
However, there are no places to stop or restrooms along the way, so make sure to take care of that before departing.
The group continued southward on the Higashi-Yokobori River, paddling persistently under the elevated highway.
Even though the path was a little dark, it felt adventurous and exciting.
Discovering details like the structure under the bridges, which you don't usually see, was one of the joys.
On the map, it doesn't seem to take long, but it's about 45 minutes one way to our destination, Ebisubashi Bridge in Dotonbori.
We need to hurry a bit, as we also want to take many photos.
After paddling for about 30 minutes down a single, undivided path, we reached a point where we turned right, and this is where the Dotonbori River begins.
Finally, we emerged into an area with a touristy atmosphere.
We continued on, waving to people passing by.
Just as I felt during the cruises in Skytree and Minato Mirai, I was able to enjoy the view from an unusual perspective—looking up from the water's surface at scenery that I usually look down upon from bridges.
We've arrived at Ebisubashi Bridge, our destination! I was deeply moved to see the iconic Glico sign, a classic photo spot, from the water.
We took a picture in the classic pose. Since it was early morning, there weren't many tourists, so we thoroughly enjoyed the photoshoot.
Having thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, the group retraced their steps to return within the allotted time.
Since it was before the floodgates opened, there were no other boats, making it truly a "hand-paddled paradise" rather than a pedestrian paradise. We experienced a small luxury.
We safely returned around 8:45 AM.
As long as you're out of the water by 9 AM, there are no time restrictions afterwards, so we thoroughly washed and cleaned up. Being able to borrow water and brushes was a great help.
Incidentally, the facility is equipped with multi-purpose restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and more.
There was also a restaurant and cafe operated by a different organization than the City SUP Association.
Click here for details on the restaurant & cafe
Even after finishing the cleanup, it was still only 10 AM. That's the charm of an early morning cruise.
The group also left their luggage in the car and went to enjoy sightseeing in Osaka.
The Dotonbori cruise in Osaka, where you can view the cityscape unique to a metropolis and classic Osaka tourist spots from the water.
Although it's a bit of an advanced spot due to time restrictions, it was a unique and special water activity that truly felt like Osaka.
≪Route Map≫
≪Launch Point≫
≪Highlights≫
Easy access by car or train
Dynamic Glico sign and giant Ferris wheel
Feeling like you have early morning Osaka all to yourself
Well-equipped facilities at the venue
≪Points to Note≫
Advance reservation required
The "Tekoten ~Hand-Paddled Heaven~" plan is for experienced kayakers/SUP users only
Strict adherence to usage times
≪Recommended Nearby Spots≫
Kani Doraku Dotonbori Main Store
Dotonbori Giant Ferris Wheel Ebisu Tower
*Information is current at the time of writing. Please always check the latest information yourself and enjoy responsibly while following the rules!
