Find & Book Activities
in Hokkaido, Japan
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The excitement of working together with your fellow boatmates to paddle and overcome difficult sections is incomparable!
The Saru River is characterized by rapids that appear one after another. The best times to fish are in spring when the snow melts or after heavy rains in summer!
Rafting involves going down rapids in a large rubber boat, following the instructions of a guide. Teamwork is key to overcoming difficult sections!
Our guides are internationally licensed, and during high water periods, safety kayaks accompany the tour to ensure safety.
The drop in the Saru River during flood season is truly spectacular!
Rafting on the Saru River, which originates in the Hidaka Mountains
- Location
Hidaka
- Available Period
Late April~ Mid-October
- Duration
~3 hours
- Fee
Tour Highlights
- Rafting on the Saru River, which originates in the Hidaka Mountains, Japan’s last unexplored mountain region!
- This course is also attractive for its beautiful panoramic views of nature between the rapids.
HOA was founded in 1997. It is based in a wooden school building where the former Chihae Elementary School was.
Step outside the former school and you can go rafting, kayaking, and even mountain climbing. The area is a first-class outdoor playground.
HOA’s guides are international and experience, coming from countries where river sports are popular, such as Australia, Nepal, and New Zealand. “We want even first-timers to experience the fun of outdoor sports,” is the desire they have as they take customers outdoors every day. Enjoy the activities in the great outdoors, the unique and talented guides, and the nature of Hidaka to the fullest.
- Ages 13 and older
- Min. participants: 2
- All participants will be required to sign a consent form and pledge. A parent’s signature is required for participation by those under 18 years of age.
Meeting Location
Hokkaido Outdoor Adventures
Meeting Address
132 banchi Chisaka, Hidaka, Saru District, Hokkaido 055-2314
Access to Meeting Location
[Access by car]
- From the center of Hidaka Town, head towards Nissho Pass (towards Obihiro)
- ~8km away, cross the Chiroro Bridge over the Saru River, turn right immediately (there is a HOA sign), and go about 100m
What to Bring & Wear
- Clothes that are easy to move in, dries easily, and you don’t mind getting wet
- A change of clothes
- Towel
- Glasses strap
Spring and autumn:
- Long-sleeved jersey tops and long pants, or long-sleeved fleece tops and bottoms, and a change of socks, that you don’t mind getting wet.
Summer:
- Swimsuit and rashguards, or other clothing that you don’t mind getting wet
Children are more susceptible to cold, so please bring a jacket to wear after rafting even in summer.
Overview
- Available Period
-
Late April~ Mid-October
- Duration
~3 hours
1) 9:00~12:00
2) 12:30~15:30
- Fee
Adults (ages 13 and older): 7,200yen
- What's Included
- Equipment- dry suit or spray jacket, life jacket, helmet, wet boots
- Guide
- Insurance
- Payment
Prepayment by credit card
Notes
- If the tour cannot proceed due to heavy rain, lightning, wind, or blizzard, we will cancel the tour and inform you.
Cancellation / Changes
- A cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled on the day of the event or in case of a no-show
- A cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 1 day or less before the event
Reviews(2)
-
I was helped by you a few years ago!
My first time rafting was with HOA. I went with a couple in their 50s who come rafting from Sapporo almost every week. Splat, splat! It was so much fun!! The building, which is an abandoned school (I think?) and the Asian-style interior were lovely. I want to go again! (This review has been machine translated)
- Location
Hidaka
- Available Period
Late April~ Mid-October
- Duration
~3 hours
- Fee
4.5 (2)
-
Long-awaited whitewater rafting
I participated in whitewater rafting during the snowmelt season, which I had always wanted to try, with six friends from my mountaineering club (all women in their 40s and 50s). We decided on the date by consulting with HOA, asking "When is the best time to enjoy whitewater?", and left it up to them to decide which river to go to, but the water level had increased thanks to the blessed rain the day before, and the Mukawa River was too rough, so we were not allowed to go (lol). Instead, we were guided to the middle reaches of the Saru River, and as expected, the roller coaster-like flow and the huge splashes made us enjoy "this is rafting!" We have been rafting twice before, but this was definitely the best and best. The members who participated are already excited about next year, saying, "Next time, let's go upstream! No, let's go to the Mukawa River!" (lol). I have also participated in HOA's canyoning, and this time was just as fun! I will go again! (This review has been machine translated) -
I was helped by you a few years ago!
My first time rafting was with HOA. I went with a couple in their 50s who come rafting from Sapporo almost every week. Splat, splat! It was so much fun!! The building, which is an abandoned school (I think?) and the Asian-style interior were lovely. I want to go again! (This review has been machine translated)
Long-awaited whitewater rafting