Experience Kumano on the river! For over 1000 years pilgrims have been making the journey to Kumano. 

The Kumano-gawa River was a vital section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route between Kumano Hongu Taisha in Hongu, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu. Visitors are able to journey in traditional wooden flat-bottom boats (with modern motor) as pilgrims have been doing for centuries.  This is a unique and fun way to get a river view perspective of Kumano’s spiritual landscape.

Boat Tour Schedule
● March 1st to November 30th departures (90 minutes tour)
Morning     10:00 ~ 11:30
Afternoon   14:30 ~ 16:00

◆ IMPORTANT NOTICE ◆
Sorry, closed from December 1 to February 28.

Log rafting anyone! Logging in the mountains of the Kii peninsula has been a major industry for centuries.  Before roads were built, logs were floated down the rivers connected as rafts.  The skills and techniques of these "logging river runners" have been preserved in the Kitayama village for over 600 years.

Now log rafts are used to transport thrill seekers through the scenic Kitayama Gorge, part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park.  Log rafts are strictly checked for safety standards, while guests are required to wear life jackets at all times.

Have fun!

Months operating:

● May & June: Saturdays, Sundays and National holidays
● July, August, & September: Runs daily and National holidays. except Thursdays.


Operating Period: May 3 to September 30 2026.
*Reservations for this season will open on March 1 through Kumano Travel.

Experience canyoning and packrafting in Kiho Town, Mie Prefecture under the guidance of an experienced professional instructor!

The owner, Mike Harris, has traveled the world as a river guide and established the first canyoning tour in Japan, and now operates this experience in the Kumano area.

Transport shuttle is available from the Hongu area, Shingu, and Katsuura -- a convenient option for those walking the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route in Wakayama Prefecture.