What is canyoning? Ultimate river play! A thorough explanation of the charm of summer's popular river activities!

On this page, titled "All about the ultimate river play and canyoning", a popular outdoor activity that will be held in the spring and summer season Thorough introduction to the charm of "Canyoning / Canyoneering" To do!
table of contents
- 1 What is canyoning?
- 2 Canyoning history
- 3 The difference between canyoning and shower climbing
- 4 Canyoning Hot Spots
- 5 Canyoning season and popular time
- 6 What to bring and what to wear for canyoning
- 7 Beginners and children can participate in canyoning!
- 8 Canyoning experience video
- 9 Canyoning experience tour reservation popularity ranking
- 10 Editorial department recommended feature articles
What is canyoning?
Canyoning (Canyoning / Canyoneering) is located in the upper part of the river Outdoor sports with a valley as a playfield kind of.
in pristine nature The main purpose is "Sawadari (Sawadari)" It is an adventure activity experience that captures the course while doing it.
Slide down the rock surface natural waterslide ” and jumping from the rock wall toward the water surface ” Waterfall dive , using a rope or harness, zip line "or" tarzan rope ”etc...
In the original course selected by a guide instructor who is familiar with the characteristics of the land, Numerous thrilling attractions are available.
Sometimes we muster up courage, and sometimes we will work together as a team to clear the course. Sense of accomplishment ” and “ where you can refresh yourself in nature exhilaration ” is the biggest attraction.
It is also called "River Trekking" because of its characteristic of enjoying the river with one body. "Ultimate river play" ” is also called.
Canyoning recommended experience tour
[Gunma / Minakami] September and October only Half-day canyoning adventure full of nature!
- 4.8
- (14 reviews and experiences)
Canyoning is an exhilarating activity where you can jump, slide, and trek and spend a pleasant time in a refreshing valley! At first glance it looks hard, but the guide will support you well. Wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, and other equipment for safe enjoyment are all from Jiggy's Adventure.
- 4.7
- (38 reviews and experiences)
Among the numerous canyoning courses offered by naturalists, this is the cheapest price setting and is recommended for those who are new to the tours of naturalists. Participation is possible from the first grade of elementary school, but an adult's follow-up is required.
- 5.0
- (52 reviews and experiences)
A professional guide certified by the World Heritage Site Taketomi Town Tourist Guide Ordinance will guide you on a leisurely cruise down the mangrove river in a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) canoe. Explore the hidden jungle and visit the hidden waterfalls! During the mangrove and jungle exploration, a professional guide will provide easy-to-understand explanations of the creatures and plants of Iriomote Island. In the afternoon, cool down with a canyoning adventure, a popular water activity.
Canyoning history

Canyoning is said to have originated in Europe in the 1870s. Originating in valleys around the French Pyrenees is said to be the origin.
About 100 years after its origin In the 1960s, it began to be enjoyed as a leisure activity in Western countries, mainly in Europe and the United States. We will establish the current canyoning style.
In Japan, in 1998 he is the owner of the outdoor shop "CANYONS" based in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture. Mike Harris (from New Zealand) started his first canyoning experience tour Let
After that, when their activities were introduced in a TV documentary program, their national recognition quickly increased. A standard activity for playing in the river, which is called "rafting" We will continue to solidify its popularity as.
Click here for more information on CANYONS
- 4.8
- (2 reviews)
- Kanto
- Gunma
- Minakami
- Rafting
- Canyoning/Shower Climbing
- Snow shoes/Snow trekking
"This may be the one and only Canyons in your life." The crew will make the best day with that feeling. The New Zealand owner, Mike, has a New Zealand style facility filled with the warmth and light of wood. In an international atmosphere where domestic and foreign crews work together, you may be able to enjoy the outdoor experience while staying in Japan. Minakami town for summer canyoning, rafting, winter skiing and hot springs is only 100 minutes drive from Tokyo. Canyons Minakami is surrounded by such mountains and is in the best location where the river flows in front of you, so you can definitely refresh your mind and body!
Recommended experience tour
[Gunma Minakami] The most popular course! Fox Canyon (Canyoning half day tour)
- 4.8
- (2 reviews and testimonials)
The most popular Fox Canyon in Minakami. At first, you will gradually get the hang of it, such as being swept away by a gentle current and practicing breathing in a small waterfall-like area. If you look up, you can see the green of the trees and the blue of the sky. this is the main
The difference between canyoning and shower climbing

For outdoor activities that are often confused with canyoning, Shower Climbing "there is.
Although both are activities that use the valley as a playfield, Canyoning is “Sawadari” and shower climbing is “Sawanobori” The main purpose is the difference.
In other words, to be precise, "canyoning" and "shower climbing" are Outdoor sports with a radically different nature That's what it means.
However, experience tours held as activities and sightseeing leisure often include cases where a course that mixes both elements is guided. It is common to treat it collectively as "canyoning / shower climbing" It is
Recommended plan for shower climbing
[Adventure on the Tama River in Tokyo!] Exhilarating shower climbing tour with photo data☆
- 4.8
- (36 reviews and testimonials)
~What is Shower Climbing?~ Shower climbing is called "Sawanobori", and it is a river sport that challenges beautiful and varied streams created by nature on foot. Sliders, natural pools! While swimming, diving and jumping there, we aim for the headwaters.
- 5.0
- (12 reviews and testimonials)
It is a sport that starts from the downstream of a beautiful and varied clear stream created by nature and walks towards the headwaters. It is an activity where you can climb waterfalls, swim in natural pools, jump in and enjoy nature. It will be a course that you can enjoy with your family with your children ♪
- 4.7
- (5 reviews and testimonials)
River sports where you can actively enjoy the nature of deep mountain streams! Head to the goal while bathing in negative ions in a valley full of nature. There are many large rocky areas and waterfalls on the way, and it is a nature experience activity where you can feel the water of the mountains and the blessings of nature with your whole body. We can arrange according to your physical condition and physical strength, so do not hesitate to consult us about anything
Canyoning Hot Spots

" Where can you go canyoning? "or" What are the famous places for canyoning in Japan? I think there are many people looking for a spot where the experience tour will be held.
Below, based on Activity Japan reservation data " Canyoning popular spot ranking ”, and check the famous places of canyoning all over the country.
prefecture name Click here for recommended experience tour plans for each spot You can check the list of
Canyoning popular spot ranking
The first place
|
Okinawa (Yanbaru, Iriomote Island, etc.) |
---|---|
2nd place
|
Gunma (Minakami, Oze, etc.) |
3rd place
|
Tokyo (Okutama) |
4th place
|
Shiga (many popular spots) |
5th place
|
Oita (Fujikawachi Valley, etc.) |
6th place
|
Nagano (many popular spots) |
7th place
|
Nara (Okuyoshino, etc.) |
8th place
|
Gifu (many popular spots) |
9th place
|
Tochigi (Nikko, Nasu, etc.) |
10th place
|
Hokkaido (Furano, Niseko, etc.) |
Okinawa is famous for canyoning!
It has a strong image of marine leisure because it has an emerald green sea. Okinawa (including remote islands) ”.
However, the rivers and valleys that flow through the mountainous areas of Okinawa Prefecture are some of the best in Japan. Canyoning/Shower Climbing Attractions It is a famous spot for
Among them, especially in the northern part of the main island Yanbaru Forest (Yamahara) ” and “ which has the largest mangrove virgin forest in Japan Iriomote Island Experience tours such as ” are popular.
Numerous courses with subtropical jungle as a field, A nature experience unique to tropical Okinawa can taste
Okinawa main island canyoning recommended plan
- 4.8
- (34 reviews and testimonials)
☆Six features of the plan☆ [1] More than 1,500 people participated last year! [2] Enjoy waterfall pool jumping, Tarzan, and natural swings. [3] Perfect for getting enough exercise! Recommended for those who don't like the sea. [4] Very little to bring. Participants from 3 years old are welcome. [5] High-quality photo and video recording is included, which has been highly praised by word of mouth. *Unlimited number of photos and videos. [6] Discount plans and Go
[Okinawa, Nago City] Jungle River Trekking! Getting soaked is a must! Adventure course
- 5.0
- (11 reviews and testimonials)
Subtropical forest! Wet Adventure River trekking in the jungle of Ogimi village. It is an outdoor sport that stretches your body and advances in nature. You can enjoy thrills, adventures, and teamwork while experiencing a sense of unity with nature, such as being hit by waterfalls, climbing rocks, and jumping into waterfall basins. In addition, new things that you can not usually experience
Okinawa remote island canyoning recommended plan
- 5.0
- (52 reviews and experiences)
A professional guide certified by the World Heritage Site Taketomi Town Tourist Guide Ordinance will guide you on a leisurely cruise down the mangrove river in a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) canoe. Explore the hidden jungle and visit the hidden waterfalls! During the mangrove and jungle exploration, a professional guide will provide easy-to-understand explanations of the creatures and plants of Iriomote Island. In the afternoon, cool down with a canyoning adventure, a popular water activity.
- 4.8
- (74 reviews and experiences)
★Total number of participants exceeded 300,000! Safe and secure tour! ★Activities recommended for beginners! ★Free photo data, equipment rental, and hot shower♪★Participant benefits (coupons that can be used at restaurants, information on hidden spots, etc.) included! ★You can participate as a day trip from Ishigaki Island! [Splash Canyoning] Canyoning on the Omija River where you can enjoy the magnificent nature to the fullest
Canyoning in Kanto is popular!

including Tokyo The Kanto region is dotted with many popular spots for canyoning and shower climbing. doing.
Among them, Tokyo's " Okutama ” and Gunma’s “ Minakami (on the water) , Tochigi's Nikko/Nasu is known as a popular area for canyoning and shower climbing.
use the river as a playfield Popular tours include rafting, canoeing and kayaking .
There are many spots that can be accessed on a day trip from central Tokyo. So please enjoy canyoning and shower climbing while going out for a drive or a date.
Kanto canyoning recommended plan
- 4.9
- (89 reviews and experiences)
A full-fledged canyoning tour in a clear valley surrounded by deep greenery that you can't imagine in Tokyo! The course has short distances and is packed with playful points, so you can fully enjoy playing in the river even for half a day. Slide down the natural waterslides made by carving the rocks with water, jump into the natural pools, and play in the river.
- 4.9
- (20 reviews and testimonials)
An adventure course for beginners, where you can jump over various waterfalls, slide down, and have fun. It's an easy 10-minute walk to enter and exit the valley, so you can easily participate in authentic canyoning. Listening to the calls of wild birds, you'll feel like you're in an extraordinary place. Take a step that you normally wouldn't take, and discover a new side of yourself.
◇Free photo gift♪ Minakami's most challenging canyoning course! Fox Course!
- 4.9
- (76 reviews and experiences)
All Field Earth Canyoning Guided Tours are accompanied by a Japanese-speaking guide. We offer you the opportunity to experience the Fox Course, which is used by only a few companies in the Minakami area! The Fox Course is compact, at just 300m long, but there are plenty of fun spots scattered around! The start and finish are just a minute's walk away! Even if you get tired after playing a lot,
Canyoning season and popular time
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
-
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12
Next, of the canyoning / shower climbing experience tour Season and popular season when demand increases I'll take a look.
For outdoor activities that directly experience the cold river, basically A characteristic that can only be enjoyed in the season when the temperature is high have
So many experience tours start to get warm The season starts from early spring and continues until the end of summer (early autumn) will be
most of the year The peak seasons with high demand are July, August, and September, which include summer vacation, Obon holidays, and Silver Week. .
Also, immediately after the start of the season Popular from late April to early May, including Golden Week tends to increase.
Since there are few shops that hold experience tours for canyoning and shower climbing, Reservations and inquiries are concentrated during long holidays such as summer vacation and Silver Week tend to.
To the experience tour plan held in the desired area It is recommended to make reservations early To do.
In Okinawa, where the climate is warm all year round, canyoning and shower climbing experience tours are held almost all year round.
What to bring and what to wear for canyoning

" What clothes are suitable for canyoning? "or" What do I need to bring for canyoning? I think there are many people who have questions such as.
First of all, as a major premise, in order to enjoy canyoning and shower climbing safely Must wear special equipment is.
In the experience tour held as an outdoor activity, all of that It is common that the exclusive goods rental fee is included in the experience fee is.
Equipment and tools that can be rented
- wet suit
- slider pants
- Helmet
- Life jacket
- Harness
- glove
- boots
- Such
When participating in the tour, Prepare belongings and clothes necessary for general water play / river play will do.
Below, Examples of promoted clothing and belongings are summarized.
Recommended items and clothes
- swimsuit
- towel
- sandals
- change clothes
- Goggles/glasses band
- Sunscreen
- Such
To take photos and videos during the tour It is also recommended to rent an action camera such as GoPro. is.
others, Participate in clothes that are easy to put on and take off If you are booking a tour that includes bathing in a hot spring, it would be a good idea to prepare bathing goods such as shampoo and body soap.
Beginners and children can participate in canyoning!
Canyoning and shower climbing experience tours are outdoor leisure Beginners and children can also participate is.
Also, even if you are not good at swimming or getting in the water, or if you are worried about playing in nature, you can consult the shop staff in advance. There is also a tour that organizes the course content according to the level There are many.
Although the target age for tour participation is basically 6 years old (elementary school student) or older, some courses have a low degree of difficulty Experience tours that can be participated from 2 to 3 years old I have.
Experience tours that even small children can participate in Popular with families who want to enjoy authentic river activities are collecting.
Recommended canyoning experience tour for children
- 4.8
- (6 reviews and testimonials)
21 years with lots of smiles! Thank you for all the comments and reviews on our website (1263 reviews and comments)! The world of Jurassic Park spreads out before your eyes, the Yanbaru forest. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yanbaru forest while trekking (sawa-climbing) towards the waterfall upstream. Along the way, you can swim and jump in.
Canyoning experience from 5 years old! kids canyoning
- 4.8
- (3 reviews and testimonials)
Canyoning is open to children from the age of 5! You can experience using natural water slides and ropes. There are no steep paths, so you can enjoy it safely in nature with your children. Parents can also spend a very meaningful time with their children, learning about precautions to take when playing in the river and understanding dangerous areas. *Children under junior high school age must be accompanied by a parent. *Please
[Gunma/Minakami/Minakami] Summer vacation family half-day canyoning tour [Anogawa upstream course]
- 4.0
- (7 reviews and testimonials)
A new type of activity that you can enjoy with your family! Let's challenge the thrilling water slide on the water in midsummer! It is an event that is rapidly increasing in popularity recently even on the water. Since it may not be possible to use it due to weather etc., the selection of the course will be decided by the chief guide looking at the situation of the Minakami area on the day.
Canyoning experience video
The charm of canyoning introduced above is further conveyed Canyoning experience video Introducing
Although it is a beginner course that even beginners can enjoy with peace of mind, there are activities such as "zip line" and "waterfall basin dive". A fulfilling tour content filled with the fun of canyoning It is
As the theme of the video "Let's be a child once in a while.", the guests participating in the tour and the guide staff A recommended experience tour that everyone can enjoy with a smile is.
Video production: Groovoost Inc.
Video shop and experience tour plan
- 4.9
- (166 reviews)
- Kanto
- Tokyo
- Okutama
- SUP (SUP) Stand Up Paddle Board
- Rafting
- Canyoning/Shower Climbing
About 90 minutes from the city center! The closest outdoor spot in Kanto is here! Tokyo's westernmost outdoor paradise Okutama area! The Grandex Okutama Base overlooking the Tama River is about a 3-minute walk from the nearest station, so access and location are great! A "canyoning tour" where you can experience a sense of unity with nature with your own body, We are holding a "rafting tour" where you can row down the Mitake Gorge with your friends! Please join us for an Okutama-based outdoor tour that will surely satisfy both active and leisurely people!
- 4.9
- (89 reviews and experiences)
A full-fledged canyoning tour in a clear valley surrounded by deep greenery that you can't imagine in Tokyo! The course has short distances and is packed with playful points, so you can fully enjoy playing in the river even for half a day. Slide down the natural waterslides made by carving the rocks with water, jump into the natural pools, and play in the river.
Canyoning experience tour reservation popularity ranking
Finally, based on Activity Japan's latest reservation data " Canyoning / shower climbing experience tour reservation popularity ranking ” will be introduced.
Please use the experience fee (price) and tour content, as well as the reputation based on reviews and word-of-mouth experiences, to help you compare and consider choosing an experience tour plan.
- 4.8
- (777 reviews and experiences)
*This is a Japanese tour. If you would like assistance in English, please use plan ID 58659. ◉ A tour with a high level of satisfaction! A long-established company with 16 years of history ★ All instructors are safe and secure ◉ A clubhouse with spectacular views (parking, showers, lockers with keys, changing rooms, all free ♪) ◉ We recommend joining on the first day! (Boats to remote islands, Taketomi water buffalo carts, etc.)
- 4.9
- (11 reviews and testimonials)
This is a one-of-a-kind, super-value tour that combines a Blue Cave snorkeling tour, including Ishigaki Island's Kabira Bay, with a kayaking and SUP tour through the mangroves! Recommended for those who want to see Kabira Bay, the Blue Cave, Recovery Waterfall, Yaima Village, the jungle, and the mangrove tunnel! ◯ It's your first time on Ishigaki Island, and you want to make the most of it! ◯ You're wondering whether to rent a car.
- 4.8
- (34 reviews and testimonials)
☆Six features of the plan☆ [1] More than 1,500 people participated last year! [2] Enjoy waterfall pool jumping, Tarzan, and natural swings. [3] Perfect for getting enough exercise! Recommended for those who don't like the sea. [4] Very little to bring. Participants from 3 years old are welcome. [5] High-quality photo and video recording is included, which has been highly praised by word of mouth. *Unlimited number of photos and videos. [6] Discount plans and Go
[Gunma / Minakami] September and October only Half-day canyoning adventure full of nature!
- 4.8
- (14 reviews and experiences)
Canyoning is an exhilarating activity where you can jump, slide, and trek and spend a pleasant time in a refreshing valley! At first glance it looks hard, but the guide will support you well. Wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, and other equipment for safe enjoyment are all from Jiggy's Adventure.
[Oita Fujikawachi Valley] half course OTTER canyoning tour
- 5.0
- (11 reviews and testimonials)
The half course climbs the promenade and enters the valley from the top of the area full of waterfalls. Proceed while sliding the area where small waterfalls continue, mainly downhill. There is no waterfall climbing, so if you have less physical strength, the half course is better. And you can fully enjoy the half course. Proceed while sliding and detouring about 20 waterfalls. with goals
- 4.5
- (1 review and testimonial)
This is the recommended full-scale canyoning tour "Mononoke Course," which is open to children from the third grade of elementary school. You can enjoy nature with just your body, sliding down the rock face in a natural valley, jumping off a rock wall into a river, and using special ropework to slide down a natural 80-degree vertical waterfall. This is a thrilling and very popular full-scale canyoning tour.
- 5.0
- (11 reviews and testimonials)
This is Xadventures' signature tour. It is a highly recommended tour packed with exciting elements such as slides, diving, and rappelling.
[Oita Fujikawachi Valley] Full course OTTER canyoning tour
- 4.9
- (34 reviews and testimonials)
The full course is characterized by shower climbing that climbs 16 waterfalls including small waterfalls. There are many waterfalls that cannot be climbed by one person. Cooperate with friends, help each other, come up with ideas, and conquer. It is a plan that even young people who are proud of their physical strength will be exhausted from playing. If you are not confident in your physical strength, the guide will support you. after wrapping
The canyoning tour takes you deep into the Nakatsu Valley. You can use ropes to descend into places that are normally off-limits to people, and swim through the valley to clear the water. The beauty of the valley and the clarity of the water are breathtaking! Let's go on an adventure! All you need to bring is your swimsuit and towel. We will lend you all your warm gear (wetsuits, thick socks, gloves). 3
- 5.0
- (10 reviews and experiences)
In fact, we were the first to pioneer river tours in this area! After exploring many different places, we finally arrived at this miraculous river, the Kanzaki River. We have had so many visitors so far, and we're excited to share our experience with you and guide you through a fun-filled day! Before COVID-19, we only held tours for large groups of 40-50 people.