River Activities
Riding rapids in inflatable rafts, approaching the massive stone ramparts of Hitoyoshi Castle on wooden pleasure boats, or perfecting your balance on a guided stand-up paddleboard tour are some of the many ways to experience the scenery and history of the Kuma River.
The river was the heart of the Hitoyoshi Kuma region during the Edo period (1603–1867), facilitating trade and agriculture. Over time, the river has become a destination for recreational activities, from rafting to canyoning. Tour operators in the Hitoyoshi Kuma region offer half- and full-day rafting as well as other river activities. Some packages include lunch, a hot-spring bath, or accommodation. Reservations are generally needed for these activities and can be booked directly through the tour operators. A list of local operators is available on the Kumagawa Rafting Association website (in Japanese only).