If you like outdoor excitement, you'll love the age-old tradition of log rafting, standing on platforms of logs as they are steered through the choppy white waters of the Kitayama River.
Tours meet at Michi-no-Eki Okutoro Tourist Center, Kitayama Village.
There is very limited public transport to Kitayama Village, and only one bus will get you to the tour on time, the 9:10 a.m. bus from Kumanoshi. There is also free parking at the tourist center.
The three ikadashi, or drivers, ride standing, with both hands on their oars while wearing life jackets
Traditionally-dressed river runners skillfully transport the log rafts through the clear waters and thrilling sections of whitewater, winding around the sheer cliffs of
Dorokyo Gorge
. More than a fun ride, river running is a part of the area's history. Logging has been a major industry in Kitayama for hundreds of years. Logs were traditionally tied together making rafts for transport down the river.
The log rides operate in May and June on weekends and holidays, and from July to September every day except Thursdays unless Thursday falls on a public holiday. Departures are at 10:40 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
You will be provided with safety equipment, including a life jacket, but it is recommended to bring a change of clothes, as you will get wet. Log rafting costs 6,600 yen for adults (tax included.) Children are 3,300 yen.
Reservations can be made at the Michi-no-Eki Okutoro Kitayamamura Kanko Center or on the
Kumano Travel website
.
