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Towadako Guidehouse KAI
Canadian canoe tours through the pristine natural surrounds of Towadako
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Take to the water
Connect with nature
RESERVE
ABOUT
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Towadako Guidehouse KAI
Our home is the unspoiled natural environment of Towadako, the largest caldera lake on Japan’s main island, where we run Canadian canoe tours that aim to bring people closer to nature.
Led by local, English-speaking guides, our tours allow you to paddle yourself across Towadako’s crystal-clear waters, giving you a water bird’s view of life on and around the lake. You’ll hear birdsong and the rustling of the wind in the beech forest that surrounds the lake. You’ll get glimpses of wildlife like serows, mandarin ducks and Japanese squirrels and learn about the lake’s ecosystem. You’ll be able to connect with nature, unwind and experience a different side of Japan. And we hope that by sharing Towadako with you, we’ll be able to preserve it for future generations.
Operating seasons
Off season
April 28 to July 19 and September 1 to November 5
Peak season
July 20 to August 31
Tour times
Morning tour
From 9:30 (registration from 9:00)
Afternoon tour
From 13:30 (registration from 13:00)
From October 1 to November 5, only morning tours are held on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Tour length
Roughly 2 hours, 30 minutes
Ages
4 years old and upwards
Meeting point
Utarube Camp Site（see map）
Fees
Off season
Groups: adults ¥7,600
children (ages 4 to 14): ¥3,800
Solo: ￥12,500
Peak season:
Groups: adults ¥8,700
children (ages 4 to 14): ¥4,900
Solo: ￥13,600
(per person, tax included)
Notes
- Please wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in and that you don’t mind getting wet.
- Please also bring a change of clothing. There is a changing area at the campground.
- To protect against the sun, we strongly suggest bringing a sun hat and sunglasses.
- In case of bad weather, please be aware that the tour may be canceled, or the tour time may be changed.
- Payment can be made in cash on the day or in advance by credit card.
【Meeting point】
RESERVE
Tour Flow
Step 01
The tour starts with registration and payment at the Utarube Camp Site before we equip you with a life jacket and paddle. We will then give a short lecture on using the canoe safely. If you have any questions at any point, please feel free to ask. We want you to feel as comfortable and confident in your canoe as possible.
Step 02
You will be paddling your own canoe during the tour, so next we will do a little practice before heading out on the lake. Most people will be sharing a two-person canoe, but if you are with small children you can fit a family of three to four people in one canoe. If you are taking the tour alone, you will share a canoe with your guide.
Step 03
After some practice, we will set off. We will go at a leisurely pace and mostly skirt the edge of the lake, so we can take in the natural surroundings (don’t forget your camera!) and you can ask your guide as many questions as you like about the lake and its flora, fauna and wildlife.
Step 04
After about an hour, we will stop for tea and snacks at a secret bay. In summer, you can swim and splash about in the water here. Any time of year, it’s the ideal place to just relax surrounded by nature. After the tea break, we will paddle back to the starting part of the tour, bringing the tour to an end.
RESERVE
Towadako Guidehouse KAI is certified by the Japan Safe Canoeing Association.
KAI is a member of the JSCA, an association that promotes safe canoeing, seeks to ensure harmony with the natural environment, and encourages the healthy development of mind and body.
Copyright 2020 Towadako Guidehouse 櫂