Ascending Cascades: Sawanobori (Japanese-style canyoning) Full Package – Adventure, Lunch & Pick-up in Maze, Gero

Wade through the crystal clear waters of the Maze River, a treasured part of one of Japan’s most beautiful villages, before scaling the 21-meters-tall Fudo-myo-no-taki Falls through sawanobori. Literally translated as “stream climbing”, sawanobori is a traditional Japanese way of mountain climbing, described as a cross between canyoning and hiking. This outing well off the beaten path takes you into the wilderness of the Japanese Alps, teeming with nature’s riches from luxurious tree canopies, giant boulders shaped from lava flows centuries ago, and rushing, pristine emerald waters home to prized ayu (sweetfish). Look forward to a hearty lunch of freshly grilled, mouth-watering toasties oozing with cheese, some appetizers, fried wedges, homemade dessert and a drink – a fitting meal to dig into after a fulfilling and fun-filled time of sawanobori. This course is best enjoyed in summer, and recommended to those who love the grand outdoors, especially its stunning mountains.

From AUD $217

Highlights

  • Embark on an unforgettable adventure, surrounded by the astounding natural scenery of one of Japan's most beautiful villages as you attempt sawanobori, originating from the traditional way travelers of the past would brave river flows upstream to return home if paths through the mountains were especially fraught with danger and difficulty. Feel the refreshing mists and its negative ions aplenty, while you make your way about the waterfall, climb massives boulders, and explore the crystal clear waters of the river at its source, accompanied by a guide. Rest, relax, and enjoy the quiet serenity permeating Japanese countryside, as you savor each mouthful of your delicious, hearty lunch at the Soto no Uchi cafe.

  • Duration

    5 hours 20 minutes

  • Offered in

    English

What is included

  • English and French guide

  • Safety equipment (wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, wading shoes)

  • Lunch, accident insurance

  • Transportation to and from station (if required)

ITINERARY

Meeting / Pickup Point

JR Hida-Hagiwara Station

Start time

08:40:00

End point

JR Hida-Hagiwara Station

What To Expect

Experience an unforgettable outdoor adventure in one of Japan’s most beautiful villages with sawanobori (river climbing), a traditional activity where travelers once braved upstream river flows through waterfalls and boulders. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll explore crystal-clear waters at the river’s source, feel the refreshing mist of the waterfall, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Japanese countryside. After your adventure, relax and recharge with a hearty, delicious lunch at the charming Soto no Uchi café, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of rural Japan.

Schedule

8:40 - Meetup at Hida-Hagiwara Station
- Depart by car (about 15 mins)
- Change into gear at the Mountain Life Hida office
- Depart for sawanobori starting point by car (about 10 mins)
- Sawanobori (about 2 hours)
- Depart sawanobori end point by car (about 10 mins)
- Change clothes, break, lunch at the Mountain Life Hida office (about 1 hour 30 mins)
- Depart for Hida-Hagiwara Station by car (15 mins)
About 14:00 - Disperse at Hida-Hagiwara Station

※This itinerary is an example.























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    • Availability: 2025/6/1～2025/10/31

    • Number of Participants 2 to 6 people

    • Participation is not allowed for those who have back pain, heart disease, serious illness(es), or are pregnant.

    • Participants must be 120cm in height or taller, and weigh less than 110kg.

    • Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

    • Items to bring - swimwear and towels. Rental wading shoes are unavailable for those with shoe sizes smaller than 22cm. Please bring your own sports shoes and ankle socks. Sports shoes with good sole treading are suitable, whereas marine shoes are not.

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