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Canoeing, SUP, and river activities in Tochigi

2025.06.28

Canoeing, SUP, and River Play | Waterside Activities Available in Tochigi

Enjoy Waterside Activities in Tochigi’s Nature

Tochigi Prefecture is a place where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season, surrounded by abundant nature. Here, waterside activities such as canoeing, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), and river play are well-developed. Especially in areas like Nasu Highlands, Nikko, and Kinugawa, there are programs available for various levels, from beginners to experienced participants, making them popular among many people. These activities offer a great opportunity to refresh both body and mind while experiencing the charm of each season, such as fresh greenery and autumn leaves. Additionally, safety measures are well-considered so that even families with small children can enjoy with peace of mind. Why not visit Tochigi to create special memories with family and friends through unique experiences only available here?

The Appeal of Canoeing and SUP in Tochigi

Tochigi Prefecture is surrounded by rich nature, allowing you to fully enjoy the great outdoors through canoeing and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). Especially in areas like Nasu Highlands, Nikko, and Kinugawa, these spots are known as ideal locations for waterside activities. Here, we will introduce the appeal of canoeing and SUP experiences available in Tochigi.

Relax on the Serene Lakes of Nasu Highlands

Nasu Highlands is home to dam lakes that are popular spots visited by many. In this area, canoeing and SUP experiences offered by Nature Planet are popular. There are plans available for a wide range of participants, from beginners to experienced individuals, and spending time leisurely gazing at the beautiful natural scenery is exceptional. Additionally, the small group format allows for safe participation, which is a pleasing point.

Enjoy the Seasonal Beauty of Shiobara Gorge

Shiobara Gorge is characterized by its beautiful scenery that changes with each season, attracting many tourists during the fresh greenery and autumn leaf seasons. Here, the sightseeing SUP tours offered by Spes Activity Nasu are recommended. The route from the gently flowing river to the magnificent gorge can be safely enjoyed even by small children. Additionally, the mega SUP tours, which can be chartered by families or groups of friends, are also well-received.

Enjoy an Early Morning Tour at Lake Chuzenji

Lake Chuzenji, located in the World Heritage site of Nikko, is also a noteworthy spot. Here, there are special canoe tours held from 5:00 to 7:00 in the early morning. You can experience the contrast of the unique tranquility and the beautiful sunrise during this time, attracting many people. Thanks to the careful guidance of the instructors, even beginners can participate with confidence.

River Play Spots: Fun Times for the Whole Family

Within Tochigi Prefecture, there are many river play spots perfect for families. Each has different characteristics, so by choosing a place that suits you, you can spend a more fulfilling day.

Campground Included! Diverse Water Play Experiences

In Tochigi City, there is a water play area with an attached campground. Here, you can enjoy a free canoe experience, and within the park, there are various features such as water channels and stepping stones, allowing you to spend the whole day without getting bored. Additionally, there is a shallow area for children, so families with small children can visit with peace of mind.

Guaranteed to Shine on Social Media! Encounter Beautiful Scenery Spots

“Kimata Gorge” is mentioned as a scenic point guaranteed to shine on social media. The contrast between the clear blue river surface and the surrounding lush green mountains is extremely beautiful, and it is supported by many who love outing photos. It is perfect for taking commemorative photos with the whole family.

Safety Measures and Precautions for Canoe & SUP

To fully enjoy waterside activities, it is necessary to thoroughly implement safety measures. Below are points that lead to ensuring safety.

Ensure Wearing of PFD (Personal Flotation Device)

All participants must wear a PFD (life jacket). This device plays a role in maintaining buoyancy in case of emergency, contributing to improved safety. If you have any questions about size selection, please consult the staff.

Recommended Guided Tour Plans

For those trying for the first time or not accustomed, we recommend guided tour plans. Having an instructor with specialized knowledge accompany you provides a reliable ally who can respond quickly in case of unexpected trouble. Additionally, the lesson content is kind and thorough, so newcomers need not worry! Above, we have summarized the waterside activity information for “Tochigi” “Canoe Boat” “SUP”. Why not visit this majestic and mysterious environment?

Frequently Asked Questions About Canoeing and SUP Experiences in Tochigi

Can beginners enjoy canoeing with peace of mind?

Yes, beginners can enjoy canoeing with peace of mind. Many facilities in Tochigi Prefecture offer careful lectures for first-timers. Especially at Lake Chuzenji, guides provide detailed explanations in small groups, allowing you to participate without anxiety. Additionally, safety equipment is well-equipped, so you can fully enjoy interacting with nature with peace of mind.

Are there places where I can experience SUP with my dog?

Yes, at “Spes Activity Nasu,” you can experience SUP with your dog. At Yano Dam Lake, the only dam lake in Nasu, you can enjoy safely under the guidance of a guide certified by the Japan Dog SUP Association. Your beloved dog may feel anxious when trying SUP for the first time, but with solid support, you can feel at ease.

What are the recommended water play spots in Tochigi?

There are many water play spots in Tochigi Prefecture that families can enjoy.
“Shirasagi Park” is one such spot, offering a variety of activities such as beautiful ponds, fountains, and waterside walks. The view from the high ground is also attractive. In the summer, you can enjoy a cool time by the stream, and there are also multipurpose playground equipment, making it worth visiting all year round.

Where can I experience canoeing along with camping?

“Auto Camp Nakagawa Station” is ideal.
This campground is located along the Nakagawa River, offering a wide range of activities such as barbecuing, fishing, river play in shallow areas, and canoeing/SUP experiences. It is popular with families, and the environment is well-prepared to fully enjoy nature.

What is an early morning canoe tour?

The early morning canoe tour takes place at Lake Chuzenji.
In this tour, you can see the sunrise over Mount Nantai from Lake Chuzenji during the quiet early morning. The mirror-like lake surface is breathtakingly beautiful, allowing you to enjoy the mystical scenery unique to this time. The meeting time varies depending on the sunrise time, so it is recommended to check in advance.

This information will be very useful when planning waterside activities in Tochigi Prefecture. There are interesting points and safety considerations, creating an environment where anyone can participate easily.

The Appeal of Waterside Activities in Tochigi

Tochigi Prefecture is a region where you can fully enjoy the great outdoors through waterside activities such as canoeing, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), and river play. Especially in spots like Nasu Highlands, Nikko, and Kinugawa, diverse programs are offered for both beginners and experienced participants.

In Nasu Highlands, canoeing and SUP experiences are popular, allowing you to relax on serene lakes while enjoying beautiful scenery. Additionally, in Shiobara Gorge, you can enjoy the seasonal beauty such as fresh greenery and autumn leaves, with tours available that even small children can safely participate in. The early morning tour at Lake Chuzenji allows you to spend quiet time amidst the beautiful sunrise.

For families, river play spots with attached campgrounds are recommended. Here, you can enjoy a variety of water play experiences, and with a shallow area for children, you can visit with peace of mind. There are also many scenic points like “Kimata Gorge” that are perfect for social media.

Safety is also considered, with thorough safety measures such as wearing life jackets and using guided tour plans. These well-rounded waterside activities in Tochigi provide a great opportunity to refresh both body and mind while feeling the great outdoors. Please visit to create memories with family and friends through this special experience.

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