Visit the spring water that flows into Lake Shirakaba and experience the origins of our connection with nature.Guided canoe tour

【STORY】

This tour explores the origins of water, which has brought blessings to people as a rich resource for more than 10,000 years in Yatsugatake, and reminds us of the connection between people and nature. Lake Shirakaba is an artificial lake created for agricultural crop management downstream, but you can take a canoe trip to experience the blessings of water and visit important places filled with people's wishes.

Our guide, Mr. Godai Fukui, was born at Lake Shirakaba and grew up playing in this natural environment since childhood.He loves Lake Shirakaba and wants to leave it for the next generation.

◆GUIDE / Godai Fukui

A former athlete who toured the world as a member of Japan's freestyle ski cross team and won the All Japan Stand Up Paddle Board Championship after retiring from skiing. After making a U-turn to his hometown of Lake Shirakaba in 2019 and taking over the pension and canoe school from his parents, he has continued to create new businesses, including SUP and e-bike tours and opening an outdoor shop.

【HIGHLIGH】

• You will spend a special time floating in a canoe in the midst of nature at Lake Shirakaba, located at an altitude of 1450m.
  
• Take a canoe to the headwaters of Lake Shirakaba and experience the coldness of the water directly.
  
• Head to a local shrine affiliated with Suwa Taisha to learn more about the history and beliefs of the area.
  

【SCHEDULE】

Choose from two start times, 10:00 or 13:00. 

[10:00 / 13:00] Gather at Yatsugatake Adventure Tours Pier.

[10:10 / 13:10] Our guides will provide detailed instructions on boarding, disembarking, and paddling techniques, ensuring a comfortable experience even for beginners. Practice sessions on land will further reassure first-timers.

[10:20 / 13:20] Departing from the pier on canoes, we'll head towards the source of Lake Shirakaba, allowing you to truly feel the rich waters.　　

[10:50 / 13:50] We'll make a landing along the lakeside. Pass through the birch trees and replenish your hydration with natural spring water at the spot.

[11:00 / 14:00] The latter part of the tour involves canoeing towards a local shrine established when Lake Shirakaba was formed, dedicated to safeguarding the lake's safety. Experience the unique ritual of paddling to the shrine gate floating in the lake, and offering prayers.

[11:30 / 14:30] You'll have free time to explore Lake Shirakaba at your leisure.

[11:50 / 14:50] End

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours
• Meeting point：Yatsugatake Adventure Tours Pier　[MAP]
  3419-75, Kitayama, Chino-shi, Nagano 391-0301
  
• Access：
  Approximately 30 minutes by bus from Chino Station
  Approximately 35 minutes by car from Suwa IC
  Approximately 60 minutes by car from Saku IC
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Included：
  ・Guide fee
  ・Life jackets
  ・Canoe rental
• Excluded：Interpreter/Guide fees
  
• Items to bring：
  ・A smartphone or a compact camera for photos.
  
• Clothes：
  ・Comfortable clothes easy to move in
  ・Sandals are acceptable during summer
• Participation requirements：
  ・Over 3 years old
  ・Please contact us for more than 6 participants
  
• Free WI-FI：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ・In the event of dangerous conditions like heavy rain, lightning, or strong winds, the organizer will decide to cancel the event. Otherwise, please gather at the meeting time on the day. We will proceed in light rain as rain gear rental is available for free.
  ・We'll start the reception 5 minutes before the tour begins, so please arrive 10 minutes early. Without notice or delays exceeding 20 minutes, it will be considered a cancellation on the day, so please arrive with ample time.
  ※ For individuals weighing over approximately 90kg, we kindly request tandem kayaking for two.
  ※ Participation is not allowed for elementary school students unless accompanied by a guardian.
  ※ Days with strong winds require physical strength. If deemed difficult for individuals such as women or children to kayak alone on the day due to wind conditions, it may be changed to tandem kayaking, please understand.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 2 days before the tour date: 40% of the tour price
The day before the tour date: 50% of the tour price
On the day of the tour: 60% of the tour price
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%