Originating in Europe, canyoning is an activity familiar to adventure enthusiasts. Sliding down rock faces, jumping into waterfalls, and climbing down cliffs on ropes… Thrills unlike anything you can experience in your everyday life, combined with the sound of clear streams, the scent of the forest, and the crisp air, which gives the feeling that you are completely immersed in nature, provide a sense of accomplishment and freedom.
Canyoning has only recently become popular in Japan, and not many tours are conducted. We visited a tour guide who offers all three of these things: ‘a valley with exceptionally clear and beautiful water’, ‘easy access from Tokyo’, and ‘small-group tours with meticulous support’, and experienced canyoning for ourselves!
Table of Contents
Head to the meeting point
We arrived at a canyon in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
Our guides were a friendly husband and wife team who run canyoning tours called Fujiyama Canyoning Japan. We asked them about the charms of the canyon and concept for the tour.
This valley is located far from residential areas, and the water is very clean. It’s also a hidden spot known only to those in the know. While some canyoning spots have been developed into tourist destinations, this one allows you to fully enjoy untouched nature. This is a place where you can fully experience the essence of canyoning: interacting with nature.
Within the tour, the couple place great importance on paying close attention to each guest. By conducting small-group tours, they can keep each guest close and keep an eye on them, making the experience comfortable even for first-timers.
Depart for the tour
First you get changed and get started. All you need to bring is a swimsuit, sandals, and towel. Any other necessary items, such as a wetsuit and shoes, are available to rent on the day of. Once changed, you will walk three to four minutes along the forest path and enter the canyon.
First, you receive an explanation.
After that, you immediately take a dive from a low position, just to practice. The trick is to stand upright, bend your knees slightly, and jump a little far away.
In some places, the water is several meters deep. Even people who are not confident swimmers can participate, but it is a good idea to let your guide know in advance you are not confident.
Next you walk through the canyon. The rock faces jutting out before you are impressive. Experience the wonder of nature!
Groups are kept small, with guides always at the front and back. This will put you at ease.
Natural waterslide
As you walk, you can hear the sound of water flowing…
Then you come upon something… it looks like a cliff from above, but it’s actually a natural water slide!
Ropes are used to descend where there is a current or a steep slope.
It is a precious experience to weave through the gaps in the rock faces carved by nature. When you hear the sound of the river flowing up close, you feel as if you are being pulled into nature.
Dive into the plunge pool
The basin at the bottom of the waterfall sparkles emerald green. It is about 6 meters high. Looking down from above is truly thrilling.
This is where you jump in! Time to take a bold plunge!
Move on. No two waterfalls and rock faces are the same. They truly are the wonders of nature.
Rappelling down a cliff and approaching the final stage of the tour
You descend a cliff about 10 meters high using a rope. There are several more spots to jump in the water after this. We gradually got used to jumping from high places!
Shower under waterfalls, swim freely in natural pools… Enjoy nature to your heart’s content as you make your way through the canyon.
End of the tour
We soon reached the finish line of our canyon descent. It took about two hours, and we traveled a total distance of 900 meters.
Canyoning is an activity that puts you in the middle of nature. Feeling the power of nature, you progress by trusting your companions and encouraging each other, deepening your bonds.
What did you think of this adventure?
This course is intended for experienced canyoners, but even first-timers canyoners (if you are an active person) can do it! However, for first-timers, a Canyon in Susono City is recommended.
This tour is offered from April to October, but the best season to go is the summer months of July to September! This slightly higher elevation, surrounded by greenery, is cooler than the plains below, and you will be delighted by the experience of cooling off in the water.
General information of this tour and how to Make a Reservation
Finally, here is an explanation of tours offered by Fujiyama Canyoning Japan, which we experienced this time.
Tours are conducted at two locations in Shizuoka Prefecture, and each course has group and private options.
- Susono City Canyon Course: For beginners
Meeting point (for group tours): Keigashima Parking Lot or JR Iwanami Station
For details and reservations, please see the following pages:
Fun Canyoning Activity at the Bottom of Mt. Fuji – Explore Shizuoka Activities
- Fuji City Canyon Course: For experienced canyoners or active beginners
Meeting point (for group tours): Unaigafuchi Park Parking Lot or Gakunan Railway Line Fujioka Station
For details and reservations, please see the following pages:
Advanced Canyoning Activity in a Miracle Lava Valley of Mt. Fuji – Explore Shizuoka Activities
For both courses, private tours can include hotel pickup and drop-off. (Hotel pickup is available in Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, and cities and towns around Mt. Fuji. Please inquire for details.)
You can also participate in these courses at your preferred time. Some people experience these courses as a port activity when they come on a cruise ship.