Travel in the rhythm of nature.
A canyon exploration plan to pursue the scenery of this moment.
Event period: April 4, 2026 – end of November
Located a 20-minute drive from Yufuin and Beppu, we’re headed to a mystical, Ghibli-esque landscape that was even featured on the TV show “ItteQ.”
Our tours have no set format.
Our guides will coordinate a story just for you, combining trekking and a private boat (packraft) in tune with the rhythm of the river that day.
Head to secret spots that can only be reached by foot or the “wings” of a boat.
Pursue the depths of the Yufu River Gorge, which can only be encountered in this moment.
The perfect companion for navigating uncharted territory: the packraft.
This ultra-lightweight boat fits in a backpack and was designed for traveling through the Alaskan wilderness.
This tool, still rare in Japan, allows you to freely navigate the deepest reaches of canyons, unreachable on foot.
Once you’re afloat, your line of sight is right at the water’s edge. Walk on your own two feet and row your boat.
Enjoy the unique scenery that awaits you.
Freedom and lightness. Expand your adventure with a packraft.
Weighing just 3kg, this boat is light enough that even women and smaller people can easily carry it in one hand.
With this little companion, we’re not bound by the road.
Glide leisurely across the water’s surface in plentiful areas, and when rocky areas appear, quickly pick it up and move on to the next spot.
Use your feet and the boat interchangeably, moving in sync with nature.
This light and airy style will take you to the deepest parts of the Yufu River Gorge, previously unexplored.
“It’s not easy, but it’s fun.” A serious game for adults begins.
Cross rugged rocky terrain and carry a boat on your shoulders.
To be honest, it’s quite a workout! You might even get a little out of breath at times.
But once you’ve overcome those hurdles, a spectacular view awaits you as a reward, one you’d never encounter on a regular sightseeing trip.
Sheer rocks, sparkling waterfalls, and a blanket of moss.
Because you’ve reached the destination on your own, the beauty of the silence permeates your entire being.
Move your body, laugh, and be taken aback by the unknown scenery.
Would you like to join us on a “real adventure” that you can’t experience in the city?
★All-Inclusive★
Rental gear, snacks, drinks, hot spring pass, and insurance are all included!
◎Rental Gear
・Packraft ・Paddle ・Life Jacket
・Helmet ・Wet Pants ・Wet Boots
・Gloves
◎Snack & one drink
◎Insurance Fee
◎Free hot spring pass for Hasama Onsen
◎Photography
Everything is included! No additional fees!
Lightness is freedom.
To the depths of the canyon that no one has yet discovered.
Why are we so committed to our “perfect companion” – a packraft?
It’s because we want to break away from the linear journey of conventional tourist routes and realize a “surface” adventure that lets you enjoy the entire canyon to the fullest.
Weighing just 3kg, this nimble footwork enables you to cross cliffs that are inaccessible on foot, negotiate shallow waters that are inaccessible by boat, and reach “that place of light” that everyone has given up on.
Forge your own path and float alone on the water’s surface. The only sounds resonating with your senses at that moment are the sound of the waterfall and your own heartbeat.
What awaits you at the deepest depths of the Yufugawa Gorge is an overwhelming “reward for yourself” that defies words.
Surrender to the rhythm of nature and pursue the scenery of this moment.
Your own story begins here.
On the Yufugawa Gorge Packraft Tour, we make agreements and hold discussions with local residents, including the local tourist association, fishing association, Irrigation Association, and autonomous district association, as well as landowners and police, who we consult with for safety, before using the course.
Permission to enter the gorge is granted on the condition that all relevant parties and experienced guides take into account the weather and local environment and that safety precautions are taken when accompanying the tour and that the entrance area is maintained.
It is dangerous, and without the consent of the landowners, it is not a spot where you can enter the gorge on foot or by yourself, outside of this tour.
You can see some extremely rare scenery.
| Operating Season | April-november 2026 |
|---|---|
| Meeting Time | 10 am ※Please arrive ahead of time. |
| Tour Duration | Approximately 4 hours *The course schedule may change due to various reasons such as the number of participants and individual differences in physical strength. The course may be omitted if necessary. |
| Meeting Site | 729 Honoki, Hasama, Yufu City, Oita (Former Honoki Elementary School) |
| Booking Deadline | 12 pm 3 days before the tour date. |
| Facilities at the Honoki Base | ・Changing Room |
- Price
- Clothing&Belongings
- Requirements
- Cancellation of the Tour
- CP
Price (All the Price is Tax Included)
Foreign traveler. 27,000 yen per person
*Our insurance policy does not cover damage or injury caused by a participant’s inability to understand the language spoken by the instructor.
■What is Included
Guide Fee, Free Rental Gear (Packraft, Paddle, Wetsuit pants, Helmet, Life Jacket, Water booties, and gloves), 1 bath towel, 1 sports drink, Locally -made snack, Insurance, Photo Data (We will send you via email or AirDrop, etc), Hot Spring Ticket, Parking Fee, Yufugawa Gorge Environmental Improvement Fee
About Payment and Cancellation
■Payment Method
Onlin prepayment (payment will be made in advance after the reservation is confirmed. We will contact you by email regarding the payment method after the reservation is completed)
Clothing&Belongings
■What to Wear
- Tops that can get wet
- Underwear and T-shirts that are quick dry (Workout clothes and rash guards work well. Please avoid Cotton)
- Socks (To prevent blisters)
*For the bottom, we have wetsuit pants.
* If you wear contacts, 1-day lenses are recommended. If you wear glasses, please wear a glass strap or band.
*We recommend taking off nail extensions beforehand.
■What to Bring
- Bath towel
- Change of Clothes (Including underwear, socks, top and bottom)
- A Waterproof phone case with a neck strap*Optional (You can bring cameras and phones AT YOUR OWN RISK. ＊Please understand that we will not take responsibility and cannot compensate for any damage or loss of valuables and belongings.
(Notes for Camera and other devices)
- Please refrain from bringing large cameras, tripods and other large devices that would be difficult to carry.
- If the guide determines that it is dangerous to carry, you will be prohibited from using it in the gorge.
■Free Rental
- Packraft
- Paddle
- Wetsuit Pants
- Helmet
- Life Jacket
- Water Booties
- Gloves
- 1 Bath Towel
- Sandals
*Items above are included.
Requirements for Participation
- Must be able to understand the Language selected
- Age: 15-65 years old
- Weight Limit: Less than 100kg (220lbs)
- Must be able to sign the “Participation Consent Form”
- Not feeling sick, pregnant, or under the influence of alcohol or drug
- Physical Fitness Level: Exercising regularly and able to ascend and descend a 15-story building (even at a slow speed).
* If above-mentioned conditions from 1 to 5 are not met or if you cannot follow instructions given by guides, and if guides and staff members assess it is dangerous, you will not be able to participate in the tour and participation fee will not be refunded.
Regarding the Cancellation of the Tour due to the conditions
- As a basic rule, tours will be canceled in case of rain.
- The tour may be canceled due to the high-water level even if it rained a few days before the tour.
- In case of cancellation due to natural causes, the tour will be rescheduled or the participation fee will be fully refunded.
- We will try our best to contact you regarding tour cancellation due to natural cause by 6 p.m. before the tour day. However, please understand that decisions may be made in the morning on the day of the tour. Please provide a means of contact when you book the tour such as WhatsApp, LINE, Facebook Messenger, etc.,
Cancellation Policy
After booking is confirmed, a cancellation fee will be charged if you cancel due to personal reasons or change the day of the tour.
| Cancellation period | Cancellation fee | |
| 1 | 3-7 days before the tour date | 20% of the price |
| 2 | 1-2 days before the tour date | 50% of the price |
| 3 | On the day of the tour | 100％ |
Tour Schedule
| 10:00 am | Meeting |
|---|---|
| 10:20 am | Transportation |
| 10:30 am | Hike down to the Gorge |
| 11:00 am | Go Upstream |
| 12:00 pm | Short Break |
| 12:10 pm | Explore further |
| 12:30 pm | Turn around |
| 2:00 pm | Ascending→Transportation |
| 2:10 pm～3:00 pm | Change Clothes＆Finish |
【Meeting】
Meet at the Honoki Base, a repurposed school. -Check-in, change clothes, and safety briefing. -Parking is Free
【Transportation Honoki Base→Gorge】
Drive to the Parking Lot at Yufugawa Gorge. *You will be driving your car. If the number of participants is less than 3 people on the tour, we can give you a ride from the base to the Gorge.
【Hike down to the Gorge】
The Gorge is between 15 and 50 meters high. You will hike down to the bottom of the gorge while carrying a packraft. The trail is steep. If you do not exercise regularly, you will find it very challenging at this stage. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the bottom.
【Go Upstream】
We will inflate the boats. Then you’ll paddle, climb over boulders, and walk through the gorge while carrying the boat.
【Short Break】
We will take a break in front of the waterfall. Locally made snacks and a sports drink will be provided.
【Explore further】
We will continue further upstream. The view of the deeper section is breathtaking.
【Turn around】
After reaching a mysterious point, we will turn back downstream. On the way back, the water current will help us to slowly drift downstream.
【Ascending→Transportation】
Ascend slowly up the trail. The ascent takes about 20 minutes. After that, you will drive to the base. Since your wetsuits are wet, we will provide each person with a bath towel to keep your car dry. If you are concerned, please bring an extra thick bath towel.
★Information about accommodation
We can also arrange rural stays with host families who belong to the Yufu City Green Tourism Research Group (commonly known as Yufuguri).
If you are interested, please contact Yufuism General Incorporated Association at yufu@yufuism.jp.
You can also leave a message on the tour booking form
Yufuguri website：https://www.yufuguri.jp/