Highlights
- Kick off the journey with a thrilling river-rafting experience along the Tenryu River, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region
- Enjoy a serene traditional river boat ride on the second day and get hands-on with tea-picking in the scenic terraced fields of Nakaisamurai, a perfect blend of tradition and nature
- After an action-packed day, unwind at a hot spring hotel with stunning views of Tenryu Gorge, offering a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation
Description
Your guide will warmly greet you at your preferred pickup location, and head straight to rafting center. You'll first change into the gear provided to you - including water boots, life jacket, helmet along with spray jacket and wetsuit (should you wish to wear them) - before receiving a detailed safety briefing from your instructor. Once ready, you'll be driven to the launching point and then it's onto the river!
Over the next 1.5 hours, you’ll make your way along the river through whitewater rapids that thrill and gentler stretches that you can rest and take in atmosphere of the riverlands while your instructor keeps you entertained setting you challenges and activities to try for yourself. Great fun for guests of all ages, your rafting instructor will steer you along the river back to the rafting center.
Once done you’ll be transport to your accommodation where you can unpack and enjoy an ‘onsen’ (hot spring) before heading to dinner. The region is famous for its fantastic 'yakiniku' (grilled beef) restaurants, and with that in mind, you'll enjoy a local BBQ dinner nearby your accommodation - an ideal meal to recharge and indulge after the excitement of rafting, before retiring to your hotel for the one (and perhaps one last dip in the hot spring before bed).
Overlooking Tenryu Gorge, 'Ryukyoutei' is 'onsen' (natural hot spring) hotel with great views of the river. The larger hotel offers Japanese-style rooms featuring 'tatami' matting and on-floor 'futon' bedding. All rooms include Japanese furnishings such as low tables and chairs along with a private bathroom. The hotel's restaurant overlooks the gorge and serves a traditional menu for dinner and breakfast. Ryukyoutei's natural hot spring is also available for use by guests and though showing its age, the baths offer a sense of relaxation at the end of the day.
On the second day, your guide will pick you up from your guesthouse and leads you on a leisurely walk around Tenryu Gorge before heading onto the launching point for your day's exploration of the river. Running all the way to the Pacific Coast, the Tenryu River was traditionally an alternate route for trade and people into the mountainous interior of Central Japan. As such, the region and people forged their identity around the river, a tradition you will experience by first taking a traditional boat along through Tenryu Gorge and along the river for around 50-minutes.
Disembarking at Karakasa dock, your guide will accompany to the small riverside platform of Karakasa Station to take a local train onto Nakaisamurai. Following the river, this scenic rail route is largely undiscovered by international visitors and an experience in its own right. You'll ride the train as far as Nakaisamurai - around 35-minutes down the line - and into one of Nagano's most picturesque landscapes.
The tea plantations of Nakaisamurai line the steep mountainsides ascending above the river. This formation limits the amount of sunlight and imbues the leaves with a sweetness along with a subtle bitterness, while also dictating that farmers must pick the tea by hand - as modern machinery cannot access the fields. Nakaisamurai tea is a 'first flush tea' only and as such, no pesticides are used. Upon arrival at Nakaisamurai, you'll be greeted by a tea farmer and first enjoy a locally-made 'bento' lunchbox outside before you guided through the fields to pick tea for yourself and then brew your own pot of Nakaisamurai green tea.
This concludes your exciting two-day adventure through the Tenryu Riverlands. After a journey filled with unforgettable experiences, your guide will escort you to your preferred drop-off location. There, they will bid you a warm farewell, ensuring that your time in this beautiful region is wrapped up with the same care and attention you’ve enjoyed throughout the tour. With new memories and a deeper appreciation for the area’s natural beauty and culture, you'll leave feeling refreshed and inspired.
Who you will meet
Local Tea Farmers of Nakaisamurai
| Price : | ¥ 50,000 ~ per person |
| Tour Type : | 2 Day Group Tour (Accommodation Included) |
| Operation Period : | Mid-May - September |
| Pick up location : | Tenryukyo Station / Nagoya / Nakatsugawa / Hirugami Onsen |
Meetup Points
Since this is a private tour, the meeting point can be tailored to your preferences for maximum convenience. Possible pickup locations include the Nagano area, Matsumoto area, Shimo-suwa area, and more. We are happy to accommodate your specific needs, ensuring a seamless and personalized start to your journey.
Notes
Included
- English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle with driver
- Lunch (vegetarian options are available) & Evening BBQ
- Fees for all experiences included in the tour itinerary
- Accommodation at Ryukyoutei inc. Standard Japanese Room inc. on-floor ‘futon’ bedding inc. breakfast on Day 2
Excluded
- Additional food, snacks & drinks
- Alcohol & optional drinks at your accommodation
- Transport fees To/From your Pickup/Drop-off Locations