Canoe along the crystal-clear waters of Japan’s best kept secret

Although we MAY be slightly biased, it’s easy to fall in love with the 196-kilometer Shimanto River that twists and turns from the bold Kochi mountains to the ever-expansive Pacific Ocean. Not many travelers (even Japanese people) know about the Shimanto River, which is why we like to call it Japan’s best kept secret. Deep in nature, crowd-free and off the beaten path, it can almost feel like discovering a hidden treasure when you see the majestic waterway for the first time

One of our favorite ways to enjoy Japan’s last free-flowing river is to hop on a canoe. Ken Horikawa is an expert guide at Shimantojuku who takes visitors on epic Canadian canoe adventures. Although the trip occasionally features brief white water thrills, it mostly immerses you to the quiet grandeur of the Shimanto Valley. I found the experience of traveling in sync with the river's motion to be incredibly meditative 

If you really want to feel the healing power of a Shimanto River retreat, we highly recommend a multi-day trip with Shimantojuku. There's nothing like cruising down the Shimanto River without rushing, experiencing outdoor cooking, and sleeping under the twinkling stars, all while enjoying Ken's entertaining banter

Learn more about Shimantojuku here: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/activities/10105