5 Amazing Water Sports You Can Try in Tokyo | Guidable - Your Guide to a Sustainable, Wellbeing-centred Life in Japan

5 Amazing Water Sports You Can Try in Tokyo

By Aika Kaise Sep 25, 2018

This post is also available in: Spanish

Did you know you there are some water sports you can enjoy in Tokyo?

Although you may be under the impression Tokyo is all buildings and urban areas without much nature, there are still many water activities that you can do in this city.

This article introduces 5 popular water sports you can do in Tokyo.

 

 

1. Canyoning

Do you know what canyoning is?

There is a water sport known as canyoneering in America.

This sport includes many outdoor activities such as trekking, climbing, canoeing, swimming, diving, and progressing through valleys to reach a selected goal.

It requires a particular skill because the point you need to arrive at is usually set at a location difficult to find and reach. So you need to bring a compass as well as a map to help you find the place more easily.

Originally, this sport started in Europe, and it spread to Japan in 1998 brought by a New Zealander. People can enjoy this sport not only in summer but can experience it from the end of April to the end of October.

If you want to do Canyoning, you can go to Grandex Okutama in Tokyo. It takes about 1 hour and a half from central Tokyo. You may feel nervous at first because it is not easy for a person who has never experienced this sport before, but you don’t need to worry. The guide staff will go with you and give you advice whenever you need it.

They are professionals, so you are still able to enjoy it even if it’s your first time canyoning.

 

2. Rafting

Rafting is a sport which you go down a river using a raft, which is pretty obvious from its name. It is called white water rafting if you go downstream rapidly in a raft. It was first introduced to Japan in 1970s.

Rafting is divided into 2 kinds which are race rafting and commercial rafting. In race rafting, participants are divided into groups and race among the groups, while in commercial rafting, you can just enjoy and relax with your family or friends.

If you choose a general course, not the rapid one, you will be able to see the wonderful scenery around you. And you can also experience this sports at Grandex Okutama in Tokyo as well as canyoning.

 

 

3. Canoeing

Canoeing is one of the most popular water sports in Japan. If you have never done this before, you can apply for a canoe class in Grandex Okutama in Tokyo as well. The name of the recommended class is ‘Mitake canoe class.’ The instructor is a professional, and you can learn how to get in the canoe, and to move the paddle.

Besides, you can also try river kayaks here. The class takes place in Shiromaruko lake. The scenery there is so beautiful surrounded by nature, you will even doubt whether you are still in Tokyo or not.

 

4. Skin Diving

You can experience skin diving with using a snorkel in Chichijima island, which is one of Osagawara islands in Tokyo. There is a small school teaching how to do skin diving as well, and you will learn how to use a snorkel.

There are even dolphins swimming around you. We recommend you try this enjoyable and unforgettable experience to swim with dolphins.

 

 

5. Scuba Diving

You are able to try scuba diving in Hachijojima island which is one of Izu islands in Tokyo. You can apply for a diving experience course, and the instructor will teach you how to do scuba diving from the basics.

If you are lucky, you can see sea turtles in the sea!

It is also possible to get a diving license if you join this course for about 4 days. How about getting your license somewhere you can swim in a beautiful sea?

 

In conclusion, you might think that Tokyo is a great and modern city and there is not so much nature, but actually if you look there really is. There is a lot of breathtaking nature inside Tokyo, and you can take it all in while enjoying water sports.

It is not difficult to join in water sports even if you have never experienced them before. There are professional instructors, and they will teach you how to use activity tools as well as how to swim in detail. You can apply to take these courses on the Internet.

If you come to Tokyo, why don’t you try something new like these water sports which you can enjoy the stunning nature? Your image of Tokyo will change after experiencing them!

 

Aika Kaise/Japan