Lake Tanuki
A lake offering stunning views of Mount Fuji, famous for the "Diamond Fuji" phenomenon.
What is Kanda River Packrafting?
Kanda River Packrafting is an outdoor tour operated by chill outdoor in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Participants paddle down the Kanda River using a lightweight, one-person inflatable boat called a packraft. The river runs right next to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, which is part of the Mount Fuji UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Kanda River is a clear stream fed by Mount Fuji’s natural spring water flowing from Wakamaike Pond, a designated Special Natural Monument. Every day, approximately 200,000 tons of melted snow from Mount Fuji filter through lava layers and emerge into the pond. The water temperature remains around 13°C (55°F) year-round with very little change in volume. Having such a pristine, transparent stream running directly through an urban area is highly unusual in Japan, making packrafting here a unique local experience.once.
Highlights of Kanda River Packrafting
The main highlight of this tour is experiencing a pure stream made entirely of Mount Fuji’s natural spring water. Participants float down the same sacred waters where pilgrims historically purified themselves before climbing the mountain. Because the river features no extreme rapids, the tour is safe and accessible for beginners and children.
The packrafts used in the tour are lightweight, weighing only about 3 kilograms, making them easy for anyone to carry. This allows for the unique experience of walking through town while carrying a boat, rather than through a typical forest or riverbank. A central theme of the tour is deepening connection to and understanding of Mount Fuji through outdoor activities. Participants who wish can receive a complimentary admission ticket to the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre to visit after the tour.
You can enjoy the unique experience of walking right through the middle of town carrying a boat, rather than along a typical riverbank or mountain trail!
How to Enjoy Your Visit
The meeting location is the Kandagawa Tourist Parking Lot. After registration, participants carry their packrafts to the front of the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre and practice paddling in the gentle waters of Seseragi Square. Once comfortable with handling the boat, you walk up toward Wakamaike Pond to inspect the route before launching from just downstream of the pond.
Because the river has a steady current, the boat moves forward naturally without requiring intense paddling. There are a few exciting spots along the way where you can fully experience the splash of the clear stream. Since the route is short and the packrafts are light, if time permits, participants can walk their boats back upstream to try a section again or practice a spot they missed.
The entire experience takes about two hours from arrival to departure. The tour is open to participants aged 10 and older who can paddle independently, with group sizes limited to two to six people. Wetsuits are not provided, so participants should arrive in comfortable clothes that can get wet and bring their own towels and a change of clothes. Changing tents are available at the end of the tour. After completing the river run, visiting the nearby Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre or walking to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine is a great way to spend the rest of the day learning about local history and spring water culture.
Basic Information
Name: Kanda River Packrafting
Hours: Tours last approximately 2 hours. Meeting times vary by season: March, April, October, November: 10:00 / 13:00 May, June, September: 9:00 / 13:00 / 15:30 (Evening tour) July (from Marine Day) and August: 6:00 (Morning tour) / 9:00
Closed: Irregular holidays during the operating season (March to December). Tours are generally canceled in case of rain.
Admission: ¥6,600 per person (includes full equipment rental, insurance, facility use, and a 3-hour parking voucher for one vehicle per group). Payment is cash only.
Parking: Available at the Kandagawa Tourist Parking Lot (Municipal parking lot open year-round from 6:30 to 22:00; free for the first 15 minutes).
Access
Address: Inside Kandagawa Tourist Parking Lot, 1-345-20 Miyacho, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access:
Public Transport: About a 10-minute walk from JR Minobu Line Fujinomiya Station to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine. The meeting spot at Kandagawa Tourist Parking Lot is next to the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre.
By Car: About 20 minutes from the Tomei Expressway Fuji IC via the Nishi-Fuji Bypass.
