HOKKAIDO · CANOES & KAYAKS
Choosing between canoes & kayaks tours in hokkaido comes down to season, budget, and how much ground you want to cover in a day. We review every option and keep the 5 best here.
Paddle stable double kayaks from Shioya Beach along Otaru’s cliffs and coves with a certified guide such as Max. Expect about two hours on calm water, a secluded beach stop, sea life, photos, and a swim if conditions allow.
“Great tour - tour guide really knew his stuff. Great sights though out the cave. Also able to go for a swim in the water witch was amazing.”
Set out from Shioya Beach with guide Max or another certified English-speaking instructor. Paddle stable double kayaks past cliffs, caves, sea life, and quiet coves, then stop at a secluded beach for a swim.
“Max was a skilled and informative guide, great area to kayak and lovely to pull up at a beach and have a swim! A bit of difficulty finding the meeting place but otherwise very happy with the experience.”
Join a licensed English or Japanese guide for a quiet canoe trip in the normally closed Kushiro River headwaters, Lake Mashu stargazing, morning birdwatching, and one night with two meals included.
Join an experienced local guide at 2:00 pm for a two-hour canoe trip from Riverside Point to a restricted source area of the Kushiro River. Watch for kingfishers, woodpeckers, and crested kingfishers while paddling quiet water in a group of no more than 10.
Join a local bird expert and canoe guide at 2 pm for a three-hour paddle along a restricted section near the Kushiro River source. Learn birdwatching basics, watch for woodpeckers and kingfishers, and return to the starting point.