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 9 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.”
You paddle a transparent kayak from Ocean Days at Lake Shikotsu, then follow the Chitose River while guides point out clear water, birds, seasonal color, and possibly Hime trout. Most participants are beginners. Free photos and equipment are included.
Join a private, guided 2-hour canoe trip from near New Chitose Airport. Paddle 4 km down the Bibi River toward Lake Utonai, passing from calm open water into a jungle-like marsh forest. Airport pickup is available, and dogs may join with a life jacket.
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.
Join an English-speaking certified guide for a three-hour SUP outing on Chubetsu Lake. Learn basic paddling, watch the sunset near Mt. Asahidake, then use LED-lit boards as twilight arrives.
Leave Sapporo in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and spend about six hours exploring Lake Shikotsu by stand-up paddleboard. Your guide supplies the board and life jacket, while clear water, volcanic origins, and mountain views set the scene.