Top five packrafting routes in Hokkaido Japan

For some reason, Japan is largely off the radar for paddling adventures. With a packraft and time on your hands, however, Japan offers incredible paddling opportunities for all levels of paddlers.

Hokkaido, Japan’s northern-most island, arguably offers some of the more diverse and remote paddling opportunities. With a unique high-latitude climate, huge diversity in wildlife, and a deep contested history and culture, it should be high on any packrafter’s destination list.

So, here’s our top five Hokkaido packrafting trips you need to tick off on your bucket list. For full details on the routes, including printable PDF topomaps, check out the full post on HokkaidoWilds.org.

1. The Kushiro River (multi-day)
The Kushiro River (釧路川, 154km) is one of Japan’s most iconic rivers. Situated in eastern Hokkaido in Japan’s far north, Kushiro River flows south from Lake Kussharo (屈斜路湖), Japan’s largest caldera lake, all the way to the Pacific Ocean, through the Kushiro Wetland National Park. Packrafters can paddle all the way from the lake source to the sea, over a period of four to five self-supported days. Paddlers can expect crystal clear headwaters, deep forests, challenging rapids, Japan’s largest wetlands, two national parks, interconnected lakes, and a plethora of wildlife. And of course hot springs! 

2. The Rekifune River (multi-day)
The Rekifune River (歴船川) is a pristine, relatively untouched river flowing from high up in the eastern Hidaka Range in central Hokkaido to the Pacific Ocean. The upper gorge section has some challenging whitewater rapids, cloaked on both sides by beautiful cliffs. The lower braided section of the river makes for one of the best riverbed camping of any river in Hokkaido. We generally packraft the entire river over a very chilled out three days. Camping on day one is at a campground, and day two is wild camping on the riverside, complete with a driftwood fire. It’s a trip that will keep experts entertained, and challenge intermediate paddlers keen to test their packraft camping skills. 

3. Shisorapuchi River (day trip)
The lower section of the Shisorapuchi River (シーソラプチ川) is one of the most well-rounded intermediate to advanced whitewater runs in Hokkaido. It’s got technical but relatively safe drops, plenty of named and un-named rapids, crystal clear water, and the river is lined by moss-covered bedrock. Where the river officially becomes the Sorachi River (空知川) there’s the option to run the famous Kokutai Course (国体コース), a Class III- run through a low gorge. Half- to one-day run, flowing straight from the depths of the Daisetsuzan National Park, is one that will beg you to return to test your skills.

4. Shiribetsu River (day trip)
The Shiribetsu River wends its way around the base of Mt. Yotei, near the international ski resort of Niseko. Rapids can be bony, pushy, and require quick, decisive maneuvering. Depending on conditions the crux of the route, Futamata Rapids (二股の瀬) can top out at Class III. This is a classic drop-and-pool section though. As the route winds its way around the dramatic Yotei-zan (羊蹄山, 1898m), dramatic views of its conical peak await. At the end of the route, tall clay cliffs with spring-water waterfalls give paddlers a send-off.

5. Saru River
The Saru River 沙流川 is one of Hokkaido’s premier whitewater packrafting rivers, with a number of sections of differing difficulty. These river sections are variously punctuated by large dams, but each section is beautiful in its own right. This section of tight gorge from Hidaka township to just above the Iwachishi Dam is an upper intermediate to advanced paddler’s dream. There’s a number of Class 2+ to Class 3 rapids, and a challenging crux about half way – a 3m drop easily scouted from above on the bridge and from the river side. Paddling down the deep Saru River gorge should be on any Hokkaido paddler’s list.

Honorable mention – Lake Shikotsu (day-trip or overnight)
Flat-water packrafting isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but the pristine Lake Shikotsu in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park is too good to ignore. Only 50 minute public bus ride (or 2-3 hours bike ride) from Hokkaido’s main airport (New Chitose Airport), this extraordinarily remote-feeling lake is paddling paradise. Expect crystal clear water, underwater cliffs, tree-lined pebble beaches, and plenty of rough-sleeping options. While you can’t pitch a tent outside of designated campgrounds (there are two) in the national park, bring a bivvy-bag and you’re set for some gorgeous lake-side sleeping. all begins with an idea.