Kitayama Village is Japan's only "Enclave Village". With 97% of the village being mountainous forest, forestry once flourished here. The log rafting that was used to transport timber to Shingu in the early days is still preserved today as a tourist experience through the skills of traditional raftsmen. Please enjoy this thrilling experience of riding down rapids on traditional log rafts!
2025.07.15Located at the border of Wakayama, Nara, and Mie Prefecture, Kitayama Village is known nationwide as the only "village that exists as an enclave". On the Kitayama River, which flows through the pristine nature of Yoshino-Kumano National Park, "log rafting" that was once practiced during the era of thriving forestry is now carried on as a tourist raft riding.
This tourist raft riding experience, which can only be enjoyed in Kitayama Village, is also recognized as a forestry heritage site. It's a river journey enveloped in the scale and mystery created by the great nature of Nanki-Kumano Geopark (Kitayama Gorge, among other places). Operating safely with national authorization, this popular experience has spread its reputation through word-of-mouth, attracting about 8,000 visitors during its brief 5-month operating season each year.
↓What is Kumano Nanki Geopark?
This is a thrilling river journey where you ride on log rafts and navigate rapids for about one-hour through the skillful maneuvering of the raftsmen. At rapid sections, you can stand on the swaying raft and experience the thrilling sensation of becoming one with the river's flow.
The magnificent beauty of the gorge in the Kitayama River, the approaching sound of water-- why not embark on this dynamic adventure where you feel the nature with your whole body?
Operating period: May 1 - September 30 ※May be cancelled due to high/low water levels.
【May - June】: Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays only
【July - September】: Daily Except Thursdays
Price: Adults -￥7,700 | Elementary Students -￥3,300
Age limit: 10 to 75 years old
Departure time : Advance Reservation Required. 2 Daily Trips (Check-in 10:20 & 12:40)
Duration : Approximately 2 hours (Boat ride time: Approximately 70 minutes)
Reservations: Kitayama Village Tourist Center ☎ 0735-49-2324
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