Glamping & rafting or canyoning

3 days, 2 nights

Into the wild, Japanese style

Leave the city behind and head into the mountains of Minakami, a green outdoor playground on the edge of Joshinetsu National Park. Hidden in a forested valley at the foot of Mt. Tanigawa, your glamping spot overlooks the clear emerald waters of the Yubiso River.

For two nights, you’ll stay in a comfortable glamping tent surrounded by forest and mountains. There’s a natural swimming hole right in front of camp, a café and bar at your basecamp and, for an extra treat, you can book the wood-fired riverside sauna. Heat up in the barrel sauna, then cool down with a plunge straight into the river.

After your first night and a BBQ under the stars, it’s time for some action. Choose between packrafting, rafting or canyoning and spend the morning out on the water, tackling rapids and exploring Minakami’s rivers and gorges.

Then take your time. Swim in the river, relax around camp or head out and discover more of the region. Hike into the surrounding mountains, soak in one of the famous onsen hot springs in the area or simply keep your eyes open for some unexpected neighbours. If you’re lucky, you might even spot Japanese macaques – the famous red-faced ‘snow monkeys’ – roaming wild in the area.

It’s a side of Japan that feels a long way from Tokyo (even though it is just 1,5 hrs away by train/rental car): wild rivers, forested mountains, hot springs and evenings around the fire. Adventure when you want it, comfort when you need it.