Summer in Japan can be pretty hot and muggy, but luckily there are plenty of ways to take advantage of the weather and cool off at the same time. One option is to visit one of the many waterways of Japan. The Japanese countryside is often cooler than the densely packed urban areas, making the secluded mountain river valleys on the island of Shikoku the perfect respite from the heat of the cities.
Often referred to collectively as the Ōboke-Koboke-kyo (大歩危小歩危峡 Ōboke and Koboke Gorges) by the locals, these two gorges make up a span of eight kilometres of the Yoshino River (吉野川) in Tokushima Prefecture. The Yoshino River is one of Japan’s three greatest rivers along with the Tone (利根川) and the Chikugo Rivers (筑後川), and is the longest on the island of Shikoku.
The walls of the Oboke-Koboke Gorges are lined by steep jagged cliffs forged 80–60 million years ago on the bottom of the ocean. The emerald waters of the otherwise calm and meandering Yoshino River flow between these rocky banks, giving way to lush green mountains above. The waters become awe-inspiring choppy rapids as they enter the gorges, earning them a reputation as the best white water rapids in all of Japan.
White water rafting
For thrill-seekers ready to tackle the rolling rapids, there are plenty of companies at Oboke-Koboke offering white water rafting day trips through the gorges from around March until November. As this is the best rafting area in Japan, many of the companies have English-speaking staff and offer a variety of half-day and full-day rafting excursions complete with bento lunches and other goodies. It’s quite a popular summer activity so avoid the peak season at the end of July and mid-August during the Obon holidays if you can.
Happy Raft
Address: 789-0157 Kōchi Prefecture, Nagaoka District, Otoyo, Ikadagi 221-1
Access: 1-minute walk from Tosa-Iwahara Station (土佐岩原駅)
English-speaking guides. Also offers canyoning tours.
YouMeRafting
Address: 789-0245 Kōchi Prefecture, Nagaoka District, Otoyo, Nagafuchi, 6−1
Access: 3-minute drive from Toyonaga Station (豊永駅)
English guided rafting tours.
Pleasure boat tours
For those who want to enjoy a more relaxed river tour—and stay dry in the process—there are pleasure boat cruises in Yoshino’s calmer waters as well. The guides are well-mannered and will tell you how the gorge formed as well as local history and legends as you float peacefully down the river. They will even point out curious rock formations, such as one called the Sleeping Lion. Along the ride, you’ll probably catch glimpses of schools of fish and freshwater crabs in the clear waters as well as various birds enjoying themselves by the riverside. The boat cruise is great for families and those with small children.
Onsen
After you’ve had your fill of water activities and a chance to cool down, it’s time to hit the hot springs. Conveniently located, the springs at Hotel Mannaka (峡谷の湯宿 大歩危峡まんなか) are just minutes from Koboke Station and a great place to take a bath. The hotel also provides the above-mentioned pleasure boat tours, accommodations, and restaurant facilities.
The Ōboke-Koboke Gorges are actually part of the larger Iya Valley (祖谷渓) where you’ll find plenty of relaxing hot springs. If you still have energy from the thrills of white water rafting, then make your way over the mountainside and descend into the valley via cable car to Hotel Iyaonsen (祖谷渓谷温泉). The view from this secluded hot spring’s outdoor bath overlooks the river below. The spring’s cloudy white water may be hot but the breeze is cool.
Hotel Mannaka (峡谷の湯宿 大歩危峡まんなか)
Address: 779-5451 Tokushima Prefecture, Miyoshi, Yamashiro-chō Nishiu 1644-1
Access: 24-minute walk from Oboke Station (大歩危駅)
Hotel Iyaonsen (祖谷渓谷温泉)
Address: 778-0165 Tokushima Prefecture, Miyoshi, Ikeda-chō, Matsuō Matsumoto 367-28
Access: 1 shuttle bus per day from Ōboke Station
Getting to the Oboke-Koboke Gorges isn’t as difficult as it seems. The JR Dosan Line services the area and is accessible directly by express trains from its main hub at Okayama Station or from other locations in Shikoku. Switch to the local trains to access other stations within the area.
Header image credit: photoAC
