Canoeing and giant icebergs: new routes for tourists in Japan

Japan's Okitama region attracts numerous outdoor enthusiasts. New small tours have been introduced in this area, catering to both domestic and international travelers.

These tours offer various outdoor activities, including canoeing, hot air ballooning, snow trekking, and martial arts. Travel specialists Yamagata Experience and Plat Yonezawa Corporation aim to bring attention to a part of Yamagata that is primarily known to locals rather than visitors from outside the prefecture with these new excursions, as reported by Japan Today.

The Okitama region is situated in the southern part of Yamagata Prefecture, encompassing the Yonezawa, Nagai, and Oguni basins. It is renowned for its hot springs, delicious local cuisine, rich history and culture, as well as picturesque natural landscapes and outdoor activities.

Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in a variety of adventures in the Okitama region, ranging from canoeing around Lake Shirakawa to winter hiking amidst giant icefalls. The Okitama region is especially convenient for nature lovers, particularly those seeking winter activities, being just two hours by train from Tokyo Station or two hours from Sendai Airport.

During spring, the melting snow causes a significant rise in water levels, leading to the flooding of the surrounding area and creating the enchanting illusion of a "flooded forest." Additionally, tourists can enjoy an air tour highlighting the beauty of the region's abundant natural landscapes.

Visitors have the chance to delve into local craftsmanship and culinary traditions. A six-hour tour takes participants to a 400-year-old sake brewery, followed by a lavish beef lunch at the Taizo-era cultural museum. The afternoon is dedicated to the historic Yonezawa Weaving Studio, where traditional techniques blend with modern digital photo-weaving methods.

Travelers can also gain insights into the training and martial arts techniques employed by the warriors of the Yonezawa clan, covering basic fencing, stick skills, and the art of donning a kimono and hakama.

Outdoor recreation and nature tourism in rural Japan have gained popularity, offering a less crowded alternative for travelers. Hori Morihiro, president of Yamagata Experience, notes that outdoor recreation allows visitors to experience Yamagata's nature firsthand.

Certain travel companies in the region cater to English-speaking visitors, aiming to showcase the region's allure to both local and foreign tourists. Yamagata boasts a rich culture, lesser-known traditions, a culinary history, breathtaking landscapes, and hospitable locals.

It's no wonder that Japan is a top destination on many people's travel lists. Mountain Watch recently highlighted the region as a must-visit for snow and winter sports enthusiasts.