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Updated: November 22, 2023

White-water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, SUP, and much more—Tokyo is a mecca for water sports

Adventurous water sports enthusiasts will find great pleasure in Tokyo’s terrific selection of sporting activities, whether on the many rivers and canals weaving through the heart of the city, or in the Tokyo Bay area with the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower in the distance. Or, if you would like to see a different side of the capital, take a day trip out to Okutama in the west, or spend a few days in the Tokyo Islands to the south where pristine beaches and azure-blue waters await.

Tips

  • Seeing Okutama through one of the many sporting activities on the Tama River
  • Doing SUP (stand-up paddle surfing) on the calm waters beneath TOKYO SKYTREE or in Tokyo Bay
  • Whale or dolphin watching in the cobalt-blue waters of the Tokyo Islands

Okutama, a joy for water sports enthusiasts

Discover Tokyo's oasis of nature at Okutama, an easy day trip just two hours to the west of the city center. The water-sports buff within you will love the adrenaline rush as you pursue adventure down the Tama River on a white-water rafting trip. Be enthralled by sporting activities such as kayaking on Lake Shiromaru, SUP (stand-up paddle surfing), hydrospeeding, and canyoning—which involves traversing along majestic canyons, climbing up waterfalls, zip-lining down gorges, and rappelling down cliffs. Keep in mind that many of these outdoor water-based activities are only available from late spring to early autumn. You’ll want to reserve in advance with a tour group or outdoor adventure company. Also, be absolutely sure to follow any safety instructions or guidelines you receive from your guide.

 

If relaxation is what you’re looking for, Okutama has several streams where you can go fishing. The Hikawa International Fishing Spot is about a five-minute walk from Okutama Station. Catch some trout and then grill it up, enjoying a relaxing barbecue in this beautiful part of Tokyo.
Another great way to relax is by having a soak at one of the many onsen (hot spring) spots dotted around Okutama. One example is Moegi-no-Yu, which uses 100% natural water. It has a communal foot bath, an indoor bath, and even an outdoor bath, which offers wonderful views of the Okutama River.
As a final note, before you embark on your outdoor water adventure, drop by the Okutama Visitor Center to get your ‘bearings’ and check if there have been any recent bear sightings in the area.

Paddling under Japan's tallest manmade structure

The iconic TOKYO SKYTREE towers over Japan's capital at 634 meters tall and is the highest man-made structure in all of Japan. Located to the northeast of the heart of the city center, it is a stone's throw from the historic district of Asakusa. If you crave a break from shopping or eating, aim for adventure on the Sumida River at the foot of TOKYO SKYTREE by indulging in water activities like a kayaking tour or a SUP class. Both sports are offered day and night.

Calm waters beneath the Rainbow Bridge

The relatively calm waters in Tokyo Bay make Odaiba perfect for a plunge into adventurous activities, even if you are a beginner in marine sports. Join a class and pick up SUP, which has been trendy among locals of late, or feel the breeze against your face as you go windsurfing, kayaking, or canoeing. Your experience will be all the more memorable with Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge in the distance. But if you do not wish to sweat it out, you could also ride one of the water buses or boat cruises around Odaiba.

 

Spellbinding waters and island adventures off Tokyo

Not many realize that the Tokyo government also oversees the islands in waters stretching as far as 1,000 kilometers to the south of the capital. These cannot be explored via a simple day trip, but the spellbinding waters and pristine beaches on these sparsely-populated islands will surely delight. Go whale or dolphin watching, or surf, snorkel, and scuba-dive in cobalt-blue waters before ending your day with a bath in the hot springs. The southernmost islands are the Ogasawara Islands—an unsullied World Heritage Site where myriad sporting activities abound.

 

More adventures in the city

And then there are even more options for water-based activities in the heart of Tokyo, which has, for centuries, made great use of its waters for business and leisure. Explore the city's many canals via canoe, and see areas such as the Akihabara Electric Town or Ochanomizu from a different perspective. You can also do SUP on rivers like the Edogawa River, or see how the city dramatically changes from day to night on board a river cruise through waters meandering through the city's major waterways. There is something for everyone and you will probably find what you're looking for with some quick research.

Adventure on the Water

 

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