Should I bring lunch?

Yes, please bring your own lunch and snacks to keep you fueled during the packraft tour!

I’ve never tried packrafting before. Is it difficult for the first time?

In this tour, we will packraft in a lake, so there’s no rapid sections. we’ll have a nice and slow time in nature. We will do the safety talks, demonstrations and support.

Should I tip my guide? How much?

Tipping is always appreciated. For our day trips, a good estimate is between 10% and 20% of the trip cost. Thank you for considering this ahead of time!

Do I have to carry my own gear?

Yes, we ask you to carry gear such as an inflatable packraft, lunch, drink, snacks, hat, clothes or something like that . We will provide a backpack to put gears for our tours. But no worries there is no reason to rush! This tour is private and we’d love to enjoy our time together as much as we can.

Where can I store my luggage during the tour?

You can leave your luggages at our shop for free. If you have a small valuable item that is particularly nervous about it - just ask us.

Do the guides speak English?

Some of our staff can speak basic English. Even if you’re not fluent in Japanese or English, don’t worry — we'll do our best to make the tour special! Many of our international guests had a great time with us!

What happens if it rains on the day of the tour?

The tour will go ahead in light rain. However, in case of severe weather conditions like thunderstorms or strong winds, we may cancel the tour for safety reasons. In such cases, we will contact you in advance and offer a full refund or reschedule.

Can I join the tour if I can't swim?

Yes, non-swimmers are welcome! All participants are required to wear life jackets, and our guides are trained in water safety. Just let us know in advance if you have any concerns.

Is there a place to change clothes or use the restroom?

Yes, we provide access to changing rooms and restrooms at or near the meeting point. We recommend arriving a little early if you need time to change.

Can I bring my camera or smartphone during the tour?

Yes, but please be aware that there is a risk of water exposure and lost. We recommend using waterproof cases or leaving valuables in a safe place. We also take photos during the tour and share them afterward.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes! Children are welcome to this tour. However, for safety reasons, children under 10 years old have to share a packraft with an adult. Thank you for your understanding.

Are there changing rooms?

Yes. You can change clothes comfortably at our office before the tour.

【WATER ACTIVITY】Private 1-Day Packrafting Tour At Lake Chuzenji, Nikko

Learning how to paddle with guidance from local experts.

Go On Adventures
Book your tour now！

Book Now

index

Highlights

Unforgettable Experiences
No Experience Needed!

media

Our “Packrafting Tour” was featured on TV in October 2023.

Packrafts are wonderful tools to explore nature. The boat is light weight and packable.

In this tour, you will hike trails along the lakeside, then we get access to a nice and quiet place to start packrafting.

The environment around Lake Chuzenji is geographically and historically unique. It’s located around 1400m above sea level ( the highest in Japan), and surrounded by volcanic mountains, glasslands, forests with rich nature and wild animals. This area has been famous as a mountain religion for 1200 years.

ukki

Let’s spend some time in Nikko with packrafting !!

What is Packrafting?

Originally from Alaska, packrafting is developed as a travel tool for exploring remote wilderness areas such as mountains, rivers and lakes.

Backpack + Raft = Packraft

Packrafts are inflatable boats that is compact enough to fit into a backpack, easy to inflate, and allows you to explore the true nature. A good thing about packrafting boat is its stability. Don’t need to be scared to get on water!

Overview

Unforgettable moments with new friends in Nikko.

Refreshing cruising and relaxing lakeside trails with stunning views in the Nikko National Park area! We take you to secret spots only accessible by hike, then we will across Lake Chuzenji by packrafts. This tour is planned for people who want to explore nature around the lake.

Time	April 18th – July 31th, 2026 September 1st -November 13th, 2026 (Contact us if you are keen to apply for the tour outside of listed dates.)
Duration	1 day / 5-6 hours (Private Tour) A half-day tour is available. Please contact us.
Suitable	At least 6 years old Children aged 6-10 need to share a boat with an adult. Under 20 years old need to participate with guardians.
Price	13,000yen / 11 years old above (1 boat for each person) 7,000yen / 6-10 years old (Two- seat with an adult) Private Guided Tour (English/Japanese speaking guide） Packraft Equipment (Packraft boat, Paddles, Backpack, Life jacket, Dry bags) Transportation (Nikko station/ shop/ ⇔Lake Chuzenji) Photos & Videos Local food (Yuba riceballs , Yokan) Hot drinks Insurance for injuries
What to bring	Snacks Extra clothes Sunglasses Hat Sunscreen
What to wear	Comfortable clothes with quick-drying fabricks. (Your clothes might get wet while paddling. ) We recommend to dress in layers.
Meeting Point, 　　　　　　　Meeting Time	Since this is the private tour so we are flexible. If you’re staying at an accommodation close to our shop, we can arrange the meeting point. Please reach out to us in advance so that we can make better plans. Here’s the normal schedule below for your reference. ①When you use trains here’s the Meeting Point . We’ll pick you up at 9:15 am. ②When you come to our shop directly, please be there at 9:00am. We have a changing room at the shop. Let us know if you want to use before we leave for tours. We usually finish our tour at 14:30pm, then it takes 1 hour to drive back to the station or our shop. The schedule might change.
Not suitable　for	Children under age 5 years old Wheelchair users Back pain suffers
Rentals	Sunglasses- ￥500 Shoes or Waterproof boots- ￥1000 Waterproof Jacket- ￥2000 Waterproof Pants- ￥1000

Book Now

You’ll have local food for lunch at the lakeside beach.

We’re glad to corporate with local shops to offer food for lunch- you’ll get Yuba rice balls and Yokan!

We want customers to enjoy not only activities but also food here in Nikko.

These are some photos and information about the food. Please have a look!!

補陀落本舗 (Fudarakuhonnpo） https://www.fudaraku.com/yubamusubi/
Yuba rice ball- Japanese seasoned rice wrapped by tofu skins. So tasty and healthy!!
You can only get in person at the shop to keep yuba fresh- only 50 portions per day.

日光羊羹綿半（Nikko Yokan Watahan）https://www.nikko-watahan.jp/
Yokan- Traditional Japanese jellied dessert made of red bean paste.
This is a great snack for outdoor activities because it’s compact and good quick energy source!

We’ll have 1 hour break so that you can relax and enjoy food!!
You are welcomed to bring own snacks for the tour.

Let’s Get On The Water

Location

Lake Chuzenji, Nikko Map

Meet Our Guides

ukki

A special tour launched in 2020. Finally we offer packrafting tour in Nikko National Park.
Let’s enjoy both hiking and paddling!

Bucchi

We’re all excited to meet you in our tour!

Where To Meet

This is a private tour so we are flexible. If you stay in Nikko we can arrange a place to pick you up. Please contact us ahead of time so that we can make a plan. We’ll do the best way we can.

This is a normal meeting information below. Please have a look.
The meeting point is HERE at 9:15 am, or come to our shop directory at 9:00 am.
Our shop- See on the Google Maps

Please contact us when you have any concernsproblems.
Email : info@oneplayit.com

Know Before You Go

Participants (11 years old or above)
– Encouraged to carry a backpack (3kg) and hike to access a starting point.
– Each participant handles 1 boat.
– Expected to have the ability to paddle on your own boat.

Participants ( 6 – 10 years old)
– Share a boat with an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Read more

Should I bring lunch?: Yes, please bring your own lunch and snacks to keep you fueled during the packraft tour!
I’ve never tried packrafting before. Is it difficult for the first time?: In this tour, we will packraft in a lake, so there’s no rapid sections. we’ll have a nice and slow time in nature. We will do the safety talks, demonstrations and support.
Should I tip my guide? How much?: Tipping is always appreciated. For our day trips, a good estimate is between 10% and 20% of the trip cost. Thank you for considering this ahead of time!
Do I have to carry my own gear?: Yes, we ask you to carry gear such as an inflatable packraft, lunch, drink, snacks, hat, clothes or something like that . We will provide a backpack to put gears for our tours. But no worries there is no reason to rush! This tour is private and we’d love to enjoy our time together as much as we can.
Where can I store my luggage during the tour?: You can leave your luggages at our shop for free. If you have a small valuable item that is particularly nervous about it – just ask us.
Do the guides speak English?: Some of our staff can speak basic English.
Even if you’re not fluent in Japanese or English, don’t worry — we’ll do our best to make the tour special! Many of our international guests had a great time with us!
What happens if it rains on the day of the tour?: The tour will go ahead in light rain. However, in case of severe weather conditions like thunderstorms or strong winds, we may cancel the tour for safety reasons. In such cases, we will contact you in advance and offer a full refund or reschedule.
Can I join the tour if I can’t swim?: Yes, non-swimmers are welcome! All participants are required to wear life jackets, and our guides are trained in water safety. Just let us know in advance if you have any concerns.
Is there a place to change clothes or use the restroom?: Yes, we provide access to changing rooms and restrooms at or near the meeting point. We recommend arriving a little early if you need time to change.
Can I bring my camera or smartphone during the tour?: Yes, but please be aware that there is a risk of water exposure and lost. We recommend using waterproof cases or leaving valuables in a safe place. We also take photos during the tour and share them afterward.
Is it family-friendly?: Yes! Children are welcome to this tour. However, for safety reasons, children under 10 years old have to share a packraft with an adult.
Thank you for your understanding.
Are there changing rooms?: Yes. You can change clothes comfortably at our office before the tour.