Sawanobori River Trekking Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the untouched beauty of mountain streams on this immersive river trekking tour in Takayama. Guided by certified experts from the Japan Mountain Guides Association, you’ll explore landscapes created by the eruption of the volcano while learning about the deep mountain culture that forms the roots of life in Takayama. One highlight of the tour is enjoying hand-dripped coffee, brewed using fresh spring water collected during the trek by a professional barista—an authentic taste of nature’s gifts.
A locally sourced lunch of fresh sandwiches and soup is also included. Centered around the theme of “water,” this tour is ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culturally curious travelers who want to reconnect with the land and its traditions.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Private tour can be arranged.
In case of rain, we will propose another tour plan. If you do not wish to participate, the tour fee will be refunded.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Guide fee
Hand-dripped coffee made for you by a professional barista with sandwiches and soup made from locally sourced fresh ingredients
Harness, helmet, and river shoes.
Insurance
Swimsuits or clothes may get wet. Please get ready on your own
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
[Departure point] 「ONDO」 or Takayama city hotel center [Destination] 「ONDO」 [Meeting time] 8:30 [Number of participants] 1 to 6 people [Detailed Schedule] ・8:30 - Meetup at 「ONDO」 or pickup at hotel ・9:00 - Departure for hiking spot and preparation ・9:30 - Start river trekking! Coffee time and lunchtime in between. ・13:00 - River trekking completed! ・14:30～14:30 - End of tour at 「ONDO」
Options
Sawanobori River Trekking Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The most awesome activity I’ve done in Takayama!! Recommended it!!
Dreamer42192250664,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The most awesome activity I’ve done in Takayama!! It was such a great experience meeting people from many different countryand hearing their travel stories and cultures. It was also a really fun trekking experience, with both river trekking and rock climbing. And I could fully enjoy the beauty of nature over lunch and coffee brewed with pure spring water. So I really recommend this!!
The best tour ever.
Quest33165020934,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Coffee is so delicious. If I have time, I might try again. However, there will be a snow tour here, so I will try it next year!
Hike, coffee, and friends
338jacksonp,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After spending a couple years in Japan and numerous months traveling, I can confidently say this is one of the best and refined travel experiences I’ve had the opportunity to partake in. Does a great job tying in local knowledge to curate a beautiful afternoon hike. If you come across this and there is space available, it’s a must.
An outdoor and coffee experience to remember
sarahfQ3301ZO,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The most incredible experience and one we will be reminiscing about forever. Walking through the river, rock climbing, learning about the local area enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The food and coffee was an absolute treat. A must do adventure if you’re in Japan!
Coffee + hiking + waterfalls
robbier971,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible once in a lifetime experience. Imagine the best cafe at the bottom of a waterfall in the middle of Japan with perfect coffee.
An activity you should add in your itinerary in Takayama!
sasakir2020,
Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friend and I both loved every minute today! Our guides, Kyohei, Take and Masaki were all informative, supportive and entertaining throughout the tour. There was a point that we had to use a rope, but this adventurous part became even more fun thanks to their safety instruction and support. But the best part was, by far, the lunch and coffee break. They prepared a table and chairs where the river was flat, and we enjoyed our lunch and coffee, while feeling the flowing river water around our feet. It felt so good that we ended up sitting directly on the ground! After learning about the fauna and flora of the area and the lives of local people, the taste of locally prepared sandwich and hand brewed coffee with flitered river water right at the spot became even more special. They prepare your shoes, harness, helmet, gloves, and even a backpack, so you don't have to worry about equipment. Go to Falo Coffee Brewers or EMBER if you are in Takayama. They accept booking until the day before. Don't miss this opportunity!
The best tour in Takayama
Curiosity56329012646,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful experience for me though I live in here. To be honest, I was a bit nervous because I had never tried tour like this and joined by my self. But the guides were so nice and kind, they supported a lot and explained about the nature a lot using English and Japanese .Also, drinking coffee and chatting with other participants in river was amazing. It was so chill and refreshing . I highly recommend if you are looking for real japan’s place not tourist place. You will like it for sure !!!
Unforgettable walk feet in the fresh water
Jean A,
Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Not to be missed. A simply magical walk, feet in the cool water, in the shade of tall trees. With a coffee tasting session! It was crazy.
Unforgettable excursion
Traveler55925828941,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unforgettable excursion! The beauty of the natural environment is breathtaking, with crystal clear waters and stunning rock formations. The professionalism of Yama and Take guides and the quality of the team are incredible. One of the best excursions we have done, thank you very much 😊🙏
Best Nature Tour
Sunshine44076307066,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing Tour in nature, the Tour guides where amazing. You could really tell that they like their job. Really recommended
From $140.00
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