The wildest way to experience the serene natural beauty of Japan's Kitayama River? Rush down its thrilling currents while standing up on a narrow wooden raft.
Kitayama River rafting —
The wildest way to experience the serene natural beauty of Japan's Kitayama River? Rush down its thrilling currents while standing up on a narrow wooden raft.
Courtesy Kitayama Village
Are we having fun yet, kids? Wakayama is the only place in Japan that offers the traditional log rafting tours.
Only in Wakayama —
Are we having fun yet, kids? Wakayama is the only place in Japan that offers the traditional log rafting tours.
Courtesy Kitayama Village
The Yoshino-Kumano National Park, where the Kitayama River lies, covers parts of the Mie, Nara and Wakayama prefectures.
Yoshino-Kumano National Park —
The Yoshino-Kumano National Park, where the Kitayama River lies, covers parts of the Mie, Nara and Wakayama prefectures.
Courtesy Kitayama Village
Wooden oars in hand, the guides must pilot the rafts down the river rapids while standing, wearing rubber-soled boots, a hat...and no life jacket.
Kitayama cowboys —
Wooden oars in hand, the guides must pilot the rafts down the river rapids while standing, wearing rubber-soled boots, a hat...and no life jacket.
Kitayama Village
The adventure sport was inspired by Japan's traditional lumber industry. Felled wood was assembled into rafts then sent down the river -- a transport method used for more than 600 years. In the late 1970s it was introduced to tourists.
Balance is key —
The adventure sport was inspired by Japan's traditional lumber industry. Felled wood was assembled into rafts then sent down the river -- a transport method used for more than 600 years. In the late 1970s it was introduced to tourists.
Kitayama Village
The rafting season lasts from May to September, with reservations accepted from April 1.
View from above —
The rafting season lasts from May to September, with reservations accepted from April 1.
kitayamamura
Dense virgin forests, sheared cliffs and unique rock formations line the Kitayama River.
Beautiful scenery —
Dense virgin forests, sheared cliffs and unique rock formations line the Kitayama River.
Kitayama Village
World's most unusual rafting experience
CNN  — 

Think sitting in an inflated raft while rushing down white-water rapids is hardcore? You haven’t tried the wildest rafting experience in Japan.

Kitayama village, located about three hours from Osaka in Wakayama prefecture, offers tourists a chance to discover what it’s like to sail down the swift currents of Kitayama River on traditional logging rafts.

Here’s the kicker – you’re not even seated.

For the whole time, riders stand in a line on the sturdy, long wooden rafts, clutching only the metal/wooden handles that rise from the base of the rafts.

As terrifying as it looks to be a rider, the true cowboys on this journey are the guides.

Stunning photos of Japan’s most serene and beautiful places

Wooden oars in hand, they pilot the rafts down the river rapids while standing, wearing boots, a hat… and no life jacket.

The adventure sport was inspired by Japan’s traditional lumber industry, in which felled wood was assembled into rafts then sent down the river – a transport method used for more than 600 years. In the late 1970s, it was introduced to tourists.

Game? The rafting season lasts from May to September, with reservations accepted from April 1. Days and times vary depending on month. Minimum age to join is 10 years old. Price is 6,000 yen ($53) per adult, 3,000 yen per child.

To book online, visit Kumano-travel.com.