Rafting the Gōno River
The Gōno River is the largest river in the Chūgoku region, with a length of 194 km. It originates at Mt. Asayama in Kitahiroshima, Yamagata District, Hiroshima Prefecture, flows northeast, and receives three tributaries converging from three directions in central Miyoshi. From there, it flows west into Shimane Prefecture, proceeds north through the Chūgoku Mountains, makes a significant southwest turn in Misato, and empties into the Sea of Japan at Gōtsu. Since it describes a big loop, the distance between its source and mouth is only 40 km.
Where the Gōno River passes through Miyoshi, the river is broad and calm making it ideal for relaxed river rafting. Rafting in this case means riding in a big inflatable boat with small holes in the bottom to let the water out. The boat seats six or more people, each of whom has a paddle.
Rafting the Gōno River starts at the Gōnokawa Canoe Park Sakugi, an attractive riverside facility that provides you with a lifejacket and helmet, and basic safety instructions. Then you get into the boat with your companions and push off. The river here is shallow and smooth running. If you look carefully, you can see little fish darting about. These are ayu sweetfish for which the river is renowned.
In the summer months, the river is pleasantly warm and it’s a positive joy to get wet. From the canoe park, the river continues shallow for a few bends. A bit further along however, things get exciting. There are rapids plunging between large rocks where you have to paddle hard to keep the boat straight. The boat is buffeted about and water gushes in. Here, the guides take charge and bring the raft through safely.
Further down the river it gets deeper and calmer, and you can’t see the bottom. This is a good place to stand on the prow of the raft and jump off. Of course, with your lifejacket on, there’s no need to swim very hard, but getting back into the boat can be a challenge.
Along the way you’ll see waterfowl like cormorants and herons. Along the banks you can hear songbirds like bush warblers and see pretty blue rock thrushes. You’ll see raptors like red kites, and if you’re lucky, you may even see an osprey. There are also goshawks and peregrine falcons.
This is a very pleasant activity on a hot summer’s day. The size of the raft makes it ideal for families and groups of friends.
