Want to try packrafting — and maybe keep going beyond the first experience?
A guide based in Furano has built a program around both.
About Furano Trek and Packraft
Furano Trek and Packraft is an outdoor operator running packraft tours on the Sorachi River and surrounding waterways in the Furano area. Founded independently in 2025, it builds on the packraft program that guide Hiroyuki Komatsu developed during his time at the established Furano Nature Club.
What sets it apart is the full range of programming — from casual first-timer tours to a structured skills development course for people who want to paddle properly.
The Guide: Hiroyuki Komatsu
Originally from Osaka. Komatsu developed the packraft tour program at Furano Nature Club, one of Hokkaido’s established outdoor operators, before going independent in 2025. In summer he guides rivers; in winter, mountain terrain from foothills to the alpine zone.
Beyond packrafting, he holds Mountain Guide Level II and Ski Guide Level I certifications from the Japan Mountain Guide Association — making him one of a small number of guides in Hokkaido who brings serious credentials in both river and mountain environments.
Qualifications:
- Hokkaido Outdoor Guide (Rafting Master Guide, Nature Guide)
- Japan Mountain Guide Association — Mountain Guide II, Ski Guide I
- Wilderness First Responder
- Medic First Aid Child Care Plus
The Programs
Furano Trek and Packraft’s offerings are structured in steps, from first experience to real river skills.
① Half-Day Tour — Easy Pace
A two-hour packraft experience on the lower Sorachi River, which runs through Furano. Wide, calm water — suitable for complete beginners. A riverside tea break is included mid-tour.
A natural starting point for Furano visitors who want something active and unhurried.
| Season | May 1 – November 1 |
| Hours | AM 9:30–11:30 / PM 13:30–15:30 |
| Age | Junior high school age and above (elementary school children: lake option available) |
| Group size | 2–8 participants |
| Fee | ¥9,000 per person |
| Transfer | Free from Furano city accommodations and Furano Station |
② Full-Day Tour — Relaxed Pace
A longer, more relaxed version of the river experience. See the official site for details.
③ STEP UP Program — 3-Session Skills Course
For people who want to move beyond a single experience and build real technique. Three sessions, each approximately 2.5 hours, covering the fundamentals of packrafting in a logical progression.
| Session | Location | Content |
|---|---|---|
| STEP 1 | Lake Takisato and others | Equipment use, basic paddling, self-rescue after capsize |
| STEP 2 | Lower Sorachi River | River safety, river signals, eddy in/out, ferry glide |
| STEP 3 | Mid Sorachi River | Boat control in current, hazard reading, portage, trouble response |
| Season | May 1 – October 30 |
| Per session | Approx. 2.5 hours |
| Age | 10 and above, 2 participants minimum |
| Fee | ¥9,000 per session (total ¥27,000 for all 3) |
“There’s no getting better at packrafting without this.” — Komatsu-san on the STEP UP program.
④ Custom Tour
Tailored tours for special requests and group events. See the official site for details.
The Field
The main field is the Sorachi River, accessible from central Furano. Different sections suit different skill levels — the calm lower reaches for beginners, the more technical mid-river for the STEP UP program. The area is rich in wildlife and scenery.
Who It’s For
- Furano visitors who want an active river experience
- Solo travelers looking for a guided packraft tour they can join alone
- Anyone who wants to move beyond a one-time experience and develop real technique
- Paddlers interested in combining river and mountain activities
Furano Trek and Packraft Official Site
Reservations via the booking page on the official site or Instagram DM.
This article is an independent introductory piece produced by Packraft Hokkaido. For the latest tour information, pricing, and reservations, please refer to the official Furano Trek and Packraft website.
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