Lake Kussharo and the Kushiro River headwaters — a special field at the heart of Akan-Mashu National Park, where rich natural ecosystems remain intact.
This is the home base of Tomoki Kokubun: paddler, photographer, and guide. His approach centers on helping people experience a genuine “connection” with the natural world — not just observe it from a distance.
The Guide: Tomoki Kokubun
Born in Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido in 1986. Based on the shores of Lake Kussharo, he works as a canoe and packraft guide alongside an active career as a nature photographer documenting Hokkaido’s landscapes.
His own river résumé includes the Kushiro River 100km (by both Canadian canoe and packraft), the Teshio River 150km, the Rekifune River, and the Shokotsu River. He contributes to the outdoor journal TRANSIT and takes on field coordination work for media and organizations in the Akan-Mashu area.
He is a member of the Kushiro River Headwaters Network and conducts all tours in accordance with the network’s charter and rules for sustainable guiding.
Qualifications:
- Hokkaido Governor-Certified Canoe Guide (Hokkaido Outdoor Qualification System)
- JSPA Full Member (Sit-on-Top Kayak Advanced Instructor)
- Rescue 3 Japan: SRT-1
- Wilderness Medical Associates Japan: WAFA Advanced Level
- Advanced First Aid certified
- Licensed chef
The Packraft Programs
Kokubun-san’s packraft tours are structured as a progression — from first contact with the equipment through to multi-day river travel. “Eventually, I’d like to head out to different rivers together” captures the intention behind the design.
STEP 1 — Basic (Experience and Foundation)
Packraft Half-Day Experience
For people who want to try before buying, or who want to dip a toe in before committing to more. Paddling takes place on the lake (flatwater) only — two hours to get familiar with the equipment.
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Season | Mid-May – end of October |
| Fee | From ¥7,000 |
First Packraft 1-Day Tour
“This is the entry point.” — Kokubun-san’s description of this tour. Morning: indoor briefing and flatwater practice on the lake. Afternoon: approximately 3km of downriver paddling on the Kushiro River headwaters. The foundations of river paddling in one day.
| Duration | 1 day (approx. 5 hours) |
| Season | Mid-May – end of October |
| Fee | From ¥15,000 |
STEP 2 — Skill Up (Practice and Application)
Skill-Up Program Half-Day
A custom-built lesson and practice session tailored to where you want to go next. Skills for safe river paddling, structured around your specific goals. Weekdays only.
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Season | Mid-May – end of October (weekdays only) |
| Fee | From ¥10,000 |
STEP 3 — Downriver Guide (River Travel)
Open to participants who have completed STEP 1 or 2. From gentle current to whitewater, one day to several days — guided at a level matched to your skills.
| Duration | 1 day to several days |
| Season | June – end of October |
| Fee | From ¥20,000 |
SPECIAL — Kushiro River 100km Packraft Expedition
The full Kushiro River — 100km from Lake Kussharo to the Pacific, over 5 days. Paddling and self-rescue instruction on Day 1 means packraft beginners can participate.
→ Kushiro River 100km Expedition 2026 — full details
The Field
The main field is Lake Kussharo — Japan’s largest caldera lake — and the Kushiro River headwaters, which wind through the forests of Akan-Mashu National Park. Water clarity is exceptional, and the surrounding landscape is largely undeveloped.
Who It’s For
- Anyone who wants to packraft in Akan-Mashu National Park
- People who want to try before buying their own packraft
- Paddlers who want to move beyond a single experience and develop real river skills
- Anyone taking their first step toward river travel
Official Site
→ https://www.tomokikokubun.com/guidetour/
Reservations and inquiries via the contact page on the official site.
This article is an independent introductory piece produced by Packraft Hokkaido. For the latest tour information, pricing, and reservations, please refer to the official website.
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