Learning Packrafting for Real on the Shiribetsu River — H2O Adventure Guide Club, Niseko

🇯🇵 日本語 | 🇺🇸 English

From “I want to try packrafting” to “I want to get better,” “I want to hike and paddle,” “I want to learn rescue” — H2O Adventure Guide Club covers the full progression, based on the Shiribetsu River and the Niseko area.

All packraft tours are guided by a JSPA (Japan Safety Paddling Association) certified packraft guide.

About H2O Adventure Guide Club

H2O Adventure Guide Club is a club-format guide platform built above the H2O Adventure day-tour operation — for paddlers who want to go deeper.

• One-day experience tours through to serious step-up programs
• Private and open-enrollment tour formats
• Fields across Hokkaido: Niseko, Lake Shikotsu, Chitose River, Sorachi River, Saru River, and more
• Clinics and certification courses for guides and instructors

The Guide: Tsunehiro Iori

Born in Kyoto. His outdoor life started at junior high school, when he and a friend cycled around Lake Biwa with a tent. High school hiking club, backpacking across Southeast Asia, cycling across Japan, wintering in Niseko ski resorts — a long arc of wandering that eventually led to a rafting guide course on the Yoshino River in Shikoku at age 26.

At 27, he launched a rafting and kayak company on the Nagatoro River in Saitama. A few years of splitting time between Nagatoro summers and Niseko winters followed, before he moved to Niseko permanently in search of “real outdoor guiding.” After seasons at Niseko Outdoor Center (NAC) covering sea kayak, canyoning, and adventure education, he founded H2O Adventure in 2010. Over 20 years of guiding experience.

One of a small number of guides in Hokkaido with professional qualifications across all four natural environments — river, sea, mountain, and snow.

Key Qualifications:

River and sea paddling (JSPA):

• River / Sea / Sit-on-Top / Recreational Kayak Guide Trainer
• River / Sea / Sit-on-Top / Recreational / SUP Instructor Trainer
• River Guide, Sea Guide, Kayak Advanced Instructor, SUP Advanced Instructor

Mountain (JMGA):

• Mountain Guide Stage II / Ski Guide Stage I

Others:

• RAJ Rafting Senior Guide
• Hokkaido Outdoor Guide (Canoe, Mountain — summer and winter)
• Avalanche Professional Level 1, Japan Avalanche Network Active Member
• Leave No Trace Trainer
• WMA WAFA Advanced Wilderness First Aid
• Advanced First Aid certified

Packraft Programs

① Packraft Experience Tour (Half-Day)

The entry point. A gentle section of the lower Shiribetsu River near Rankoshi, approximately 4km downriver after a basic technique session.

② First Packraft 1-Day

For anyone who has bought a packraft and isn’t sure where to start, or who wants to learn properly from the beginning. Inflation, paddling technique, self-rescue basics — all covered on a calm section of river, followed by a 4–5km downriver run.

③ Packraft Skill-Up Downriver (Half-Day)

For paddlers with a few trips under their belt, ready to improve. Upper Shiribetsu River (4–5km), working on ferry glide, eddy in/out, scouting, and rescue technique in real current.

④ Packraft Guide 1-Day

A full day of guided downriver paddling, matched to your level. Rivers across Hokkaido — Shiribetsu, Chitose, Saru, Sorachi, Toyohira, and more. Hike & paddle, spring high water, upper-reach creeking — style depends on you and conditions.

⑤ Safety Rescue Program (SRP) — Packraft

A JSPA-defined safety and rescue clinic for recreational paddlers. Covers essential river knowledge and rescue skills in a practical, field-based format. Completion certificate issued.

Fee: ¥16,500 (includes SRP textbook)

How to Apply

All tours use a shared booking form:

→ Booking Form

Include the tour code in the title (e.g., “June 26 PRT”).

H2O Adventure vs Guide Club — Which Is Right for You?

H2O Adventure Guide Club Official Site

→ https://guide.h2o-a.jp/

TEL: 080-8291-9843 (9:00–20:00)

This article is an independent introductory piece produced by Packraft Hokkaido. For the latest tour information, pricing, and reservations, please refer to the official H2O Adventure Guide Club website.