In the foothills of the Hidaka Mountains, the Saru River runs clear through southern Hokkaido. It has ranked first in Japan’s national river water quality surveys — and on its banks, a small outfit runs fully private packraft tours for anyone who wants to experience it from the water.
That’s Packraft Chiroro.
After a year-long pause in 2025, Packraft Chiroro relaunched in May 2026 and is now taking reservations.
About Packraft Chiroro
Based in Hidaka, Hokkaido, Packraft Chiroro runs packraft tours on the Saru River. Every plan is a fully private tour — no sharing with other groups. Your group, your pace, your river.
Open to complete beginners, to rafting veterans who want to try steering their own boat, and to existing packraft owners looking to develop their skills.
The Guide: Tadashi
Originally from Osaka. At 20, he loaded his dog Tom Sawyer onto a ferry to Hokkaido — with no plan and a simple wish to let his dog run free on the northern land. He ended up in Niseko. Found rafting. And hasn’t really stopped since.
He started guiding in 2009 and spent 11 seasons with HOA Hokkaido Outdoor Adventures, with stints on the Yoshino River in Shikoku and a training trip to New Zealand. In 2023, he launched Packraft Chiroro in the town where he’d settled — Hidaka.
“I want to share what I’ve built and the place I’ve made my home with as many people as I can.” That’s the spirit behind Packraft Chiroro.
Rivers guided: Mukawa, Saru, Toyohira, Shiribetsu, Chubetsu, Ishikari, Sorachi, Yoshino
Qualifications:
- RAJ Senior Guide (Japan Rafting Association)
- SOLO JAPAN (Wilderness First Aid)
- MEDIC First Aid (CPR and AED)
- Rescue 3 Swift Water Rescue Technician (SRT-1)
Tour Plans
All plans are fully private.
Packraft Half-Day Course (Saru River)
| Meeting time | 9:00 AM / 1:00 PM |
| Duration | Approx. 3 hours |
| Fee | ¥8,000/person (child riding along: ¥4,500) |
Packraft Full-Day Course
| Meeting time | 9:00 AM |
| Duration | Approx. 6 hours |
| Fee | ¥16,000/person, lunch included (child: ¥8,500) |
Private Rafting Half-Day Course
| Meeting time | 9:00 AM / 1:00 PM |
| Duration | Approx. 3 hours |
| Fee | ¥25,000 (1 boat, 1–7 people) |
Tent Sauna (Exclusive rental)
A riverside tent sauna experience on the Saru River. BBQ add-on available.
| Meeting time | 9:00 AM / 1:00 PM |
| Duration | Approx. 2 hours |
| Fee | ¥20,000 (1 unit, 1–5 people) |
Bengara Dyeing Experience
A new addition in 2026. See the official site for details.
Repeater-Only Chiroro River Course
A special course open only to guests who have been before. See the official site for details.
Website Booking Benefit
Book directly through the Packraft Chiroro website and you can rent a campervan (HiAce and similar) from partner MOVING INN for ¥20,000 per night. A natural pairing for an overnight stay in Hidaka.
The Field: Saru River
The Saru River flows from the Hidaka Mountains — a first-class river that has ranked first in Japan’s national water quality surveys. Clear, clean, and surrounded by the natural landscape of the Hidaka foothills.
Who It’s For
- Anyone wanting to packraft in the Hidaka / central Hokkaido area
- Groups, couples, and families looking for a fully private tour experience
- Beginners and experienced paddlers alike
- Packraft owners looking to develop skills with a qualified guide
Packraft Chiroro Official Site
→ https://packraft-chiroro.com/
Reservations and inquiries: info@packraft-chiroro.com / TEL: 070-9125-6101
This article is an independent introductory piece produced by Packraft Hokkaido. For the latest tour information, pricing, and reservations, please refer to the official Packraft Chiroro website.
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