Visit Wakayama

Kitayama Village is Japan's only exclave—officially part of Wakayama Prefecture yet completely surrounded by Mie and Nara Prefectures, with no direct connection to Wakayama itself. Nestled deep in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, this remote village preserves the pristine landscapes of Japan's rivers and mountains, where forestry once flourished.

The symbol of this heritage is "Kitayama River Log Rafting (Ikada-Kudari)." As a region renowned for high-quality timber, Kitayama Village developed a tradition of lashing felled logs into rafts and floating them down the Kitayama River to the port town of Shingu on the Kii coast. This grueling transportation method relied on the life-risking expertise of skilled raft masters and served as the village's primary industry for over 600 years.

Historical records show that timber floated down the Kitayama River was used in constructing some of Japan's celebrated castles, including Fushimi Castle and Osaka Castle.

Today's Kitayama River Ikada-Kudari revives this tradition as a tourism experience. More than just an activity, it's a living cultural heritage that lets visitors experience Japan's historic forestry culture firsthand. It holds the distinction of being Wakayama Prefecture's only registered Forestry Heritage site.

The rafting season runs from May through September each year. On the day of your journey, you'll depart by dedicated bus from Kitayama Village's Michi-no-Eki Okutoro roadside station to the starting point, where your approximately 6-kilometer, 70-minute river adventure begins.

The route features thrilling rapids like Otonori and Kamitaki, balanced perfectly with peaceful stretches surrounded by beautiful gorges and tranquility – offering an ideal mix of excitement and serenity. It's a time to viscerally experience the story of a village that has lived alongside the river.

As your raft glides down the V-shaped terrain carved by the Kitayama River over countless years (an area registered within Nanki Geopark), dramatic rock faces and verdant mountain scenery rush toward you. Entrusting yourself to the masterful skills of the raft masters, you'll feel as though you're traveling through time itself.

This traditional log rafting experience is supported by just 16 "modern raft masters." During the season, they work with nature to pilot the log rafts, delivering safe and dynamic experiences to visitors.

In the off-season, they tend to orchards growing "jabara"—a citrus fruit native to Kitayama Village—work in forestry, and maintain the village's infrastructure. They truly are the unsung heroes of Kitayama Village, supporting both the tourism industry and daily community life.

After your river journey concludes, unwind at Okutoro Onsen, attached to Michi-no-Eki Okutoro. The outdoor bath offers views overlooking the Kitayama River's dam lake, where you can soak in nature's lingering essence while relaxing your body.

You'll also discover unique local flavors available nowhere else, including drinks and souvenirs made with Kitayama Village's native jabara citrus, plus local wild game cuisine. It's the perfect spot to cap off your adventure.

While access to Kitayama Village isn't easy, beyond that trek lies Japan's half-forgotten pristine landscapes and the beauty of inherited craftsmanship.

Kitayama River Ikada-Kudari is an experiential cultural heritage where nature, history, and human endeavor come together as one.

Japan's only—and the world's only—log raft river journey.

Why not embark on this soul-liberating adventure for yourself?

Photos courtesy of Kitayama Village