Deer Canyon Full Day Report
Sun July 5th, 2009

10 excited canyoners took on the awesome Deer Canyon Full day course last weekend with perfect conditions. The water was a little on the high side after recent rains but the sun was shining and the temps were high. The group comprised of nine women and just one man! [Above - the group saying a quick prayer at the quaint shrine above the entrance to the Canyon]

The first waterfall, Satsuzen no Taki (Murder Falls) was descended using a special rope technique called a guided rappel. This technique is often used at high water to (mostly) avoid being pummeled by the force of the water and provides a spectacular view of thew waterfall as you fly along on the rope from 35m up!





The group takes a rest in one of the crystal clear pools, enjoying the incredible terrain of the canyon and trying to make out the sky through the overhanging forest canopy.

{Above - small jump]
[Below - big jump]

The second waterfall section (Ido Falls) is a double waterfall, the first of which is usually jumped. There is a high jump (10m) and low jump(4m) option, as you see in the videos. Customers can choose between the two heights. This day there were only 2 takers for the high jump.

The photo to the right is the taken from the bottom of the third waterfall. LUNCH TIME!. The sun shines through a large whole in the canopy providing warmth. Time to relax and enjoy the delicious lunch that is provided with the tour.


The first waterfall after lunch (fourth waterfall 7m of the tour) is the first chance to try rappelling in a waterfall. It is not as easy at it looks, with the water pressure trying to take your feet out from under you at every step. The guide is actually below holding the rope for safety, so even if you let go, you will not fall. If you don't have the confidence to rappel you can also be lowered down slowly. This day everyone challenged the rappel. On ya girls!

Directly below the rappel is a great waterfall slide into a huge pool. This can be done multiple times with a short climb around the slide back to the top.





In the afternoon section, the canyon starts to widen out a bit providing incredible views towards Mt Shirane and plenty of large pools, slides and jump spots.

The lady to the right is about to do a small jump into the pool above the impressive double waterfall, Datta no Taki (30m).

Below is a video of one of the slides down the first drop on Datta no Taki. You can choose the height you want to be dropped!

This lady below is negotiating her way down the second waterfall in Datta no Taki.

The picture below shows the groups at the bottom of the last waterfall. A 35m rappel. Smiling faces (looks of relief?) all around.