Yamanashi Full Day Tour

Out of the 16 courses that Canyons run, Yamanashi ranks No1. for thrills. Simply said, it is BIG! BIG waterfalls, BIG slides, BIG jumps and a BIG walk in! Definately not a course suites to everyone, but for BIG thrill seekers it is paradise!

The last weekend of August saw a crew of 7 adrenaline junkies put their courage to the test on this amazing course. With the river running at the best level and the weather playing along, the scene was set for a perfect day in the canyon.

(team picture at the start of the day)

The day starts with a stunning walk in. The path meanders along the course so you can check out all the waterfalls you are due to face on the way down.

The start point for the Canyoning is about an hour and a half walk in. When you reach the top, a series of pools and a stunning section of five consecutive waterfalls all with perfect sliders is awaiting. A dream start to a canyoning course.

(the 4th waterfall- 12m)

The falls get progressively bigger with the fifth one being a huge 20 meter drop. As you sit at the top of the drop you can't see the bottom of the waterfall or where you are going to land, but can definitely hear the water pounding down into the pool below you. The first 10m of the waterfall form a narrow chute closely followed by a natural kicker which throws you in the air to freefall the last 10m. This is one of the biggest adrenaline rushes of the day and those that are keen can climb back up for a second helping!

(top of the 20m waterfall)

After the morning warm up the guides share out the gourmet sandwiches and soup for lunch, followed by some drinks. The team takes a 15 minute rest to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the sounds of the forest, before suiting up again and back into the water

(group taking a lunch break)

The afternoon session is a series of over 30 waterfalls spread over 2.5 kms varying in size and shape; head first angle sliders, verticle slides, jumps, swims.....

We don't want to give away too much. If your up for it you'll just have to get out to Yamanashi and try it yourself. Those that have done this canyon will remember it for life!

Yamanashi Course info

Monday 24th August 2009

THE GUIDES CHECK OUT CRYSTAL CANYON

After earlier trips this month were canceled due to excess rain so with the next Crystal canyoning tour of the season coming up this weekend, the guides headed up to Niigata last week to check the course.
It's a stunning walk in, with a path that heads up the side of the canyon providing short glimpses of what you will encounter on the way down through the Canyon.

[looks small but this waterfall is 18m]

The start point is about 90 minutes walk in, when you reach the water, there is a beautiful section of canyon with Crystal clear water, great for a few jumps to warm up.

As you start to decend the canyon there are a series of small jumps before you get the the main falls in the middle section of the canyon. This waterfall jump below is one of the biggest thrills in Crystal with approx 18m of vertical and a large volume of water pounding around you. To add to the thrill, you can't see the landing from the start of the jump!

Further down the Canyon you find yourself standing at the top of a 35m waterfall looking down the valley. This is a great spot for chill out and enjoy the amazing scenery before decending the last waterfall of the day.

This is a great day out in one very special place. If your feeling fit and up for the challenge then this is a trip you won't forget in a hurry. Although its a long day it well worth the effort.

See full day canyoning schedule