Elizabeth
Kayaking in downtown Tokyo? Are you serious? Yes, and it was an absolute blast! The Tokyo Great Kayaking Tour takes guests on one of three kayak trips along the canals and rivers of Tokyo. Situated in a perfect location on the banks of the Kamejima River, this company actually runs three types of tours. Their kayak tours are the most established, but you can also book a bicycle tour or a running tour throughout the city. We opted for the kayaking tour because we wanted to experience the city from the water.
Tokyo Great offers three kayak tours, aptly named “A,” “B,” and “C.” Their website explains about each tour option. We tour “C” because it was the tour offered during the daytime while the kiddos were at school. This 90-minute offering is perfect for those new to the city. It starts from the Kamejima and runs west to the Nihombashi Bridge, then backtracks for a loop that gives visitors a taste of the Sumida River. Forming a lollipop, this tour route is well sheltered on the Kamejima but also exposes you to the boats running the Sumida for a bit of excitement.
Tokyo Great’s equipment is dated. Their ocean kayaks are sit-in, so the only wet you’ll get is from your own paddling or from another boat’s wake. These kayaks are long and slender, but rather tippy. If you’re afraid of capsizing, you may want to opt for the two-seater kayak because they’ve got a flat-bottom and resemble canoes.
Be prepared for a little bit of work. Tokyo Great may expect you to help ready the kayaks and carry them into the river. From the storefront, you’ll need to climb down a ladder to the water’s edge. So if you have mobility trouble, this isn’t the tour for you.
Tokyo Great’s bicycle and running tours can also be booked on their website. Tour guides speak enough English and the tours on offer are of good value. Consider a kayak trip as an active date, or take your kids (use double kayak). Tokyo Great offers one or more daytime tour each month and loads of evening (7pm) tours. By checking their web calendar, you can see the A, B and C routes and when each is scheduled. I think that if you’ve been on one tour, you probably won’t want to go back again and again – but we had fun.
Wear clothes that can get wet. Tokyo Great will provide you with a personal flotation device, a paddle and a cold bottle of water. Wear comfortable shoes that can get wet. Tokyo Great will allow you to store bags in their locked storefront. There’s a bathroom and a small changing room in the shop.
