Summary: At this stage of our trip to Japan, we were eager to take a break from the typical tourist activities, so we opted for a local adventure called "Shower Climbing." About an hour's drive from Takayama, we met our guides, who equipped us with wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, and other necessary gear. After a car ride to the canyon, we spent two hours ascending and descending, which involved climbing through waterfalls, jumping into pools, and navigating around boulders. This activity is accessible to most people, requiring no prior experience—just a bit of fitness and courage.
[This blog is part of a 15-days in Japan series].
Why Shower Climbing.
Typically, during a trip, we enjoy experiencing a local adventure at least once. In New Zealand, we experienced Canyoning (descending canyons), so when we discovered that Shower Climbing (ascending a canyon) is an activity for adventurers in Japan, we decided to try it!
Shower Climbing. We found this company online, which is located about an hour's drive from Takayama. The knowledgeable, safety-oriented staff speak English and have all the equipment ready for you upon your arrival. Note that we went in mid-September and happen to catch their last day of the season. Photos taken by the instructors are included in your package but, as you can see, they're taken from a water proof camera so the quality is understandably not the same as our usual photography equipment.
What to bring.
- Change of clothes
- Rash guard and bathing suit for under your wetsuit
- A towel
- Flip-flops
-Protein bar or similar snack for right after (you'll be hungry!)
-Packed lunch for drive back.
What is Shower Climbing? The object of the experience is to go up the canyon, navigating through a series of waterfalls and rugged rocks. As you ascend, you will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the canyon, with large boulders and lush vegetation that create a picturesque backdrop for your adventure. The guides, who are well-trained and knowledgeable about the terrain, will provide you with detailed instructions on precisely where to climb, ensuring that you feel safe and confident throughout the experience. No prior experience is required to participate in this thrilling activity, making it accessible to a wide range of adventurers. The entire trip up the canyon and back takes approximately two hours. Although this 2-hour time in the water is relatively short, it does involve a little bit of agility, fitness, and bravery.
There are water falls to swim under, and water slides to slip down. In some places you can jump off the rocks and into the water too.
The guides also had us do some team activities like water trains and circles for fun.
We encountered this little friend too.
Fun Family Activity. If you want a break from regular tourist activities, we definitely recommend this fun Japanese-style adventure experience.
Afterwards, we spent the rest of the afternoon resting at our AirBnB. This being Day 9 in Japan, we were ready for some downtime. In the evening, we also took a break from Japanese food and had an American-style burger at this fun little spot.
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