Although a bit difficult to access, this is a great place to experience the best of Japanese seasons in a relaxing environment.
Where is the Shogawa River?
The Shogawa River winds its way down through the mountains starting in Gifu prefecture and then to Toyama and the Sea of Japan. The famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shirakawago in Gifu prefecture and Gokayama in Toyama both lay on this river. It then runs through the city of Takaoka before emptying into Toyama Bay. The section that includes the river cruise is next to the wood carving village of Inami in the Gokayama area.
A Short History
The river has been a centerpiece of the lives of most of the people living alongside of it. In 1586 there was a landslide large enough to dam the river and forced a changing of its path. The current flow of the river is more or less a product of this event. During the early Edo period, the Kaga Domain (Kanazawa) took great efforts to protect the area from floods and constructed the Matsugawa-yoke. This was a series of dikes and protective barriers along the river that were reinforced by planting pine trees on top.
As the nation industrialized, the need for electricity was rapidly expanding. This meant that power companies were looking to build dams along many of the rivers of the region and the Gokayama area was perfect. One problem was how it would interfere with the logging industry that had been one of the backbones of the economy for the past 200 years. The solution was to use a boat the pull the logs down the lake, but this was not to last long as roads connecting the region meant that trucks could move the logs much quicker. So, what to do with the boats and infrastructure was a central concern and their solution is below!
The Shogawa River Cruise
In an effort to revitalize the area and make use of the boats already brought here for logging, a scenic cruise was started for people to enjoy all the seasons of the region. The former hot spring that was submerged by the lake was reconstructed as one hotel, the Omaki Onsen Hotel, that is only accessible by boat. The boat trip and a stay at the secluded hot spring resort is a relaxing and restorative journey that can't be missed!
Visiting the Shogawa River & Cruise
The easiest way to access the Shogawa River is by visiting the many towns along its path. You can see it in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shirakawago and Gokayama. If you want to see the beautiful gorge part of the river that you have been reading about so far there are basically three options.
The easiest is to rent a car and drive. You can also use public transportation but it basically only leaves from Takaoka Station and there are about 4 buses to the cruise port every day. The final option is to join us on one of our tours! You can see the beautiful Amaharashi Coast, impressive Takaoka Great Buddha and, finally, the Shogawa River Cruise! Click below for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How's the weather?
It's nice in the spring, a bit hot in the summer, nice again in the fall and cold in the winter. So, basically what you would expect from most places in Japan. It gets quite cold in winter so be prepared with real winter jackets as the wind can whip down the valley.
How is it in the rain/snow?
The views are great! The rains creates a mist and the snow makes the whole valley feel magical. There is an "inside" to the boat so if you are too cold (or hot in the summer) you can escape to there.
Is food and drink allowed on the boat?
Yes, but none is sold on the boat so you need to bring it with you. There are vending machines at the port.
Is there a bathroom on board?
No. If you need to go, please go before boarding.
Am I allowed to get off at the hotel?
No, unless you are a guest staying at the hotel for the night.
Can I book a room at the hotel?
Yes. Please book the hotel room before getting on the boat.
