Osaka, Japan

Highlights

Enjoy 2 days/1 night  journeying to Tokushima Prefecture
Naruto Whirlpools
Awaodori Dance Experience
Vine Bridges in the Iya Valley
Rafting (Yoshino River) 

Description

Tokushima Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku. A tourist spot appreciated by the Japanese for its natural beauty with the whirlpools of Naruto, the traditional "Awaodori" dance and the rapids of its main river Yoshino, a popular spot for lovers of extreme sports, such as rafting and canoeing. 

Who This Experience Is Good For

This experience is perfect for adventurers, lovers of nature, sports, art and culture.

Meet Our Local Host 

Your City Manager Ken will be your host

Itinerary 

DAY 1

Start: 8:00 am Meet Ken in front of the entrance of “Yell Motomachi”.
A private bus will be waiting for us in front of the accommodation.
Once we are settled in, the bus will depart towards Tokushima, in a journey of approximately 2 hours until the first stop.

First stop: Naruto Whilpoors, a speedboat will take us to the point where the waters meet which, due to the relief, cause the natural phenomenon of whirlpools just below the bridge that connects the island of Awajishima to the island of Shikoku.
Back to the land, the bus will take us to the next stop.

Second stop: Awaodori Hall. In the hall, we will be able to learn more about the history behind the Awaodori dance and we will have the opportunity to see a rehearsal and participate in it, thus learning to dance with the local people.

Lunch Time.
After lunch, the bus we'll take us to our third stop.

Third stop: Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges.The bridges are associated with the Heike Clan who took refuge in the Iya Valley after their defeat by the Minamoto Clan in the Genpei War of 1180–1185. Construction with the thick vines that grow in the surrounding forests made them strong enough for daily use. *You don’t need to cross the bridge if you are afraid, if you want to cross it, a symbolic fee of 550 yen is charged.
From the bridge, the bus we'll take us to our guesthouse (the guesthouse belongs to the rafting company and that will make it easier for us for the journey the next day).

We will be arriving at the guesthouse around 5 pm

Dinner Time: Steak BBQ set, Bonito Tataki sashimi and a “bento lunch box” will be provided from the guesthouse (already included in the budget). *There are no shops, supermarkets or convenience stores in the vicinity.  Please buy whatever food you find necessary during our visit to Awaodori Hall. Including breakfast for the next day, as we will leave very early.

DAY 2

Start: 8:00 am We should wake up, pack our bags and have breakfast.
8:30 am A private bus will take us to the rafting meeting point.
8:45am the orientation, training and the signing of the contract begin (where we assume full responsibility for the decision to practice this sport, taking into account all the care and guidance given by the instructor).
Anything else we need to know, the instructors will let us know.
Tour ends around 4:00pm-4:30pm
5:00pm A private bus will take us back to the accommodation in Osaka

End: 8:00pm

What’s Included

A private bus round trip
The boat at Naruto Park
Awaodori Experience
Accommodation at Guesthouse - think family style - (You’ll need to bring your own towel)
Dinner
Rafting with all the equipments needed (Including wetsuit)
A light meal during the break on rafting tour

What’s Not Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Drinks
Vine Bridge Fee
Towels
Travel insurance 
Pictures (If you want it, you can buy in the end of the rafting, from their company)

Know Before You Go

Minimum Needed: 7 people
Maximum Capacity: 19 people
Booking Deadline: 15 Days before start date
Weather Dependent: Yes - In case of rain or typhoon, none of the activities included in this package are safe. 
Difficulty Level: Easy - As much as rafting is known as an extreme sport, it is very safe, as long as we follow the instructions given.
Special Clothing Required: Yes - Comfortable clothing for the trip, swimming clothing,plus everything you need for a 2-day trip.
Special Dietary Restrictions: Yes - We will have beef, pork, chicken, fish, rice and some vegetables for dinner. If you have any restrictions, please let your city manager know before you book.
Extra Cash: Needed for lunch, breakfast, snacks, drinks and to cross the “Vine bridge”.
Ground Transportation: All ground transportation is included. 
Additional Information: Towels can be rented from the rafting company at additional cost.
Liabilities: The liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred by participants is not assumed by Remote Year or its affiliates.