Canoe on the Glistening Kushida River in Matsusaka, Mie

2026.09.10

Enjoy a canoe ride along the pristine waters of the Kushida River, a place said to have been visited by the Shinto goddess of the sun, Amaterasu Omikami.

• Table of Contents
• What is the Kahada Valley?
• Experience Unique Historical Nature on the i-sierra Canoe Tour
• Canoe through Myth and Legend
• summary

What is the Kahada Valley?

Experience Unique Historical Nature on the i-sierra Canoe Tour

Bridging the connection between this natural history and the adventurous is i-Sierra, a non-profit organization and collective of guides dedicated to sharing the place they call home through outdoor experiences. Since its founding in 2018, i-Sierra’s passionate guides have encouraged enthusiasm for nature and the great outdoors through various community pursuits, like taking local elementary schoolers on their first canoe rides and leading hikers of all levels to the peaks of the stunning mountains making up Matsusaka’s Kahada Eleven.

i-Sierra leads seasonal canoe and kayak tours down the Kushida River through which you can explore the local history and legend of Matsusaka’s Iitaka region from the water’s surface and enjoy the summer sunshine and breeze in Japan’s lush countryside.

Canoe through Myth and Legend

The cool waters of the Kushida River stream from the majestic Mt. Takami, often considered the Matterhorn of the Kansai region, and flow down the Kahada Valley of Matsusaka through lands that pilgrims, travelers, and Shinto kami once walked in age old tales and bygone history.

Cool down from canoeing by diving into the deep end from the river-worn rocks near the centuries-old sacred tree of Mizuya Shrine, or follow the balmy summer breeze in a kayak past the great Mezurashi Pass, where a section of the historic Wakayama Kaido leads trekkers through a stunning rocky gorge framed by tranquil forest.

Paddle your way downstream and search the water for vibrant coral and white koi swimming past the great tsubuteishi, a legendary boulder said to have been tossed into the river by the female Shinto deity of the sun, Amaterasu Omikami, herself.

summary

Watch the story of Matsusaka’s Iitaka region come to life before your eyes as you explore summertime in the great outdoors at the Kahada River Valley with i-Sierra’s expert guidance. Just bring your enthusiasm and thirst for adventure.

Reserve now below, or see more details on i-Sierra’s river tour offerings here.

Learn More about i-sierra's Canoe Tours

Check out recommended hiking and walking spots and other beautiful natural locations in Matsusaka by visiting the links below.