About Us

SINCE 1970

For More Than 50 Years
We Have Lived and Worked
Alongside Japan’s Rivers and Sea

We have never focused only on providing outdoor activities

We have also built a strong foundation in safety
Technical skills
And guide training for the next generation

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WATER EXPERIENCES
FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

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Since our founding in 1970
Aoki Canoe Works has continued to work closely with Japan’s rivers and sea

Through canoeing and rafting
We have shared the excitement of truly experiencing nature

At the same time
We have continued to develop safety management
Pass down technical skills
And train the guides who will lead the next generation

Our work is not only about providing activities

It is also about developing people
Providing the right equipment
And passing Japan’s paddling culture on to the future

That is the work we have continued for more than half a century

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WHAT WE HAVE BUILT

SAFETY

Nature can never be completely predictable

That is why we do not rely on experience alone

We continue to review our equipment
Tour procedures
And operating standards
To provide safer outdoor experiences

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TECHNICAL SKILLS

Canoeing and rafting skills cannot be learned only from books

They are developed by working with changing rivers
Sea conditions
Weather
And natural environments

We continue to pass the skills gained in the field
On to the next generation

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DEVELOPING GUIDES

High-quality experiences cannot be created by facilities and equipment alone

We continue to train guides who can protect our guests
Respond to changing conditions
And communicate the true value of nature

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OUR HISTORY

From canoe schools
To rafting
Outdoor equipment
Sea kayaking
Accommodation
And local dining

We have continued to expand the possibilities of outdoor experiences

 

1970

Aoki Canoe Works Was Founded

We opened the Aoki Canoe School
And began teaching people the skills and enjoyment of canoeing

 

1971

Osaka Canoe Club Was Established

The club was founded to promote outdoor recreation
And paddling activities in the local community

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1985

Commercial Rafting Tours Began
On the Yoshino River in Shikoku

During the early years of commercial rafting in Japan
We began developing professional tour operations
Safety systems
And guide training

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1992

Bayern Canoe and Kayak Shop Opened
In Hirakata Osaka

Through the sale of specialist paddling equipment
We supported the growth of paddle sports in Japan

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1997

Founder Isamu Aoki Became President
Of the Rafting Association of Japan

He contributed to the development of industry-wide safety standards
And higher service quality

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2000

Hozugawa Rafting Tours Began
In Kyoto

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2003

A Permanent Rafting Base Opened
In Kameoka Kyoto

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2005

A Sea Kayaking Training Center Opened
In Yuasa Wakayama

Our activities expanded from rivers
To the sea

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2008

Isamu Aoki Received an Award of Merit

From the Japan Canoe Federation

The award recognized his long-standing contribution
To paddle sports in Japan

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2019

Our Accommodation Business Began
In Kameoka Kyoto

We started connecting outdoor experiences
With local food
And overnight stays

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OUR VISION

PLAY
EAT
STAY

Bringing Every Part of the Journey

Together as One Experience

Our goal is not to let an outdoor experience end
When the activity is over

Play freely in nature

Enjoy food from the local area

Stay overnight
And take time to experience the atmosphere of the destination

By connecting these three elements
We create greater value from the time spent in each region

This is what Aoki Canoe Works is working toward today

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PLAY

Hozugawa Rafting
And Ocean Activities in Wakayama

We create experiences where guests can move their bodies
Enjoy nature
And laugh together

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VIEW ACTIVITIES

EAT

KAMEOKA HIMEKI

A renovated traditional farmhouse restaurant
Where guests can enjoy local scenery
Seasonal ingredients
And stone-oven cooking

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VIEW RESTAURANT

STAY

goodRAC stay

And Suhara Seaside House

Private accommodation where guests can relax
After their outdoor experience
And spend more time in the local area

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VIEW ACCOMMODATION

ENJOY TODAY
MOVE FORWARD TOMORROW

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A day fully enjoyed
Can become the energy needed
To move forward tomorrow

We will continue to create memorable experiences
On the rivers and sea

From Kameoka Kyoto
And Yuasa Wakayama

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VIEW OUR EXPERIENCES