Private Half Day Tour From
$400
Tenryu Gorge
-天竜峡-
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Tenryu Gorge:
This stunning gorge is a symbol of area. The Tenryu River disappears deep into a steep ravine which can be enjoyed both on foot and by Japanese traditional boat.
What will you do during this tour?
Choose between:
A short hike (30 mins - 1 hour)
A Japanese boat ride (1 hour)
A longer hike (2 hours)
Both the short hike and boat ride may be possible in a half day if the timing is right.
Combinations:
This is a half day tour which is best used in combination with another 1/2 day Ina Valley tour to make a full day (see below more details)
Prices (USD):
$400 for 1-2 people
$100 per additional person
$50 per additional child (4-18 years old)
FREE (kids under 4 years old)
*To add a boat ride onto the tour, just add $50 per person and $25 per child
About the Tenryu Gorge:
In decades past, Tenryu Gorge became the symbol of the southern half of the Ina Valley. As the Tenryu River exits the wide, fertile basin of the Ina Valley and disappears deep inside a sheer and steep gorge, the views become truly spectacular. The “gorge”-ous area has inspired poets from all over Japan who came to bask and take inspiration from the place. In the 1960s the town was booming. Traditional Japanese boats called “wasen” which have been used for over a hundred years to carry goods from the ocean deep into the mountains, have since been repurposed for tourism, which proved a huge hit with domestic tourists from the 1960s-1980s. In more recent decades, the tourism dropped sharply and the once bustling, vibrant town is now a more of a quiet and nostalgic scene. Despite the highs and the lows, the beauty of the place is beyond doubt. And without a foreign tourist in sight, perhaps this is the time to discover the Tenryu Gorge.
What you can do during this tour:
First off, while this tour can be enjoyed as a stand alone item, I believe it is best used in combination with another half day tour in the Ina Valley such as wara-zaiku (straw craft) and Ina-tsumugi (silk weaving) craft tours.
During this half day tour you can choose between:
A 30 minute - 1 hour easy hike of the Tenryu Gorge. This hike takes you from Tenryukyo Station, through the nostalgic town into a red pine tree forest, over the gorge on a suspension bridge, and up and round to complete the loop. This shorter hike can be combined with a boat road if the timing is right.
A traditional Japanese boat ride. For an additional $50 per adult (less for children) you can jump on a nostalgic feeling traditional Japanese boat ride through the Tenryu Gorge. The attraction has been a hit for generations and is still probably the thing that draws the most tourists to this area. The views are truly wonderful! This boat ride may be combined with the shorter hike if the timing is right.
A 2-3 hour hike of the Tenryu Gorge. This hike start with the same route as the easier hike, but continues on deeper into the forest and onto the Sky-walk (sora-sanpo) bridge with more great views over the area. This is the half day plan which is most highly recommended for keen hikers.
How to get there:
The Tenryu Gorge is best accessed by train using the JR Iida Line to Tenryukyo Station. However if this is not convenient for you, please contact us and other arrangements can be made.
How to make a half day into a full day:
This tour can be combined with the following tours to make a full day tour:
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A knowledgeable professional local guide.
Hot drinks and snacks
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Boat ride fees.
Transportation.
Lunch (a locally prepared bento lunch box).
Souvenirs and any other personal costs.
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Hiking shoes/suitable sports shoes
Clothes suitable for the trails (this will vary depending on the season and the weather)
Cash
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Drinks & snacks
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$400 for 1-2 people
$100 per additional person
$50 per additional child (4-18 years old)
FREE (kids under 4 years old)
*To add a boat ride onto the tour, just add $50 per person and $25 per child
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Day Tour Payments & Cancellation Policy:
To lock in a booking payment of a 20% non refundable deposit must be made within 2 weeks of the tour being confirmed. The remaining 80% will be due 30 days prior to the tour. Once the tour has been agreed upon and confirmed, we will send you both invoices (credit card payable) at the same time. If you are booking within 30 days of your tour, the total price of the tour must be paid immediately. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
Cancellation 30 or more days prior: 20% non refundable planning fee
29-15 days prior: 30%
14-7 days prior: 70%
6 days prior and beyond: 100%
Should the cancellation come from unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, war and political unrest (force majeure), etc. we are not obligated to issue refunds. We will endeavor to facilitate your tour and make alterations to your bookings with your cooperation but will do so on a case by case basis and not under obligation. Should cancellation come from our end for reasons such as sickness, etc. 100% of the tour fee will be refunded.