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For a glimpse of the great outdoors in Miyoshi, there’s no better place than Gonokawa Canoe Park Sakugi, a destination stretched along the banks of the Gonokawa River. Visitors can make the most of the lush natural scenery by renting canoes and kayaks to row along the river, splashing around in the shallows, hiking through the water, or even camping in tents and cottages, surrounded by the dark green trees that crowd right up to the Gonokawa.

As a canoe park, most travelers spend their time at Sakugi on the river, paddling along in brightly colored canoes and kayaks. This part of the Gonokawa is actually particularly swift and turbulent, so canoe outings take a safety-first approach by starting in the calm shallows, as beginners learn how to paddle efficiently and steer the little boats. Some people are naturals in a canoe while others take a little time to get the hang of things, but once everyone is confident with their oars, visitors can skim over the water and enjoy the scenery. There’s nothing better than zipping along the river and feeling the wind as it flows down from the mountains and over the water.

When a quick trip in a canoe doesn’t feel like enough, many of Sakugi’s guests also come to camp on the riverside. The park has space for tents and RVs with convenient access to bathrooms and a water supply, plus a row of simple cottages to rent for a different kind of getaway experience. The campgrounds are busy with campers enjoying the sunshine and barbecuing outside throughout the summer, but canoe instructor Fumitaka Fukuma will tell you that winter camping has become increasingly popular in recent years, and the clear quiet nights in the cold air are perfect for bonfires and stargazing. The cottages also come equipped with traditional Japanese fireplaces, which are warm and toasty on cool evenings, and can even be used to prepare traditional Japanese meals!

Even bathtime is a part of the fun for campers staying at Sakugi, thanks to the recently built bathhouse across the street. Kumamiyu is new and sparkling clean, and a soak in the large baths is a relaxing way to finish off a day filled with canoes and barbecues.

For those less interested in paddling boats out on the river, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the water too. There are areas to wade in the shallows, and a special stone water slide laid into the ground, where park-goers can slip and slide down the carved incline on a board. Sakugi also offers hikes along the river and into the hills, wading through creeks and climbing along the rocks. For younger kids, the experience is all about learning how to be safe and have fun around the water. But for travelers of all ages, a day or two spent at Canoe Park Sakugi is an exciting way to enjoy the natural beauty of Miyoshi!