water Archives | Tokyo Cheapo

Standup paddleboarding, or SUP (sappu in Japanese), is an awesome way to enjoy the rivers and bays in and around Tokyo. From Odaiba and Okutama to Yokohama, Kamakura and Yokosuka, there are plenty of places to go for some fun on the water. Whether you're a beginner looking to get involved, or a seasoned pro wanting to test out Tokyo's waters, here are some of our SUP recommendations. We'll also tell you what to expect for your first paddle, based on our own experience. 1. Koganecho, Yokohama -- Relax on the river In Yokohama, you can SUP along the Ōoka River while checking out the sights, from quaint local spots on the riverbank to the metropolitan surrounds of the Minatomirai area. Yokohama SUP Club and Mizubeso are two great options for a SUP experience here, and they happen to be next-door neighbors. Yokohama SUP Club Yokohama SUP Club is a popular SUP school and community that is accessible and easy to book online. For , you’ll get a 1.5-hour Ōoka River session starting from 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., with all the gear you need, including a SUP board, paddle, and life jacket. We decided to try out the experience for ourselves, to see what SUP is all about. While each session can accommodate up to 15 people, there’s a chance it won’t be a full group. There was only one other participant on the Saturday we joined, and we can’t complain about a near-private tour. Important: It’s worth preparing for a potential dip (or fall) into the river, so bring swimwear or clothes that can get wet. There are two separate changing rooms and a bathroom at Yokohama SUP Club. Valuables can be stored inside lockers at reception, so we left our bag, phone, and shoes there. For the SUP experience itself, we only took a hat and water bottle, which we strapped onto the life jacket. Our experience For starters, our instructor, Michi-san, took some time to explain how to SUP, including the proper grip on the paddle, changing posture, and moving on the water. She warned that we need to avoid the sides of the river, where there are sharp barnacles. Michi-san spoke to us in Japanese, but instructions can generally be provided in English upon request -- with a bit of notice. It's reassuring to know that all of the instructors are SUPA (SUP Association) approved. The first hurdle was getting on and off the board itself. We started by kneeling on the board and paddling out like that, before balancing ourselves to a standing position in the middle of the river. Once we were standing, we had some time to get used to the movements. We practiced increasing our pace by bending our legs further. From there, we passed under bridges and headed downstream toward Minatomirai and Kishamichi Promenade. It was fascinating to see familiar buildings and attractions from the water as opposed to street level. We saw famous sightseeing spots like the Landmark Tower, Yokohama Air Cabin (ropeway), and the giant Ferris wheel -- Cosmo Clock 21. The only catch is that you don’t have your phone for photos (unless you’ve brought a waterproof case), so you’ll simply need to take in the surroundings. Luckily, though, photos are included -- the instructor will take some on your behalf. On the way back, there’s a series of small retro bars that face out onto the river, which you can peer into. While it was hard to miss seeing bits of plastic on the river, it was encouraging to hear that SUP Yokohama Club and the SUP community are involved in a monthly river clean, picking up rubbish to contribute to the river’s sustainability. Once you’ve arrived safely back at the dock, the instructors will help you get back on the ground before returning to the club area. Showers are available for an extra . After getting changed, you can even pop into the “River Station” area for a massage. There are cafés and convenience stores nearby for a bite to eat. When you've got some confidence on the water, you can test your skills with more advanced sessions, as well as things like yoga. Who it's good for Since the river waters are so flat, the SUP experience suits all levels, including beginners and children. Just keep in mind that there’s a height requirement of 130 cm, and children under 15 years old need to be joined by their guardian. How to get there To get to Yokohama SUP Club from central Tokyo, you can take the Shōnan-Shinjuku or Toyoko lines, followed by the Keikyu Line, and arrive at Hinodechō Station. It’s a 5-minute walk from there to the River Station area entrance, opposite the Ōoka River. Mizubeso Mizubeso is another community SUP group that paddles along the Ōoka River, and they’re located right next to Yokohama SUP Club. We didn't try them out, but we know that their sessions are tailored for beginners and small groups, so it’s ideal for anyone’s first time or if you want to join with your partner, friends, or family. Morning and afternoon sessions start from per person, with a discount available for groups of four or more. There’s also a membership option for anyone wanting to make SUP a part of their routine and get involved in the community. Don't leave without exploring Koganecho If you go standup paddleboarding with Mizubeso or Yokohama SUP Club, you can make a day of it by exploring the surrounding area of Koganecho before or after your session on the water. Formerly a red-light district, the local community and NPOs have revitalized the area with lots of interesting art and architecture. You’ll also find a quaint bookstore, art gallery, cafés, and bars nearby. Our instructor recommended we try 7 Arts Café, a hub for artists, dog lovers, and the community. We also visited Chair Coffee Roasters, run by one Suzuki-san, who makes a delicious cold brew and will tell you everything you want to know about the area’s history and changes. 2. Odaiba, Tokyo -- SUP'ing Tokyo Bay Odaiba, located on the waterfront of Tokyo Bay, has calm waters and is one of the most convenient SUP destinations in central Tokyo. Here, you’ll enjoy an amazing view of Rainbow Bridge while you’re on the water. Rakuten Travel Experiences has a 2-hour SUP experience in Odaiba for . All SUP equipment, wetsuits, and life jackets are included in the price. And if you want to test your balance and flexibility, you can join a “SUP yoga” session with Shine On Odaiba. If you want to paddle your way further out of Tokyo, there are also some fantastic SUP experiences amidst the nature of Okutama, Shōnan, and Yokosuka. 3. Shiromaru Lake, Okutama -- Paddle calm mountain waters Shiromaru Lake in Okutama is fed by the pristine Tama River, providing a backdrop of emerald-green water surrounded by mountain forests. Okutama is about a 90-minute train ride from downtown Tokyo, so it’s the perfect location for an active weekend getaway. There are a few booking platform options for SUP tours here, including Rakuten Travel Experiences ( for 3 hours), and Crusoe Rafting (a 3-hour tour from for adults). 4. Kamakura and Enoshima, Shōnan -- Beachside SUP tour The Shōnan coast faces Sagami Bay along the southern part of Kanagawa. It includes Kamakura, a seaside town known for its big Buddha statue, and Enoshima, a small offshore island iconic to the area. Since Shōnan is 90 minutes from Shinjuku, it makes for a perfect SUP day trip -- think beaches, fresh seafood, and spas. Kamakura Hi-surf is conveniently located near Yuigahama (Sakanoshita) in Kamakura. For , beginners can enjoy a 1-hour SUP session with an instructor, with the option to rent the equipment for up to two more hours. The team provides all the gear you need, and the price includes photos. You can see the booking options via their homepage or Rakuten Travel Experiences. Another SUP provider in the area is Enoshima 3E, which offers small group lessons, private lessons, and rentals. SUP school sessions are available at 10:15 am and 1:15 pm, from per group session. Private lessons are tiered, starting from per person for six people and up to for a solo lesson. You’ll meet at Katase Kaigan Beach, in Fujisawa City. The Powder Company is a SUP and surfing school in Shonan, overlooking Kamakura and Enoshima. It offers lessons for beginners to experienced riders starting from . For anyone curious about the crossover between SUP and surfing, there’s a more challenging “SUP-surfing” course, where you can ride the waves with a paddle. Special mention for dog lovers: SUP Dogs If your dog likes the water, consider SUP Dogs' guided paddleboarding tours. They provide instructions in English and have locations in Yokohama, Tsukuihama Beach in Yokosuka, and Ohama Beach in Hayama, Miura Town. Things to know before you SUP in Tokyo Always double check what your SUP package includes -- it should come with rental gear, life jackets, lockers, and showers. Most experiences will also come with insurance, but we recommend confirming whether this is the case before booking. While SUP is a pretty accessible watersport since you’re mostly standing and paddling on a board, consider opting for calm waters protected from the wind and waves (such as the Ōoka River) if you’re a beginner or don’t know how to swim very well. Tokyo SUP FAQs What time of year can you go standup paddleboarding in Tokyo? Luckily for brave SUP souls, it’s possible to get on a paddleboard all year round, depending on the waterway and provider. You’ll need to keep an eye on the conditions though, since providers may cancel lessons due to bad weather, such as strong winds, high waves, or temperatures below five degrees. Depending on the waterway and season, there may be some additional considerations. For example, the water quality of the Ōoka River in Yokohama is higher outside of July to September, as red tides (a type of algae growth) are more likely to occur in this period. Can I take SUP lessons in English? Yes, for example at Yokohama SUP Club. But not all of the providers listed here offer English paddleboarding tours, so double check before booking. What should I take with me? As you prepare for a SUP session, remember to wear sunscreen and take a bathing suit (or clothes that can get wet) and towel. Toiletries are also useful for freshening up after your tour. Consider taking a waterproof phone case if you're willing to risk taking photos on the water, but be aware that some schools might caution you against it. They will usually snap some pics of the action for you. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.

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