Hitoyoshi | Stories of Resilience: Homemade Lunch at Sunflower Pavilion, Kuma River Rafting & a Local Recovery Tour
Itinerary Details
The Strength of Home Cooking: Sunflower Pavilion
The devastating floods of 2020 deeply affected communities along the Kuma River. At Sunflower Pavilion, local women have drawn on their skills, connections, and resilience to rebuild their lives and their community. Share a simple, heartfelt home-style meal made with locally sourced rice and vegetables while listening to stories of life before and after the floods. This is more than a meal—it is an opportunity to connect with the people and places behind the food.
Kuma River: A Journey Through Hitoyoshi's Landscapes
Rather than focusing solely on thrills, this approximately 60-minute rafting experience offers a chance to take in the scenery and local life along the Kuma River from the water. Accompanied by an experienced boatman, drift downstream and observe the changing landscapes along the riverbanks. From fresh greenery in spring to the vibrant colors of autumn and the quiet beauty of winter, each season reveals a different side of Hitoyoshi.
Itinerary
The Taste of Resilience
Meeting & Introduction to Hitoyoshi
Meet your guide at JR Hitoyoshi Station. Begin with a short introduction to Hitoyoshi’s history, its relationship with the Kuma River, and the community’s recovery following the 2020 floods. Take a relaxed walk through this mountain town and gain a sense of the local way of life.
Home-Style Lunch at Sunflower Pavilion
Enjoy a home-style lunch at Sunflower Pavilion, available by reservation. Over a hearty meal prepared with local ingredients, listen to a local woman share personal stories about her connection to the land, her experiences during the floods, and the journey of rebuilding her life afterward.
On the Kuma River
Kuma River Rafting Experience
Head to the river for a safety briefing and get ready for your rafting experience. After putting on your life jacket, board the raft and spend approximately 60 minutes traveling downstream with an experienced boatman. Listen to stories about the river and surrounding area while taking in the scenery from the water.
Explore Hitoyoshi at Your Own Pace
After reaching the disembarkation point, enjoy some free time to explore Hitoyoshi. Browse local shops and discover regional specialties before continuing your journey, carrying with you the scenery, flavors, and stories of the people who call this place home.
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
Important
Information &
Cancellation Policy
Important Notes
- Rafting is subject to water levels, wind conditions, rainfall, and other natural factors. If conditions are considered unsafe, the rafting experience may be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Please wear a life jacket and follow all safety instructions provided by the staff throughout the rafting experience.
- Please inform us of any dietary restrictions, including vegetarian requirements and food allergies, at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
- Once a reservation is made, a 5% system cancellation fee will be charged if the reservation is cancelled due to personal reasons.**
- 7 days before departure: 30%
- 3 days before departure: 50%
- Previous day and current day: 100%
