You might be thinking that you need a break from Japan’s hot and humid weather — and this is most probably true — but your four-legged friend definitely needs a break from air-conditioned days and late-night humid walks in the park. This summer, treat the family and Fido with a trip into the Japanese Northern Alps for an escape from the city sweat and take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Hakuba.
Lake canoeing is one of the best ways to have a wonderful family day in the great outdoors during summer — dogs love gliding across the water just about as much as they do jumping into it! Dogs have a way of making the activities we share with them more fun. When you join one of Evergreen’s professional canoe guides, your mind will be at ease, you’ll know that your family is in good hands. We have new and clean equipment for you and even for your canine buddy. We have four sizes of life jackets for people and dogs alike, providing greater safety, floatation, and fun for all. We have found it best not to provide paddles for the dogs, because wooden paddles usually just end up becoming a midday snack! So instead we treat them to a Scooby Snack, while the humans are provided drinks and freshly baked cookies from our very own Roots Cafe.
If you are new to canoeing, you’ll need a bit of training, too. But don’t worry; anyone can pick up the four easy strokes that it takes to navigate around beautiful Lake Aoki. Just three more paddle strokes than your dog! Evergreen’s canoe and kayak guides are ever so happy to teach you everything you need to know to be safe and thoroughly satisfied. There just isn’t anything quite as enjoyable as a swim in this crystal clear lake with your kids and family dog.
There are some dogs that just aren’t water dogs, however, and for them we recommend a refreshing walk around the cool and shaded Himekawa (Princess River) Headwaters Park. This can be combined with a paddle on Lake Aoki or a private bicycle ride. The headwaters of Himekawa and Lake Aoki are pure enough to drink from so it is imperative that you bring ways to clean up after your dog so that these water sources, which truly are a treasure of the Japanese Northern Alps, do not become contaminated.
Whether it’s canoeing, kayaking, rafting, picnicking, walking, or bike riding, time in the outdoors offers us limitless opportunities to explore our horizons, bask in the serenity and hypnotizing effect of Hakuba’s spring waters, and get outside with our families and our dogs.
So what are you waiting for? Come join us in Hakuba’s Northern Alps for a summer that you will never forget!
Dave Enright
Director / Chief Guide
Evergreen Outdoor Center
