Back to explore
Kayak & canoe · Lake Yamanaka, Mt. Fuji

WATER CRAB

山中湖 ウォータークラブ
Yamanakako WATER CRAB
★ 4.334 Google reviews·Reserve ahead
AI overview

WATER CRAB is a small, friendly paddling operator on the quiet east shore of Lake Yamanaka, built around getting complete beginners out onto the water with Mt. Fuji behind them. The signature program uses a rock-stable inflatable canoe — children from age 4 can join — with an instructor staying alongside for a short lesson and then an easy, low-effort glide across the lake. Life jackets are provided (and washed after every use), you can turn up empty-handed, and sessions run even in light rain. SUP joins the menu in summer; in winter the same crew switches to smelt fishing. Go on a clear morning, when the water is glassy and Fuji doubles in the reflection — and pack a change of clothes, because first-timers tend to get a little wet.

Generated summary · confirm hours and prices before visiting
山中湖 ウォータークラブOpen larger map·Google Maps
Price Per PersonInflatable canoe experience from ¥4,950 · SUP from ¥4,950–¥5,500 (per person, tax incl. · varies by plan/season — confirm exact plan at booking)
DurationAbout 1–2 hours (short lesson + easy lake tour)
ScheduleDaily ~9:00–18:00 contact hours · sessions by reservation Canoe/kayak in the warm seasons · SUP mainly summer · winter switches to smelt (wakasagi) fishing
Booking RequiredReserve ahead — small operator running scheduled plans. Book by phone or via an activity-booking site. Come empty-handed; runs in light rain.
LanguagesPrograms run primarily in Japanese — confirm English support when booking
IncludedInflatable canoe (or SUP) and paddle, life jacket (washed after every use), and an instructor-accompanied lesson. No gear needed — come empty-handed.
SuitabilityInflatable canoe ages 4 and up (very stable); SUP generally junior-high age and up. Family- and multi-generation-friendly; some plans welcome dogs.
EnglishPrimarily Japanese-language; confirm English support when booking
Getting ThereEast shore of Lake Yamanaka (Hirano) · at the Hirano intersection turn toward the lake, then right along the shore (~80m) · lakeside parking. ~10 min by car around the lake from the Yamanaka-ko interchange area.
Address1945 Hirano, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0502
Google Maps OpenStreetMap
Phone0555-65-9988

Good to know

  • Beginner- and family-friendly. The inflatable canoe is very stable, an instructor stays with you, and kids from age 4 can join; life jackets are provided and washed after every use.
  • Reserve ahead. It's a small operator running scheduled plans — book by phone or via an activity-booking site. You can come empty-handed.
  • Go in the morning on a clear day. Calm water and the Mt. Fuji reflection are best early; afternoons get windy.
  • Dress to get a bit wet. Beginners often get splashed — bring a change of clothes; a waterproof bag for valuables is lent.
  • Seasonal line-up. SUP is mainly summer; in winter the operator switches to smelt (wakasagi) fishing on the lake.
Official website ↗