Drive west past the mountains and picturesque rice fields of Matsusaka to the Everglades Kahada, a camp resort right on the bank of the Kushida River. Complete with cabins, grills, canoe rentals, and exciting places to explore nearby, this summer haven surrounded by Japanese countryside makes the perfect family-friendly getaway for a fulfilling summer vacation.
This is your guide to a 2-day 1-night summer trip to the Everglades Kahada, including an afternoon barbecue, a sleepover in the cabins, and plenty of time spent in and around the river. Without further ado, let’s set off for summer!
Table of Contents
- Check-in and Rentals
- Day 1: Splashing Under the Sun
- Day 1: Sizzle it Up with Barbecue
- Day 1: Spend a Night in the Woods
- Day 2: Canoe in Crystal Clear Water
- Day 2: Explore the Chakura Bridge and Chakura Roadside Station
- Day 2: Hunt for Colorful Treasures
- Summary and Visitor Information
Check-in and Rentals
Wooden planks line the interior of the Everglades Kahada office and rental store, where the walls are filled with road plaques, vintage signs, and posters of its inspiration, the Everglades National Park in the US. Check in with the staff at the counter here and rent any equipment you’ll need for your summer adventure.
At reception, you can order generous barbecue packages that can even accommodate more than 10 people. Smaller groups may prefer the ribeye or T-bone steak set for two, or the single portions of baby back ribs. Add on a soft French bread with herb butter, an American beer-can chicken, or some s’mores for a classic North American campfire treat.
Everything from tents, life jackets, grills, pots, pans, and even rice cookers are available at the rental corner, providing you a wide variety of options for spending your summer vacation by the river.
Day 1: Splashing Under the Sun
After all that time spent cooped up while traveling, there’s no better way to stretch out and cool off from the summer sun than to jump into the river right by the Everglades Kahada. Change into your swim wear, put on your water shoes, and head straight for the glittering riverside to kick off your vacation.
Descend the steps towards the swimming area and wade through the shallow zone or plunge into the deep side to take the edge off the summer heat. Lush green forest and clear blue sky reflect off the surface of the slow-flowing section of water as the gentle summer breeze blows on by. The Kushida River is exceptionally translucent; you can see straight to the riverbed, where you’ll find an endless collection of smooth, flat stones ideal for skipping on the water’s mirror surface.
Take a break on the hill by the river to hydrate while admiring the cheerful clusters of hydrangeas, a symbol of Japanese summer, blooming in vibrant shades of blue and violet.
Day 1: Sizzle It Up with Barbecue
Refuel from the blissful exhaustion of hours spent splashing and swimming by heading to the grill, where the savory smell and sizzle of kalbi, ribs, chicken, sausage, and other authentic yakiniku staples crisping up over the fire fills the air.
Toast your French bread over the heat and spread on savory herb butter, or marinate and roast a whole chicken covered inside the grill until it comes out juicy and flavorful with the right balance of salt and pepper.
Whether you crave a colorful variety of grilled vegetables, a chilled beer, or a sweet treat to top off your meal, you can bring any of your own foods and drinks to go with your barbecue. Crack open your cooler and enjoy your favorite salad mixes, fresh fruits, snacks, and soft drinks to complete the perfect summer barbecue.
Try an authentic Japanese-style spin on your barbecue with some skewered sweetfish, or ayu. Sprinkle on sea salt, skewer the fish so that the bodies form waves, and roast at an angle from the grill in true traditional fashion. The flesh falls off the bones as you take a bite, and the distinctly mild and sweet flavor and tender texture are accentuated by the salt and the crispy, savory charred bits.
Day 1: Spend a Night in the Woods
The Everglades Kahada offers everything from grassy tent sites and gravel car camping spots to comfortable cabins for your preferred overnight experience. Flat and spacious campsites make it quick and easy to set up camp and relax. Colorful cabins with comfortable modern furnishings, fire pits, and outdoor lounges line the riverside, some featuring fenced yards where a pet can join you outside off-leash.
If you’re with a large group, the Everglades Rio Grande cabin provides a spacious living room to gather around a table and tell scary stories, spread out some playing cards, assemble some snacks for a movie night, or break out your favorite board games.
Have a nice glass of wine paired with cheese, enjoy a good conversation by candlelight while stargazing from the cabin patio, or enjoy a toasted marshmallow at the fire pit outside on a warm summer night. After the sun sets, step out of your tent or your cabin to hear the night critters chirping before the soothing sounds of the night lull you to sleep.
Day 2: Canoe in Crystal Clear Water
Start your morning with the one-hour canoeing experience, available exclusively for overnight guests at the Everglades Kahada. After a short explanation on river safety and a tutorial on paddling technique, head down to the riverside, where the stunning water comes into view.
A staff member will hold each of your canoes steady as you step inside and set out on the water. After settling in and getting your paddles ready, you’re free to explore the designated canoeing area. Make your way across to the deep side where the water is a mesmerizing emerald green, paddle upstream and float your way back, or take a break from paddling and reach over into the river to let the crisp, refreshing water cool down your skin.
Gaze up into the distance and enjoy the view of the mountains covered in new summer leaves—can you believe that all of this is still close to the city?
Day 2: Explore the Chakura Bridge and Chakura Roadside Station
Delight in a magnificent bird’s-eye view of the river as you climb the winding staircase to the striking red Chakura Bridge, located right by the Everglades Kahada.
After a short stroll across the bridge and up the opposite hillside, you’ll be treated to a sweeping view of the Iinan region. Take in the stunning sight of the river, distant mountains, tea farms, rice fields, and cozy countryside residences all nestled in the lush Kahada Valley.
Continue on to a small sanctuary reminiscent of a quaint cottage in the rolling hills. This is the Chakura Roadside Station, where you can try unique local foods like tea-infused udon noodles, or purchase local specialties and goodies you can only find in this region as gifts or souvenirs before heading back to the Everglades.
Day 2: Hunt for Colorful Treasures
At a small extra fee, you and your child can sift through sand and water to seek out and collect colorful treasures at the Stone Hunt to bring home as souvenirs. A few special treasures are hidden among gem-like stones, making it a perfect activity for families and friends looking to end their Everglades Kahada adventure with a charming memento of their summer.
Summary
A perfect summer vacation outdoors awaits at the Everglades Kahada, where a glistening river, sizzling barbecue, and plenty of adventure are all available at your fingertips. Discover flavors and treats you can only find in this region at the nearby Chakura Roadside Station, and make the perfect seasonal memories with treasured family or friends at this beautiful camp resort in the Iinan countryside.
Visitor Information
Everglades Kahada
【Address】 1084-1 Iinancho Kayumi, Matsusaka, Mie, Japan 515-1411
【Website】 https://www.everglades.jp/kahada (Japanese)
Important Notes for the Canoeing Experience:
- Reservations must be made at an additional cost up until 4 pm the previous day.
- Canoeing reservations are exclusively for overnight guests.
- Pets are allowed in canoes at the pet owner's own risk. Pet life jackets are not provided.
- Canoes can fit up to 4 people. At least one person 18 years or older must be in each canoe. Children 3 and under are not permitted in a canoe.