Experiencing nature firsthand through accessible tourism

Mr.Akira Ota,Bochibochi Adventure Susono

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

Bochibochi Adventure Susuno conducts outdoor tours that include activities such as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Lake Shiromaru in Okutama, located in the upper river basin of Tama River, where an abundance of nature remains, including forests, valleys, and mountain streams. When you hear “outdoor tours” you think of words like “thrills” and “adventure,” but canoes and SUP are nothing more than tools for observing nature. The firsthand outings aim to let tourists experience spring, summer, fall, and winter, and get close to the nature that exists in the forests and lake.

Heading for the mountaintop is nice, but Bochibochi Adventure Susono conducts accessible tourism to enable anyone, including the elderly and persons with physical and intellectual disabilities, to leisurely appreciate nature without overdoing it, based on the idea that it’s also great to enjoy nature without hurrying or overexerting yourself at the “susono,” or foot of the mountain where there are gentle slopes. The organization’s representative Mr. Akira Ota told us about their efforts.

Inspired by my mother’s Canadian canoe experience

A Canadian canoe

For persons with physical disabilities, the amazing natural environment can also be a major barrier, and I thought it would be difficult for them to experience it. However, I was inspired to take up the challenge by my own family member. The accessible nature experience began when I seated my mother in a Canadian canoe because I wanted her to enjoy the nature in Okutama. At the time, she was 80 years old and had difficulty walking. In addition, a good friend has an intellectually disabled younger brother. I was acquainted with this brother who has Down’s syndrome, and the way to interact with persons with disabilities that I had naturally learned led to giving outdoor tours that can be enjoyed by everyone.

To the extent possible, we had been working to accommodate requests to experience nature in Okutama even if an individual has a disability, whether it be loss of vision, a physical disability, or otherwise. I’ve even carried persons with physical disabilities on my back to the site where they get on the SUP paddleboard. An individual who played blind soccer enjoyed SUP, and I was surprised when he sensed we were approaching the shore and switched directions even though he couldn’t see. In the case of an elderly individual in his 80s with hearing loss, although he approached the Canadian canoe experience quite cautiously, when he had gotten used to using the paddle and the canoe was gliding along smoothly, he enjoyed the new green growth he could see from the lake. I was happy to hear him say, “I don’t do well with sightseeing that requires audio explanations, but this experience is exceptional because I can feel the wonder of nature with all 5 senses.” A family that came with a child who has cerebral palsy really liked this hands-on Okutama nature experience and has come several times.

If contacted in advance, we’ll think about the considerations needed and how that person can experience SUP and the Canadian canoe. Of course, depending on the circumstances, it may not be possible. We ask what each individual wants and think of ways to overcome barriers to provide a tailored experience for enjoying nature.

Striving to provide outdoor tours everyone can enjoy

Making lunch together

Until getting on the SUP paddleboard, participants feel
both excitement and anxiety

Enjoying SUP on the slow-moving Lake Shiromaru

When requested, we were able to offer nature experiences even to persons with disabilities, but one day I had the idea of providing an outdoor tour that everyone could enjoy together, regardless of whether they had a disability. Rather than a special tour, I wanted to plan a tour that let all participants enjoy experiencing nature in Okutama side by side. I partnered with Ms. Rie Nakamura, a certified public psychologist who works as a counseling specialist in welfare services for persons with disabilities in Tokyo, and we started holding the Inclusive SUP Trial Tour in June 2024. Ms. Nakamura asked the participants with disabilities about their needs in advance, and together she and I prepared for the tour after holding discussions.

The characteristics of this tour include (1) having a small number of participants (max. of 6), (2) accepting persons with or without disabilities, (3) valuing the process up until getting on the SUP paddleboard, and (4) not pursuing results, so it doesn’t matter even if participants can’t ride the SUP well. Since it’s not tailored to individual needs, but conducted as a tour, communication between participants is also important. Participants become more relaxed with one another faster in a small group. Plus, the process up to getting on the SUP paddleboard is regarded as important. First, the participants cooperate to prepare lunch. Working together fosters a sense of unity among strangers through communication. The completed lunch is enjoyed by the river as a boxed lunch, which tastes especially good when eating your fill with your feet in the river current. After lunch, the group enjoys SUP on Lake Shiromaru. Some people have difficulty getting on the SUP paddleboard, and some hesitate to take that first step onto the paddleboard. It takes time, but the participants provide encouragement, and sharing that drama with everyone is meaningful. After getting on board, their smiles are triumphant. Some can’t get on the paddleboard, but we hope they value it not as a failure, but an experience.

Working towards inclusive hands-on nature experiences that everyone can easily join

As of the end of November 2024, the Inclusive SUP Trial Tour has been held 4 times. Persons with intellectual disabilities and their families, persons without disabilities, and others have had fun as fellow participants in the same tour. The word, “inclusive” is used in the name to mean that everyone can join in and enjoy it. We’re still in the trial stage, but are working on the endeavor to make it a regular tour or an event. We’re also still providing tailor-made tours by request as before. I believe the key going forward is to have a variety of knowledge and experience allowing us to provide amazing firsthand experiences so that, as much as possible, we won’t have to turn down requests for enjoying the nature of Okutama.