Looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure near Hirosaki?
Welcome to A'GROVE, the go-to spot for water and winter sports in Nishimeya Village, just a 30-minute drive from Hirosaki City!
Nestled near the breathtaking Shirakami Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, A'GROVE lets you experience the best of Aomori’s stunning nature all year round.
From stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and rafting to snow rafting in winter, A'GROVE offers action-packed activities that are safe, exciting, and beginner friendly.
Let’s dive into what makes this place so special!
Facility Name | A'GROVE |
|---|---|
Location | 83-1 Natsubotai, Tashiro, Nishimeya Village, Nakatsugaru District, Aomori 036-1411 |
Phone | 080-2836-1735 |
Official | ・Website |
Note: Activity durations may vary by season. Please confirm details when booking.
Where Safety Meets Adventure
At A'GROVE, safety always comes first.
They ensure that every guest can enjoy water sports without worries by carefully checking water depth, weather conditions, and currents before each tour.
Plus, they provide life jackets, wetsuits, and marine boots, which are included in the price—just show up and enjoy!
We interviewed Mr. Kodachi, one of A'GROVE’s lead guides, about their safety practices and how they encourage guests to embrace the fun of being in the water.
He told us:
“Before tours, we carefully check conditions to make sure everything is safe.
We also make sure every participant is properly equipped—so even if someone falls into the water, they’re totally fine.
More than anything, we want people to leave their fear behind and really enjoy being in the water!”
Ready to make some waves?
Check out our 4 main activities:
- SUP Experience (April–November)
- Rafting Adventure (April–November)
- Duckie Canoe (June–early November)
- Snow Rafting (Winter Special)*
*Snow Rafting is part of local community events and is not available to individual guests or travelers.
🎁 Bonus for All Adventurers🎁
After participating in any of A'GROVE's main activities, guests receive a complimentary ticket to a local hot spring facility in Nishimeya Village.
It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of outdoor excitement!
SUP: Paddle Through Aomori’s Stunning Landscape
Season | Late April–Early November |
|---|---|
Time Required | 3 hours |
Price | Adults |
*1 USD = 150 JPY
Ever tried stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)?
This Hawaiian-born sport has taken the world by storm, and A'GROVE’s location makes it perfect for beginners.
Instead of rough ocean waves, you’ll paddle on a peaceful dam lake, surrounded by Aomori’s stunning mountains.
🌳 Summer: Lush green forests reflect on the water
🍁 Autumn: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind view of golden-red foliage from the lake’s surface!
Mr. Kodachi also gave us a tip for beginners:
“SUP might seem tricky at first, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it's super fun!
If you fall, don’t stress—it’s part of the adventure.
Just listen to the guide’s tips, and you’ll be gliding across the water in no time!”
Want a relaxing yet exciting outdoor experience? This is the one for you!
Rafting: The Ultimate Thrill Ride
Season | Late April–Early November |
|---|---|
Time Required | 3 hours |
Price | Peak season (July 20–Aug 31): Off-season: |
*1 USD = 150 JPY
Get ready to take on the Iwaki River, fed by the pristine waters of the Shirakami Mountains!
Each season offers something new:
🌸 Spring (April–May): Paddle past gorgeous cherry blossoms
🌞 Summer: Ride the lively rapids with a backdrop of lush green forests
But the real thrill?
A 5-meter dive into the river!
There’s a special spot along the course where you can jump straight into the clear, refreshing waters.
Most people can’t resist taking the plunge!
🔥 Insider Tip 🔥
In late April and early May, the snowmelt increases the water level, making for an even wilder, adrenaline-pumping ride!
Duckie Canoe: Get Closer to Nature
Season | June–Early November |
|---|---|
Time Required | 3 hours |
Price | Adults |
*1 USD = 150 JPY
Hop into a two-person inflatable canoe (Duckie) and take a peaceful ride down the Iwaki River.
What makes this course so unique?
You’ll feel the gentle flow of the river up close, catch the breeze off the water, and hear the calls of wild birds in the trees around you.
💡 Insider Tip💡
During the hot season, a special diving spot is available where you can splash into the river and cool off!
The course length varies by season (approx. 4–7 km), making it a great fit for those who want an active and immersive river adventure.
If you are beginners, don’t worry!
Friendly instructors will guide you every step of the way.
Snow Rafting: Ride the Winter Storm!
Note: This activity is not available for individual bookings and can only be arranged through corporate or organizational reservations.
Season | Winter |
|---|---|
Time Required | - |
Price | - |
Buckle up for a wild winter ride!
In the Snow Rafting experience, you’ll hop into a raft boat pulled by a snowmobile and glide across the snowy landscape.
When the sun slightly melts the snow and it refreezes, the surface becomes slick—perfect for wide, effortless skids across the snow!
It’s a thrill-packed ride that’s part rollercoaster, part snowstorm, and all fun.
Most riders love it so much—they come back for seconds (and thirds!).
Check out their official website(https://a-grove.com/) for up-to-date info on winter events and snow rafting sessions.
Wrap-Up: Discover More of Nishimeya
We also asked Mr. Kodachi about A'GROVE’s future goals.
He shared:
"A'GROVE will continue offering fun and safe experiences that let people truly enjoy the water.
Nishimeya Village, as the gateway to the Shirakami Mountains, is surrounded by beautiful nature and full of hidden gems.
Through these outdoor activities, we hope to introduce more people to the area’s charm and help the local community thrive."
Why Choose A'GROVE?
Looking for an adventure that’s safe, exciting, and full of nature?
A'GROVE has it all—whether you're paddling through calm waters or diving into a winter thrill ride.
It's more than just fun—it's your gateway to experiencing the beauty of Nishimeya and the Shirakami Mountains.
Whether you’re traveling from Hirosaki or further afield, A'GROVE is a must-visit stop to explore, recharge, and connect with nature.
While we don’t have English-speaking staff on site, we’re happy to assist international guests.
If you need language support or an interpreter, let us know in advance—we’ll do our best to help!
