The goal is the Tokyo Skytree! Driving around Tokyo in a Grand Cherokee!

On an autumn day with the sun shining softly over the blue sky, the members of "Huinamu Touring Club ♡" boarded a "Jeep Grand Cherokee" for Oshiage, Sumida-ku, where the Tokyo Sky Tree is located. Their destination was "PADDLE QUEST," a store specializing in saps, canoes, and kayaks, which have become a hot topic in recent years. This time, they will try kayaking under the guidance of the store's owner, Oshiki Horikawa.

In addition to the well-known department head Kenichi Taira (stylist) and deputy manager Jun Nakata (HOUYHNHNM's editorial department), we were joined by Naoki Kuze, a press representative for JOURNAL STANDARD, a familiar face on the HOUYHNHNM's blog, and Marie Inaba, a press representative for Spick & Span, also run by the BAYCREW'S Group. Press Ms. Marie Inaba from Spick & Span, which is also run by the BAYCREW'S Group, joined us as a member of our team.

Ask the owner, Mr. Horikawa, about the relationship between Edo and the river. Part 1.

We departed from Tokyo and arrived at the store in no time, where Mr. Horikawa graciously welcomed the four of us. After arriving at the store and changing into kayaking clothes, Mr. Horikawa gives us a tour of the store and explains about "Paddle Quest" and today's course.

Mr. Horikawa, it's nice to meet you today! When did you start this restaurant?" (Nakada)

I opened the store in the spring of 2015. For about 10 years I have been importing canoes and related gear from overseas and wholesaling them to outdoor stores. I felt a sense of crisis that there must be many people who want to do activities such as canoeing, but there were no stores to support them, so I started this store.

Paddle Quest" opened with this in mind, and in addition to selling goods, it also contributes to the development of culture by offering kayaking tours of Tokyo's rivers and streams. And the members who accompany the tours. What kind of course will they take this time?

Today's tour will start from Oshima Komatsugawa Park and proceed northward along the Old Nakagawa River, which is located beside the Arakawa River. Do you know why the word "old" is attached to the river? In fact, the old Nakagawa used to be a single river that flowed east to west. In 1924, the Arakawa River was artificially divided into east and west by running the Arakawa Spillway vertically. That is why the east side is called the Nakagawa and the west side is called the old Nakagawa," said Horikawa.

According to Mr. Horikawa, the Arakawa River is a man-made river. Nowadays, we take for granted the use of cars and airplanes to move around and transport goods, but before these vehicles were invented, it was animals and boats that transported people.

As you turn to the west on the way north along the Old Nakagawa River, you will enter the Kitajuma River. In fact, this river was also artificially created, and most of the rivers we will visit on this tour are man-made. The story goes back to the Edo period (1603-1867), but I will tell you the rest of the story as we actually move along the river.

I'm kind of curious. I'm getting excited!" (Nakata)

Taira: [Tilak] jacket ¥50,000 (Barrio), [Keen] sandals ¥12,000 (Keen Japan), [Ray-Ban] sunglasses ¥22,000 (Mirari Japan), [Chums] glass cord ¥900 (Chums Omotesando store), other personal effects

Kuze: Tilak jacket ¥76,000 (Barrio), Cal O Line knit ¥12,000 (Journal Standard Omotesando), MHW Speciality for N. Hollywood pants ¥32,000 (Columbia Sportswear Japan), Keen sandals ¥12,300 (Keen Japan), Tight Booth Productions cap ¥6,000 (Journal Standard Omotesando), F.C.E. sakosh ¥10,000 (F.C.E.). Tight Booth Productions cap ¥6,000 (Journal Standard Omotesando), F.C.E. Sakosh ¥10,000 (Root), other personal effects

Inaba: Tilak jacket ¥55,000 (Barrio), Keen sandals ¥12,000 (Keen Japan), Carhartt WIP cap ¥1,900, whistle ¥1,000 (both at Carhartt WIP Store Tokyo), Ray-Ban sunglasses ¥25,000 (Mirari Japan), Chums sunglasses ¥900, lanyard ¥1,200 (both at Chums Omotesando Store), other personal effects （Ray-Ban sunglasses ¥25,000 (Mirari Japan), Chums glass cord ¥900, lanyard ¥1,200 (both at Chums Omotesando), other personal effects

Nakata: Tilak jacket ¥55,000 (Barrio), Keen sandals ¥12,000 (Keen Japan), Kaboo cap ¥4,500 (A&F), Ray-Ban sunglasses ¥23,000 (Mirari Japan), Chams glass cord ¥900 (Chams Ray-Ban sunglasses ¥23,000 (Mirari Japan), Chums glass cord ¥900 (Chums Omotesando store), other personal effects

Carrier: Thule Hydroglide 873 ¥28,000 (Abe Shokai)

It's time to get into the kayak and land on the water. Now, it's time to go!

While the rest of Mr. Horikawa's river talk was anxiously awaited, the group loaded their kayaks onto the Grand Cherokee and headed for their destination, Oshima Komatsugawa Park.

This car is so quiet! I can hear everyone so well, it makes driving fun!" (Inaba)

The interior is spacious and very comfortable. The interior is simple but has a sense of dignity in contrast to the masculine and powerful exterior design. I love the gap between the two.

"With a carrier, you can carry a large load, so it's perfect for outdoor activities. It might be nice to kayak on a date (laughs)."

As we were having such a conversation in the car, we arrived at the park in no time. There is a public canoe port here that is famous among paddlesports enthusiasts. We quickly unloaded our kayaks at the canoe port, and Mr. Horikawa gave us a lecture.

The kayak you will be paddling this time is a two-person kayak, and since you will be paddling together, your speed will be faster than if you were simply paddling alone. However, the two of you need to breathe in unison to move forward comfortably, so please be aware that the person in the back of the kayak must match the person in the front. Today's route is about 11 km in total. It may be a little harder if you are a beginner, but there is a lot to see, so let's just have fun! (Horikawa)

Members learn how to use a paddle, learn manners on the river, and get into a kayak. This time, two groups will try it: Taira and Kuze's group and Nakata and Inaba's group. Taira and Kuze have had some kayaking experience, but they say it is a little different from conventional kayaking.

I can steer this kayak with my feet while operating the pedals inside. It looks difficult, but it looks fun and challenging! (Kuze)

The river has no current and the wind is not blowing today, so it is very stable! Let's both keep our breath together!" (Taira)

On the other hand, this was Nakata and Inaba's first kayaking experience. Nevertheless, they both seem to be enjoying themselves.

I'm a little nervous because it's my first time, but I'm still more excited than nervous. I'm going to row hard! (Inaba)

I'm sure you will enjoy a bit of adventure! Mr. Inaba, I'll be rowing hard from behind, so please let me know if you get tired!" (Nakada)

Ask the owner, Mr. Horikawa, about the relationship between Edo and the river. Part 2.

The group departed from Oshima Komatsugawa Park and headed north along the old Nakagawa River. They paddled hard, but struggled in the beginning, not being able to go as fast as they wanted to. Even so, their expressions were cheerful and they seemed to be enjoying the kayak.

Just as the paddling action finally becomes familiar, the entrance to the Kitajuma River appears on the left side in front of us. Once here, the view of the old Nakagawa River, with its banks spreading out, changes drastically! The urban Tokyo landscape with buildings lining the riverbanks on either side comes into view.

The view of Tokyo from the river has a different feel from what we usually see, and it's kind of nice," said Taira.

It's true. I think there are new discoveries to be made by looking at Tokyo from a lower vantage point than on the ground. Enjoying the scenery while paddling is an experience you can't have without a kayak. It's an experience you can't have without a kayak.

The sight of the Kitajuma River stretching straight across the city of Tokyo from east to west reminds me of Mr. Horikawa's story that the river was "artificially created.

The Kitajuma River, which you are now passing through, was also created during the Edo period (1603-1868) by cutting down the land. In the old days, rivers were systematically created in this way. The reason why they went to such lengths was to transport goods. It consumed much less energy to row heavy loads along rivers than to carry them on land. After this, we pass a river called Onagi River, which leads eastward to Edo Castle, or the Imperial Palace," said Horikawa.

Why is the Onagi River connected to the Imperial Palace?" (Nakata)

There is a town called Gyotoku in Ichikawa, Chiba, right? Gyotoku used to be a salt-producing area. The Shinkawa River that runs in front of Gyotoku is connected to the Onagi River, which used to carry salt to Edo Castle.

I see~!" （I see!)

You would never have thought that they had been systematically building rivers since the Edo period, would you? It's quite interesting to follow the waterways while thinking about the people who lived in Edo.

The first highlight of the kayak tour, Tokyo Sky Tree!

As Mr. Horikawa said, the members of the tour proceeded along the Kitajuma River, thinking of Edo (Tokyo). The Tokyo Sky Tree, one of the highlights of the day, looms ahead of the scenery with an overwhelming sense of presence. The more we paddle, the more powerful it becomes. The Tokyo Sky Tree's presence grows stronger and stronger, and you have to lean over to get a full view of it.

I said, "Wow! Wow! The view from the river is totally different in intensity!" (Inaba)

Just a moment ago you were standing there in the distance, but now that you're up close, you're really big~!" (Kuze)

In the beautiful sunset, we proceed along the Onagi River, which was created in the Edo period.

After enjoying the Sky Tree from above the water, which is even lower than that of ordinary tourists, enter the Yokojuma River in the middle of the Kitajuma River and continue straight ahead. The Onagi River, which was created in the Edo period (1603-1867), is located at the end of the river.

If you go west along the Onagi River, you will find a gate called Ogibashi Locks. It is called the "Panama Canal of Tokyo" and has an interesting mechanism. Let's row as hard as we can to get there first.

Unlike the Kitajumen and Yokojumen Rivers, the Onagi River is very wide, which explains why it was used as a canal. As time passed from the start, a beautiful sunset appeared in the western sky. The river was tinged with madder red, and even our hearts were in a mellow mood. In a pleasant mood, we headed for the Ougibashi Gate.

Today's highlight #2! Crossing the canal at the Ogibashi Locks!

As we proceeded through the beautiful scenery, we arrived at the Ogibashi Locks, the second highlight of the day! What kind of a mechanism does this massive gate have?

In fact, we are floating at minus 50 centimeters above sea level, which means we are lower than the height of the ocean. In other words, we are lower than the height of the sea. On the other hand, the other side of the front door of the lock is 0 meters above sea level.

That would mean that the water would flow from that side of the river, from the high points to the low points, wouldn't it? How come the land doesn't flood?" (Taira)

That's because these locks hold back the water. How they proceed to the other side is that there is a person here who manages the water level, and once he closes the front and rear doors. Then we ask them to raise the water level, and then we ask them to open the gate again and proceed to that side. So we will now ask them to raise the water level and go to the other side of the front door," (Horikawa)

Then an announcement was made and the water level rose as water spouted from the bottom of the river. In a matter of minutes, the water level reached 0 meters above sea level! The front door opened and the group was able to safely reach the west side of the river.

I was like, "Wow! It's kind of amazing! I feel like I'm on a little attraction.

The water dripping from the gate was illuminated by the setting sun, and it looked fantastic! It's not often you get to see a view like this, so I feel like I'm getting something out of it (laughs).

If you continue onward, you will hit the Sumida River once. There are big boats and jet skis passing by, so this is an advanced course for kayakers. The route across the Sumida River to the city center is also quite enjoyable, but this time, let's turn around and go for the goal. If you go east along the Onagi River, it leads to the old Nakagawa River, so you can get back to the starting point again," said Horikawa.

The 11-kilometer route was successfully conquered! Thoughts of the members who experienced an extraordinary experience.

As Mr. Horikawa said, we are now heading east along the Onagi River with the setting sun in the background. The team members paddle desperately for the next few kilometers. Local people strolling along the river are waving their hands and cheering us on. Encouraged by their cheers, the team members are making the last spurt of the race!

The goal was finally reached when the sun was about to set completely! Everyone seemed tired, but they were all smiling. Mr. Horikawa was relieved to see the smiling faces of the team members.

Kayaking was a lot of fun! I enjoyed the scenery, learned about Edo, and had a really good experience.

It's such a luxury to be so close to the city center and to be able to take a calm route with no waves or wind. I want to try it again!

It was difficult at first to keep up with Nakata-san, but from the beginning, we had a good rhythm and it felt good to be moving forward at a brisk pace.

Kayaking on the river felt like a light adventure, and it was great to experience something out of the ordinary while still being in Tokyo. Mr. Horikawa, thank you so much for today!" (Nakata)

Thank you very much! The course this time was an intermediate course, but after hearing everyone's feedback, I'm glad we have the store. I am always available at the store, so if you ever want to go kayaking again, please come by anytime. I look forward to seeing you all! (Horikawa)

As we talked, the sun was setting and the stars were beginning to flicker in the sky. The members of the "Huynem Touring Club ♡" hurriedly loaded their kayaks into the "Jeep Grand Cherokee" and headed home. Everyone except the driver must have fallen asleep in the spacious and comfortable car, feeling pleasantly fatigued.