Miyazaki City's First Canyoning Adventure: Mayor-Endorsed Ambassador Transforms National Natural Monument Kaeda Gorge into Tourist Destination, Achieving 1,710 Participants and 128% YoY Growth in Just Two Years
Key facts
- Miyazaki City's First Canyoning Adventure: Mayor-Endorsed Ambassador Transforms National Natural Monument Kaeda Gorge into Tourist Destination, Achieving 1,710 Participants and 128% YoY Growth in Just Two Years
- Takumi Miyazaki, an entrepreneur who relocated to Miyazaki City with no prior connections, launched a canyoning business at Kaeda Gorge, a national natural monument. Within just two seasons, the venture attracted 1,710 participants nationwide, achieving 128% year-on-year growth with 42.4% from outside the prefecture—establishing a new axis for Miyazaki tourism beyond its coastal image.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 17, 2026
Direct answer
Takumi Miyazaki, an entrepreneur who relocated to Miyazaki City with no prior connections, launched a canyoning business at Kaeda Gorge, a national natural monument. Within just two seasons, the venture attracted 1,710 participants nationwide, achieving 128% year-on-year growth with 42.4% from outside the prefecture—establishing a new axis for Miyazaki tourism beyond its coastal image.
- Citation
- Miyazaki City's First Canyoning Adventure: Mayor-Endorsed Ambassador Transforms National Natural Monument Kaeda Gorge into Tourist Destination, Achieving 1,710 Participants and 128% YoY Growth in Just Two Years (June 17, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 17, 2026
Takumi Miyazaki, an entrepreneur who relocated to Miyazaki City with no prior connections, launched a canyoning business at Kaeda Gorge, a national natural monument. Within just two seasons, the venture attracted 1,710 participants nationwide, achieving 128% year-on-year growth with 42.4% from outside the prefecture—establishing a new axis for Miyazaki tourism beyond its coastal image.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 17, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 17, 2026 at 14:18
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 18, 2026 at 14:21 (24h 3m after Collected)
Takumi Miyazaki (representative of Marumiya Canyoning / Miyazaki City Mayor-endorsed Migration Ambassador), an entrepreneur with no prior ties to Miyazaki City, launched a canyoning business at 'Kaeda Gorge,' a national natural monument. In just two seasons, it has grown into a destination-based tourism experience attracting participants from across Japan.
The achievements—1,710 cumulative participants, 128% year-on-year growth, and 42.4% participation from outside the prefecture—demonstrate the addition of a new tourism axis to Miyazaki, known primarily for its coastal image. It also highlights how a migrant's unique perspective can unlock dormant regional resources, making it a new model case for regional revitalization now gaining attention nationwide.
< Canyoning >
An adventurous outdoor activity where participants immerse themselves in the clear streams of a gorge, jumping from rocks and sliding down natural water slides—using nature itself as the playground.
< Kaeda Gorge >
A national natural monument and Miyazaki Natural Recreation Forest, renowned for its breathtaking scenery of moss-covered boulders and crystal-clear streams. Despite its excellent accessibility—just 30 minutes from downtown Miyazaki, 15 minutes from Aoshima, and 20 minutes from Miyazaki Airport—it remained a hidden gem, unused as a tourism resource for years.
Video of the actual activity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JkavCHXwyA
■ Thirteen Years of Experience in Activity Tourism on Iriomote Island, Okinawa
Relocated to Miyazaki City with Zero Connections for Family Reasons
Takumi Miyazaki, representative of Marumiya Canyoning, born in 1983 in Kumamoto Prefecture. He entered the highly competitive tourism market on Iriomote Island, Okinawa (population ~2,000), where over 100 tourism operators coexist, and established an activity-based business.
To maximize profitability, he chose a unique approach opposite to the industry standard of large group tours: 'one group per day, fully private.' This allowed him to deliver high-quality, premium experiences tailored to each guest. He also developed a unique value proposition by filming and editing videos to gift guests—creating memorable, shareable experiences. This model perfectly aligned with the post-pandemic demand for private, non-shared spaces, enabling stable performance even amid industry headwinds.
Photos gifted to guests during Iriomote Island tours
Despite strong performance, he sold his business and decided to relocate. With only a clinic on Iriomote Island and essential medical care requiring a full day by boat and plane, he felt the limits of raising children there, prompting a move to Miyazaki Prefecture, where his wife’s family resides.
In December 2023, he arrived in Miyazaki City with no friends or connections.
■ The Migrant’s Eye: Recognizing 'Waste'
Miyazaki City, a tourist destination, attracts visitors year-round, especially for sports camps, and boasts exceptional natural assets—ocean, mountains, and rivers. Yet, shortly after moving, he noticed a contradiction: this natural wealth remained largely untouched as experiential content. Kaeda Gorge, in particular, despite being just 30 minutes by car from downtown, with existing parking and restrooms, was completely unused as a tourism resource.
"Its beauty exceeded my expectations. It would be a waste not to start immediately."
His experience on Iriomote convinced him that Kaeda Gorge’s potential must not remain untapped—prompting him to launch the venture.
Kaeda Gorge, with the entire mountain designated as a national natural monument
■ Miyazaki’s Structural Tourism Challenges and the Gorge Experience as a Solution
Miyazaki Prefecture welcomed over 15.31 million tourists (※1), yet approximately 80% are day-trippers. In response, the prefecture has positioned the 'transition to touring and stay-based tourism' as the top priority in its Tourism Promotion Plan (※2). Marumiya Canyoning’s '3-hour gorge experience' demonstrates that this shift is achievable through private-sector initiatives, evidenced by 42.4% of participants coming from outside the prefecture.
※1 Source: Miyazaki Prefecture, '2024 Miyazaki Tourism Visitor Statistics' (published December 25, 2024)
※2 Source: Miyazaki Prefecture, 'Miyazaki Tourism Promotion Plan' (established June 2023)
■ Performance Summary
Cumulative Participants
1,710 (2024–2025, two seasons combined)
Annual Growth Rate
128% YoY (2024: 750 → 2025: 960)
Out-of-Prefecture Participation Rate
42.4%
OTA Review Rating
★4.8 from 111 reviews (on Jalan.net)
Launch Date
Spring 2024 (Miyazaki City’s first dedicated canyoning business)
Operating Period
Late April to October 31 (daily, two sessions, each 3 hours)
Target Participants
Elementary school Grade 1 and up to energetic seniors in their 70s; non-swimmers welcome
Safety Qualifications
Japanese Red Cross Water Rescue / Standard First Aid
Public Partnerships
Miyazaki City Mayor-endorsed Migration Ambassador, Miyazaki Prefecture Governor-endorsed Miyazaki Support Team, Miyazaki City Tourism Strategy Division – Participating in Kaeda River Basin Tourism Development
Media Appearances
Numerous local TV stations, newspapers, radio stations, etc.
■ Future Outlook
The past two years’ results prove that travel routes now extend from Miyazaki City to the gorge, and the methodology for uncovering tourism resources, honed on Iriomote Island, is effective in Miyazaki. Aiming to establish canyoning as Miyazaki’s 'third tourism axis' alongside surfing and golf, the company plans to fully launch inbound-focused programs, nature-based experiential learning in collaboration with educational institutions, and dedicated corporate team-building and training travel plans. We believe this new route through the gorge will contribute to increased tourism spending and longer stays across Miyazaki.
■ Business Overview
[About Marumiya Canyoning]
Established in spring 2024 in Kaeda Gorge, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Operating Miyazaki City’s first professional guide-led canyoning tours in a gorge designated as a national natural monument (approx. 30 minutes from downtown, 20 minutes from Miyazaki Airport).
Representative Takumi Miyazaki relocated after 13 years of experience in activity tourism on Iriomote Island, Okinawa.
Achieved 1,710 cumulative participants and a ★4.8 rating on Jalan.net (111 reviews) in just two operating seasons.
Actively participating in public-private canyon tourism development as a Miyazaki City Mayor-endorsed Migration Ambassador, Miyazaki Prefecture Governor-endorsed Miyazaki Support Team member, and contributor to the Miyazaki City Tourism Strategy Division’s Kaeda River Basin Tourism Development.
■ Media and Filming Support
We welcome media and filming requests. Please feel free to contact us.
- High-resolution photos (gorge, jumps, smiles, gear): available
- Drone aerial footage: available
- Local drone filming permits: can be arranged on your behalf
- Extras (participants, guides): available upon prior consultation
- On-site guidance, guide accompaniment, commentary support: available
- Interviews and commentary with representative Takumi Miyazaki: available upon request
■ Shop Information & Contact
Operator: Marumiya Canyoning
Representative: Takumi Miyazaki
Address: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
Website: https://2122maru.studio.site/
Phone: 090-8836-8281 (Media inquiries: 9:00–20:00)
Email: 2122maru@gmail.com
Instagram: @marumiya_canyoning
The achievements—1,710 cumulative participants, 128% year-on-year growth, and 42.4% participation from outside the prefecture—demonstrate the addition of a new tourism axis to Miyazaki, known primarily for its coastal image. It also highlights how a migrant's unique perspective can unlock dormant regional resources, making it a new model case for regional revitalization now gaining attention nationwide.
< Canyoning >
An adventurous outdoor activity where participants immerse themselves in the clear streams of a gorge, jumping from rocks and sliding down natural water slides—using nature itself as the playground.
< Kaeda Gorge >
A national natural monument and Miyazaki Natural Recreation Forest, renowned for its breathtaking scenery of moss-covered boulders and crystal-clear streams. Despite its excellent accessibility—just 30 minutes from downtown Miyazaki, 15 minutes from Aoshima, and 20 minutes from Miyazaki Airport—it remained a hidden gem, unused as a tourism resource for years.
Video of the actual activity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JkavCHXwyA
■ Thirteen Years of Experience in Activity Tourism on Iriomote Island, Okinawa
Relocated to Miyazaki City with Zero Connections for Family Reasons
Takumi Miyazaki, representative of Marumiya Canyoning, born in 1983 in Kumamoto Prefecture. He entered the highly competitive tourism market on Iriomote Island, Okinawa (population ~2,000), where over 100 tourism operators coexist, and established an activity-based business.
To maximize profitability, he chose a unique approach opposite to the industry standard of large group tours: 'one group per day, fully private.' This allowed him to deliver high-quality, premium experiences tailored to each guest. He also developed a unique value proposition by filming and editing videos to gift guests—creating memorable, shareable experiences. This model perfectly aligned with the post-pandemic demand for private, non-shared spaces, enabling stable performance even amid industry headwinds.
Photos gifted to guests during Iriomote Island tours
Despite strong performance, he sold his business and decided to relocate. With only a clinic on Iriomote Island and essential medical care requiring a full day by boat and plane, he felt the limits of raising children there, prompting a move to Miyazaki Prefecture, where his wife’s family resides.
In December 2023, he arrived in Miyazaki City with no friends or connections.
■ The Migrant’s Eye: Recognizing 'Waste'
Miyazaki City, a tourist destination, attracts visitors year-round, especially for sports camps, and boasts exceptional natural assets—ocean, mountains, and rivers. Yet, shortly after moving, he noticed a contradiction: this natural wealth remained largely untouched as experiential content. Kaeda Gorge, in particular, despite being just 30 minutes by car from downtown, with existing parking and restrooms, was completely unused as a tourism resource.
"Its beauty exceeded my expectations. It would be a waste not to start immediately."
His experience on Iriomote convinced him that Kaeda Gorge’s potential must not remain untapped—prompting him to launch the venture.
Kaeda Gorge, with the entire mountain designated as a national natural monument
■ Miyazaki’s Structural Tourism Challenges and the Gorge Experience as a Solution
Miyazaki Prefecture welcomed over 15.31 million tourists (※1), yet approximately 80% are day-trippers. In response, the prefecture has positioned the 'transition to touring and stay-based tourism' as the top priority in its Tourism Promotion Plan (※2). Marumiya Canyoning’s '3-hour gorge experience' demonstrates that this shift is achievable through private-sector initiatives, evidenced by 42.4% of participants coming from outside the prefecture.
※1 Source: Miyazaki Prefecture, '2024 Miyazaki Tourism Visitor Statistics' (published December 25, 2024)
※2 Source: Miyazaki Prefecture, 'Miyazaki Tourism Promotion Plan' (established June 2023)
■ Performance Summary
Cumulative Participants
1,710 (2024–2025, two seasons combined)
Annual Growth Rate
128% YoY (2024: 750 → 2025: 960)
Out-of-Prefecture Participation Rate
42.4%
OTA Review Rating
★4.8 from 111 reviews (on Jalan.net)
Launch Date
Spring 2024 (Miyazaki City’s first dedicated canyoning business)
Operating Period
Late April to October 31 (daily, two sessions, each 3 hours)
Target Participants
Elementary school Grade 1 and up to energetic seniors in their 70s; non-swimmers welcome
Safety Qualifications
Japanese Red Cross Water Rescue / Standard First Aid
Public Partnerships
Miyazaki City Mayor-endorsed Migration Ambassador, Miyazaki Prefecture Governor-endorsed Miyazaki Support Team, Miyazaki City Tourism Strategy Division – Participating in Kaeda River Basin Tourism Development
Media Appearances
Numerous local TV stations, newspapers, radio stations, etc.
■ Future Outlook
The past two years’ results prove that travel routes now extend from Miyazaki City to the gorge, and the methodology for uncovering tourism resources, honed on Iriomote Island, is effective in Miyazaki. Aiming to establish canyoning as Miyazaki’s 'third tourism axis' alongside surfing and golf, the company plans to fully launch inbound-focused programs, nature-based experiential learning in collaboration with educational institutions, and dedicated corporate team-building and training travel plans. We believe this new route through the gorge will contribute to increased tourism spending and longer stays across Miyazaki.
■ Business Overview
[About Marumiya Canyoning]
Established in spring 2024 in Kaeda Gorge, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Operating Miyazaki City’s first professional guide-led canyoning tours in a gorge designated as a national natural monument (approx. 30 minutes from downtown, 20 minutes from Miyazaki Airport).
Representative Takumi Miyazaki relocated after 13 years of experience in activity tourism on Iriomote Island, Okinawa.
Achieved 1,710 cumulative participants and a ★4.8 rating on Jalan.net (111 reviews) in just two operating seasons.
Actively participating in public-private canyon tourism development as a Miyazaki City Mayor-endorsed Migration Ambassador, Miyazaki Prefecture Governor-endorsed Miyazaki Support Team member, and contributor to the Miyazaki City Tourism Strategy Division’s Kaeda River Basin Tourism Development.
■ Media and Filming Support
We welcome media and filming requests. Please feel free to contact us.
- High-resolution photos (gorge, jumps, smiles, gear): available
- Drone aerial footage: available
- Local drone filming permits: can be arranged on your behalf
- Extras (participants, guides): available upon prior consultation
- On-site guidance, guide accompaniment, commentary support: available
- Interviews and commentary with representative Takumi Miyazaki: available upon request
■ Shop Information & Contact
Operator: Marumiya Canyoning
Representative: Takumi Miyazaki
Address: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
Website: https://2122maru.studio.site/
Phone: 090-8836-8281 (Media inquiries: 9:00–20:00)
Email: 2122maru@gmail.com
Instagram: @marumiya_canyoning
FAQ
Can anyone participate in the Kaeda Gorge canyoning?
Yes, from elementary school age to active seniors. Non-swimmers are welcome with safety support.
What is Miyazaki City's first canyoning venture?
Launched in spring 2024, 'Marumiya Canyoning' is the city's first professional canyoning tour at a national monument.
What percentage of participants are from outside the prefecture?
42.4% of participants come from outside Miyazaki Prefecture, showing nationwide appeal.