A rafting experience popular with tourists from around the world!
Rafting is one of the most popular water sports in the world,
but rafting in Japan is especially popular among overseas travellers seeking an adventure.
There are lots of rapids throughout Japan, the water is clear, and the best season isn’t just summer
—you can enjoy the autumnal colours of the trees in fall and the high rivers from the snowmelt in spring.
While rafting, you can appreciate the natural scenery of each season and the countryside of Japan,
making it a really fun experience for everyone, even travellers who have tried the sport before.
Some people might look forward to seeing Japanese shrines and temples, going shopping or experiencing subcultures.
But there are others who want to try something more exciting, too.
For those kinds of people, there’s one rafting experience that you have to try.
Out in the suburbs of Tokyo, the Tone River system is the best there is.
Two and a half hours from Tokyo by car, Minakami is a treasure trove of nature, action and onsen
The main reason why Minakami is one of the best is its easy access.
Two and a half hours from Tokyo by car, the freeway takes you pretty close,
so even if you're not used to Japan's narrow roads and driving on the right side of the road, it’s an easy journey.
The second reason is the abundance of nature.
Located at the foot of Mt Tanigawadake, which is a famous mountain climbing spot,
Minakami is a sacred place for leisure in the mountains and out on the rivers and lakes.
The upper part of the Tone River has the fastest rapids in all of Japan,
making it an especially popular spot for water sports.
As well as rafting, there are other activities like canyoneering, which also features natural waterslides.
For those who want to relax, you can take a kayak out onto a lake.
There’s no shortage of things to do here.
Plus, there are lots of nearby onsen perfect for a day trip or stopping over,
so you can have your fun and then heal your tired body in the warmth.
Which is the best rafting tour?
There are about 10 outdoor clubs around Minakami which all offer rafting tours.
Among them, Kappa Club creates an especially friendly atmosphere for you to enjoy rafting.
They offer daily courses from mid-April to late October.
(Some days are reserved)
April to June, the season of snowmelt and fast rapids!
With the snowmelt from Mt Tanigawadake flowing down, the water levels rise to create Japan’s most extreme rafting spot.
Because of this, many rafting addicts keep coming back for more around this time of year.
This also seems to be the only time of year they offer a full day course, lunch included.
You might even get capsized!
From July to September, summer is the best season for having fun in the water
The summer courses are available to those as young as elementary school age.
The rough river from early spring has completely transformed, and you can now enjoy rafting on crystal clear, gentle waters.
What makes this tour so great are all the chances you get to have fun in the river, from a daring cliff jump to diving straight into the clear water.
Around October, enjoy a more leisurely rafting experience
Wear a wetsuit and you can still have fun in the water—a pleasant and refreshing experience even in fall.
Enjoy rafting leisurely down the river while taking in the autumn leaves of the mountains and the beauty of the Tone River valley.
The only things you need for your rafting experience are a swimsuit and towel.
All the other necessary equipment is available to rent, so you don’t have to worry.
They also provide a free transfer from the nearest train station or hotel, but make sure to check when you make your booking.
You can also combine rafting with a number of other activities.
For example, you could do the half-day rafting course followed by a BBQ.
or they have a 24-hour reception that you can call.
Preparing for your adventure
First, you have to make sure you prepare for your experience beforehand.
You’ll need a swimsuit, towel, a copy of your insurance, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
※ You’ll need shoes that won’t slide off your feet.
Flip-slops and crocs aren’t allowed.
You can rent a pair of suitable shoes for 500 yen, available up to size 11 (29 cm).
※ For insurance, overseas travellers can register for domestic travel accident insurance on the day.
※ You can bring your own camera, like a GoPro, as long as it can attach to your helmet.
However, this isn’t covered by insurance, so it’s your own responsibility if it gets lost or broken.
Because of the nature of these activities, it’s not possible to bring handheld cameras.
The next thing to do is to rent the equipment.
Pick up your water shoes (500 yen), wet suit, life jacket, and helmet.
Make sure it’s the right size and change clothes.
(All rental equipment apart from the shoes are included in the tour price.)
Once everyone’s got their kit on properly, you’re ready to start the tour.
Let’s go!
A cute bus with a Kappa painted on its side will take you from the base camp to the Tone River, less than 10 minutes away.
Down by the river, you’ll be given actual rubber rafts and paddles to use for practice while you learn how to row and turn.
You’ll also be taught how to float if you fall in, and how to help your friends.
You can finally experience rafting in Minakami!
A team of 6 people ride in each rubber raft.
Just like they showed you earlier on, everyone rows the boat while shouting out to each other, “1, 2! 1, 2!”
And the raft rushes through the peaceful mountains of Minakami.
After rowing for a while, you’ll enter the rapids.
This is where the real fun of rafting in Minakami begins.
The boat rocks from side to side, and sometimes bounces.
When there’s a big bump, everyone sits on the bottom of the boat all at once to balance it out.
There are a lot of natural attractions along the way, too, including some gentle waterfalls.
During the tour, you can also have your picture taken using a waterproof camera.
(Optional extra, costs the number of people x 1000 yen)
Once you return to the base camp, use the free shower facilities and get changed, and the experience is over.
There’s also the option to enjoy an outdoor BBQ (2500 yen per person, food included).
The meat tastes especially good after working up an appetite!
If you choose the option that includes food, then you can turn up empty-handed—all you need to do is cook and eat!
It’s completely hassle-free, and the sheltered cooking spot is under a roof attached to the base.
Here you can enjoy your BBQ surrounded by the great outdoors.
This is the best place to enjoy a powerful rafting experience close to Tokyo.
JAPAN Travel Concierge
Qlip 
