Raft Down the Shinano River in Tokamachi, Niigata
Raft Down the Shinano River in Tokamachi, Niigata
Raft Down the Shinano River in Tokamachi, Niigata
Raft Down the Shinano River in Tokamachi, Niigata

Raft Down the Shinano River in Tokamachi, Niigata

Raft Down the Shinano River in Tokamachi, Niigata
Raft Down the Shinano River in Tokamachi, Niigata
Raft Down the Shinano River in Tokamachi, Niigata
Raft Down the Shinano River in Tokamachi, Niigata

Overview

Raft down the Shinano River with a guide! With a mix of gentle currents and swift rapids, Japan's longest river poses a fun challenge. Enjoy Tokamachi's natural scenery, swim in gentle waters, and, after the rafting tour, bathe in a local hot spring.

Highlights

  • A challenging but fun experience for beginners and avid rafters alike
  • Very beginner-friendly — your guide will teach you how to paddle and row, and you can float in the water with a life jacket
  • Learn about the Shinano River, called Niigata's "mother river" for being a vital part of locals' daily lives since ancient times
  • Take in Tokamachi's scenery — rice paddies, pristine waters, and more — and discover its history and culture
  • Reward yourself with a soak in the hot-spring baths of Mion Nakasato, a local onsen facility, after the tour

Description

With a total length of 367km, the Shinano is Japan's longest river, flowing through Niigata and Nagano Prefectures. On this river rafting tour, you will raft down a 7-km stretch of the Shinano River, with a good balance of rapids and gentle currents. You can swim where the currents are gentle — or, if you can't swim, have fun floating about. You'll be wearing life jackets throughout the tour, so don't worry! Finally, you will end the day at Mion Nakasato, a local hot-spring facility where you can soak your aches and pains away. This tour is available from mid-April to mid-November., with two available start times: 09:45 and 13:15. It lasts for about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and roughly follows this itinerary: 09:45 / 13:15 — Assemble at the meeting point near Mion Nakasato; sign consent form; get changed, and wear life jacket and helmet 10:00 / 13:30 — Move to the rafting area 10:15 / 13:45 — Orientation and safety pointers; practice paddling and rowing 10:30 / 14:00 — River rafting begins 12:00 / 15:30 — Reach endpoint 12:15 / 15:45 — Head for the meeting point by car 12:30 / 16:00 — Arrive at meeting point; get changed. The tour disbands here; spend the rest of your time relaxing at Mion Nakasato For another fun activity in the Tokamachi area, trek the ancient Matsunoyama Kaido and see the picture-perfect Hoshitoge Rice Terraces along the way. This tour is a perfect mix of history and sightseeing!  Visiting Niigata for a workation or working holiday? A few stations away, the hot-spring town of Echigo-Yuzawa has two stylish coworking spaces where you can work comfortably and mingle with the locals during your downtime: Kirahoshi Base, a facility with plenty of natural light and a great view of the mountains; and Kamoshika Side Cafe & Works, with a cafe that serves delicious, fresh meals — including vegan, vegetarian, and halal options. At Echigo-Yuzawa, how about taking a cycling and walking tour? Or, try waterfall meditation and matcha-making on a tour of locations that are associated with the Nobel Prize-winning novel Snow Country. Got a car? You can drive to Gunma Prefecture's Minakami, a hot-spring town that's 30 to 40 minutes away by car. There, challenge yourself with a recreational tree-climbing session!