Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Don't miss one of Japan's best whitewater rafting experiences, with more than 7.5 miles (12 km) of Class III to IV rapids. This half-day rafting tour in Minakami is a continuous roller-coaster of whitewater action, plus the scenic canyon sections of Momiji Canyon, Minakami Canyon, and Suwa Canyon. It's most active in the spring; the summer tour is a mellower experience with less challenging rapids but still plenty of fun both in and out of the boat.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Consumption of Alcohol is prohibited before the tour (anyone under the influence of Alcohol will not be permitted on the tour and will be charged a full cancellation charge)
May be operated by a multilingual guide
Minimum age is 13 years
Please show up for your scheduled booking (refunds are not available)
Reconfirmation is required after you make your booking (see instructions on your voucher)
Required items to bring on the tour are swimwear and towel
What To Expect
Rafting is the sport of negotiating you way down a river in an inflatable raft. The Spring Season brings world-class grade 4+ white water rapids offering high thrills. The summer season the water level drops and the tour involves playing in and outside of the boat on a mellow grade 1-2 section. The two seasons are very different in terms of distance covered on the river and the type of experience, so pick your ideal thrill level.
Options
Rafting Tour
Spring Whitewater Rafting - April to June and Summer Rafting - July to September
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points within Minakami town, from Jomo-Kogen shinkansen station and Minakami local line train station
Tour photos and videos
All equipment including footwear
Hotel pickup and drop-off from outside the Minakami town area
Lunch (available for purchase by pre-ordering when you reconfirm)
Train fare to access Minakami
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The safety measures were perfect and I enjoyed it with peace of mind!
Odyssey36590259260,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The family of three took their 8-year-old son with them. It was the first rafting session for all of us. My son had never even played in the river before, so he had some very valuable experiences, such as going into the river on the way, body rafting and diving from rocks. They also took good safety measures and I was able to participate with peace of mind. I want to participate again. Thank you very much.
Fantastic summer memories
Dreamer63414451653,Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took two elementary school children with me. Adults and children were surprised and laughed together, and it was an extraordinary and wonderful summer memory. The guides were seasoned, and I could feel they were trying to entertain us to the fullest in the limited time available, and the fact that they were operating with safety as a top priority was what impressed me most. In the middle of the rafting tour, the guides checked the site and found it difficult to go down safely. We got off the boat without overdoing it and walked along the riverside to avoid danger. I find this all the more favourable and I think it was a good lesson for the child to get off the boat and walk. I think it's a wonderful thing to have a tour company that has to look for profit, and to keep a humble attitude towards nature, which is hard to do. We are talking to the children about having the whole family participate in next summer. I recommend this experience to many people.
Family Summer Vacation
沢口一,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The safety measures are in place, the thrill of exceeding expectations, the facility equipment is impeccable, the staff is the best lol, it is a place to go every week if you are close
Safe and fun!
222mikos,Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was really scared at first, thinking there was gonna be no seatbelts to keep you secured in the boat. I was wrong. They teach you techniques to keep yourself safe and secured in the boat; and those techniques are fairly easy and very intuitive. So instead of worrying if I will fall, while doing the trip, I was just having the best time! Wonderful people and beautiful Minakami! Make sure to scream your lungs out!
Great class 3+ half day rafting trip!
jefflK3804VA,Apr 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great trip! Our guide spoke English and told us how and when to paddle, so we wouldn't run into trouble. There were plenty of pictures taken of us and our guide told us where the cameras were. The pictures were free.
Fun for family of four!
Lauren G,Jun 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Adam was super friendly and made it a memorable day in the water. Even though it was summer and the water was low, he had us playing lots of games in the water and laughing a lot. Highly recommend!
A super cool experience
heathersC7678ES,Jun 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great half day experience of rafting in Gunma. The people we met in our boat were super cool. The guide Adam was amazing. He did a lot to give us a great adventure. I also had the BBQ afterwards. The food was good. I highly recommend rafting with Canyons. They also take lots of pictures and they're free.
Low Water/Don't book
tyesej2023,Sep 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Don't book when the water levels are low. We didn't get a real whitewater rafting experience. It was disappointing to pay for something and not get what you pay for. The staff was awesome. But the tour is not worth it when the water levels are low. I did not pay to jump in the water. I paid for the excitement of water rafting.
Canyons
Ralph Lauren Betty,Aug 22, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I enjoyed rafting with my family! The guides were all fun and exciting no matter what the situation, so my wife and kids really enjoyed it. I was very satisfied. I'd like to come again!!
A great way to connect with nature!
4548ring,May 3, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day-long adventure was awesome! The river trip was better than expected in regard to rapids. (Early spring timing and some overnight rain definitely helped in that regard.) Canyoning was a great mix of pushing one's limits in regard to heights, but always with safety in mind. Kudos to all of the guides for the guidance!
Related Experiences
Operated by Canyons Ltd.