Where to Go: the 5 Best Japan Rafting Tours

1.Minakami Half-Day Rafting Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $60Our pick

You’ll raft the Tone River near Minakami with professional guides such as Adam or Sam, passing Suwa, Minakami, and Momiji Canyons. Spring brings serious Class III and IV rapids, while summer offers gentler water, swimming, and raft games. Equipment, transport, and tour photos are included.

“It 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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Half Day – Snow View Rafting in Niseko

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $111

Join Adventure Smile for a 3.5-hour winter rafting trip on the Shiribetsu River. With an experienced guide, warm drinks, snacks, riverbank photo stops, and a small group of up to 12, you’ll enjoy Niseko’s snowy wilderness without skis.

“This was such an incredible experience. The team at Smile Adventures were so professional and friendly. The gear was excellent and the photos were the best taken on our trip. It was like being in another world rafting down the river with snRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Experience a Packraft Tour Down the Stunning Niyodo River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · from $84

You’ll gear up in a wetsuit, boots, life jacket, and helmet before paddling 4 km of the Niyodo River with English-speaking guides. Expect beginner-friendly rapids, cliff jumping, river games, and about 90 minutes on the water. Good swimming ability and moderate fitness are required.

“Amazing rafting and cliff jumping. Our guide was nice, kept us safe and took tons of pictures. Would highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Rafting Tour at Beautiful Okutama River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $99

Meet at Ome Station at 12:30 p.m. for a guided rafting trip on the Tama River in Okutama. You will receive rafting gear, ride by bus to the river, walk back to base, and finish with a DIY BBQ, coffee or tea, and a shower. The group can include up to 30 people.

“Went on a rafting trip on the Tama river; things went smoothly and the organizers knew exactly what they were doing. The rafting was nice and peaceful and the food after was fantastic. A typhoon hit while we were BBQing, but it just added to the vibe.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.White Water Rafting Experience on the Tama River in Ome in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $85

Travel about 90 minutes from central Tokyo to Ome for a two-hour guided rafting trip on the Tama River. You’ll receive equipment, safety instruction, insurance, and photo data, then ride rapids, play raft games, and stop at a jump rock before returning to the base.

“Awesome experience!! Highly recommend to anyone looking to escape the city for the day! Tour guides show you a great time”

Check availability →Read our full review