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Nagatoro River Rafting

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Nagatoro River Rafting

Thrilling Nagatoro River rafting amid a beautiful wild gorge.

3.24 1

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Supervised by :  Chichibu Railway Co.,Ltd.

Nagatoro town in the Chichibu area is located alongside the gentle river of Arakawa and has been a popular spot for outdoor activities. Here you can enjoy a river cruise amid spectacular scenery while passing through a unique rock formation. The rock is called Iwadatami and has been selected by the government as one of the Cultural Landscapes of Japan. The river cruise passes along several scenic spots and at different speeds along the way. The boatmen control the boat with a single pole, creating a thrilling trip.

The course has three routes. The boatmen operate the boat skillfully while at the same time acting as your local guide.
A Course: Oyahana Bridge to Ishidatami, 3km
B Course: Ishidatami to Takasago Bridge, 3km
Full Course: Oyahana Bridge to Takasago Bridge
We have selected the Full Course experience by choosing both the A and B course routes.
Two skillful captains made the cruise more exciting.
Our point of embarkation was the Oyahana Bridge. The passengers were escorted there by a shuttle bus from the meeting spot at the rafting ticket office. It took about 10 minutes. The captain helped us board the boat. Once we put on our life jackets, it was time to go down the stream.

We all screamed together while racing along the rapid sections of the stream, then smiled with relief once out of the rapids. We felt we all had shared the same fate. This natural bond certainly made the trip more exciting.
This activity offers a different visual experience as the natural beauty surrounding the river changes according to the seasons; fresh green in spring, deep green in summer, and colorful foliage in fall.

Highlights

  • Thrilling Nagatoro River rafting amid a beautiful wild gorge.
  • The boatmen control the boat with a single pole, creating a thrilling trip.
  • The course has three routes.

Photos

  • The boatmen demonstrate their amazing skill, controlling the boat with just a single pole.

    The boatmen demonstrate their amazing skill, controlling the boat with just a single pole.

  • Getting on the boat near Oyahana Bridge.

    Getting on the boat near Oyahana Bridge.

  • Slowly starting off, and about to pass through the Arakawa Bridge.

    Slowly starting off, and about to pass through the Arakawa Bridge.

  • You may encounter a locomotive going across the bridge.

    You may encounter a locomotive going across the bridge.

  • The famous spot on the magazine and flyers, Kotakinose. You can take a nice picture among the rapids, even with the splashing water.

    The famous spot on the magazine and flyers, Kotakinose. You can take a nice picture among the rapids, even with the splashing water.

  • The most popular spot in Nagatoro is Ishidatami, the spectacular rock formation made of one stone 500 meters in length. The uneven rock formation layered like tatami mats is very impressive.

    The most popular spot in Nagatoro is Ishidatami, the spectacular rock formation made of one stone 500 meters in length. The uneven rock formation layered like tatami mats is very impressive.

  • Taiganose is another section of rapids, though the river is wider than at Kotaninose point. Here, you can experience some different thrilling moments.

    Taiganose is another section of rapids, though the river is wider than at Kotaninose point. Here, you can experience some different thrilling moments.

  • The shape created the name of this particular stone, known as Frog rock. A very convincing name!

    The shape created the name of this particular stone, known as Frog rock. A very convincing name!

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Stanley Kuo
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    On 2026/10/17, I traveled to Nagatoro and specially arranged to ride the SL steam train. In addition to personally experiencing the unique charm of an old steam locomotive that remains full of vitality despite the passage of time, I also gained a sense of Japan's deep-rooted railway culture through the enthusiasm of the people along the route.

    After arriving in Nagatoro, I couldn't wait to head straight for the famous Nagatoro river cruise. I was lucky enough to sit behind the boatman, which gave me an excellent front-row view of the river. The current alternated between calm and rapid, and the scenery kept changing as the boat traveled downstream. Whenever we were about to enter the rapids, the boatman thoughtfully reminded the passengers to get ready and shield themselves from the splashing water. Although it inevitably caught me a little off guard, looking back, this unexpected surprise was the most unforgettable moment of my trip to Nagatoro.

Activity information

Activity name
Nagatoro River Rafting (長瀞ライン下り)
Address
489-2 Nagatoro, Nagatoromachi, Chichibugun, Saitama
TEL
0494-66-0950 (Nagatoro River Rafting headquarters)
Operation
Beginning of March to beginning of December
*date varies by year.
*In January and February, a warm kotatsu boat cruise is available.
Hours
9:00 am - 4:00 pm (every 10 to 40 minutes)
*the operating hours can change due to the weather condition.
Fee
A and B courses (3 km, 20 minutes): adult 2,000 yen, 3 years old to elementary school student 1,000 yen.
Full course (6 km, 40 minutes): to be concluded
*No booking is required. Buy a ticket at the ticket office on the same day.
Capacity
20 people
Note
During the busiest season (Golden Week, summer holidays, and foliage season etc.), the full course may not operate or you may need to change boats in the middle.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa