Nagatoro River Rafting — Arakawa Gorge Rapids

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Nagatoro River Rafting — Arakawa Gorge Rapids

Nagatoro (長瀞) sits where the Arakawa River cuts through a crystalline limestone gorge, creating Class II–III rapids over exposed rock formations. The traditional river activity is line-rafting (ライン下り) — wooden boats piloted by skilled boatmen using long poles to navigate rapids and standing waves. The 6-kilometer, 20-minute ride combines gentle drifting past layered rock cliffs with sudden drops and splashing rapids that soak passengers.

The exposed rock formations — designated a National Natural Monument — show millions of years of geological history in tilted sedimentary layers called the 'Nagatoro Schist Belt'. The combination of whitewater excitement and geological spectacle makes Nagatoro Tokyo's closest authentic river-rafting destination. Peak season (spring snowmelt and post-typhoon autumn) brings higher water and more aggressive rapids; summer offers tamer family-friendly conditions.

Opening Hours

9:00–16:00 (March–December). Closed January–February.

Closed: Closed January–February. Service may suspend during heavy rain or high water.

Entrance Fee

Course A (3km): ¥2,000 adults, ¥1,000 children. Course B (6km): ¥3,300 adults, ¥1,600 children.

Best Season

Spring (April–May) for highest water and most dramatic rapids; autumn (October–November) for foliage alongside the gorge

Visit Duration

20 minutes (Course A) or 40 minutes (Course B) rafting; combine with Iwadatami rock walk for 2–3 hour total Nagatoro experience

Getting There

Access Information

Nagatoro, Chichibu District. 90 min from Ikebukuro (Tobu Tojo Line to Yorii, transfer to Chichibu Railway to Nagatoro Station). River rafting: March–December (closed January–February), 9:00–16:00. Cost: ¥2,000 adults, ¥1,000 children for Course A (3km) or ¥3,300/¥1,600 for Course B (6km). Boats depart every 20–30 min; no reservation needed but arrive early on weekends.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Course selection:** Two courses are offered. Course A (3km, 20 min) covers the upper section with gentler rapids — suitable for young children and those seeking mild excitement. Course B (6km, 40 mi