Plan Details

● Rafting explanation
Minakami rafting tours are a sport where you paddle down the river in a boat designed for river rafting that can accommodate seven guests and one guide. We can accept small groups to large groups of participants.
Minakami Rafting has an outdoor tourism ordinance and conducts tours in accordance with that standard. Our tours are accompanied by a fun guide who is an experienced rafting specialist, so you can rest assured. Before starting, we will explain how to ride and paddle the rafting paddle, give a safety talk, and what to do if you fall, and then practice paddling before going down.
Minakami rafting on the Tone River in Gunma Prefecture is a world-famous rafting spot with rapids. The season is the high water season in May and June, when you can enjoy thrilling and exciting river rafting, and from summer to autumn you can experience a relatively calm rafting tour. Rafting on the Tone River in Minakami is an area where you can experience various courses!
The experience time is about 3 hours, but the time may vary depending on the water level.

◆Access
・If you are coming by car, get off at Minakami Interchange in 2 hours from the Kanto region.
・If you are coming by car: 15 minutes from Minakami Interchange on the Kan'etsu Expressway.
・If you want to do sightseeing, we recommend coming by car.
・If you are coming by train: We will provide a free shuttle from JR Minakami Station or Jomo-Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen.
※If you would like a shuttle, please make a reservation in advance.
※We also provide shuttle service from the nearest accommodation, so please contact us.

※Q&A
Q. Is rafting okay even for the first time?
A. Yes, it's okay!
Q. I can't swim?
A. There are buoyancy devices such as life jackets, so don't worry.
Q. What should I do about the equipment?
A. Please bring a swimsuit, towel, and shoes that you don't mind getting wet.
※All other necessary equipment will be rented free of charge.

Schedule

Half-Day Minakami Rafting Course Schedule
Morning
8:30 A.M. Gathering (signing the waiver, changing clothes)
9:30 A.M. Leaving the base (taking a shuttle and listening to a safety briefing)
10:00 A.M. Start of the tour
12:00 P.M. Arrival at the base

Afternoon
1:00 P.M. Gathering
1:30 P.M. Leaving the base (taking a shuttle and listening to a safety briefing)
2:30 P.M. Start of the tour
4:00 P.M. Arrival at the base
The 11:00 rafting course ends at approximately 2:00 P.M.
※The approximate tour time is around 3 hours. Please note that the time may vary depending on the Minakami level on the day.

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  When you arrive at the base, a staff member will guide you.
  Check in!

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  Please fill out the disclaimer form for each person.

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  Listen the safety talk! There will be foreign guide so Listen carefully and ask questions if you don't understand!

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  Finally challenging the rafting Minakami course ♪
  It's an exhilarating and exciting experience!

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  Challenge yourself in various rapids! Ride through the drops, the waves, and everything!

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  At the goal point, we finally took a breather and posed together (^^♪

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  The guide will take lots of photos, and you can buy them after the tour, so take them as souvenirs♪
  
  

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  Rafting equipment: Helmet, life jacket, paddle, wetsuit, shoes (rental available)

Things to Bring

■Rafting

Items to Prepare for Minakami Rafting and What’s Included in the Tour
【Items You Need to Bring】
・Swimsuit (Required): To wear under the wetsuit (no rentals available).
・Towel (Required): No rentals available.
・Eyeglass Band (Required for glasses wearers).
・Waterproof Sneakers or Outdoor Sandals: Must have heel support (Crocs or sandals without secure straps are not allowed).

【Items Included in the Tour】
・Tour Guide Fee
・Equipment Rental Fee
・Facility Liability Insurance

【Payment Information】
・Credit cards are not accepted.
・Please prepare cash or PayPay for payment.

【Optional Items】 (Convenient but Not Essential)
・Rash Guard or Water-Resistant Synthetic Clothing: For wearing under the wetsuit.
・Swim Goggles.
・Change of Clothes.
・Warm Clothing (e.g., sweatshirts or jackets) for colder weather.
・Personal Medication.
・Insect repellent spray.
〇【For Women】
Skincare products, cosmetics, and a hairdryer.

Important Notes

■Rafting

・For safety reasons, hand-held cameras are not allowed during the tour.
・GoPro or other mounted devices that keep your hands free are acceptable.
・Pregnant women, those feeling unwell, individuals who have consumed alcohol on the day of the tour, or those who are hungover will not be allowed to participate.
・Tours proceed even in rainy conditions. Please note that cancellations due to personal reasons, a cancellation fee will be charged.

◆Water Level Regulations
・Minakami Town has strict safety standards. If the water level exceeds the limit, the tour may be cancelled.
・In case of cancellation, you can switch to alternative activities such as lake rafting or other available outdoor activities for the day.

◆Important Notes for Participants
・Outdoor tours are conducted in nature and may involve inherent risks.
・Please understand this thoroughly before making a reservation.

◆Guide Standards
・Minakami’s outdoor tours follow the Outdoor Tourism Ordinance, which enforces strict safety regulations and standards.
・All guides are certified in Rescue 3 and Medical First Aid, ensuring your safety throughout the tour.

◆Insurance Coverage
・All tours include facility liability insurance (up to ¥300 million per accident per person).
・Personal injuries or accidents caused by individual actions are not covered under this insurance.
・It is recommended to purchase accident insurance. If you do not have prior coverage, you can opt for a one-day insurance plan through the company on the day of the tour.

[Regarding Tour Cancellations]
Depending on weather conditions or circumstances on the tour day, the guide may determine that the tour is unsafe and cancel it. Please be aware of this in advance.
※ In case of complete cancellation, the tour fee will not be charged.
※ Please note that transportation costs to our location will be at your own expense.

[Regarding Cancellations]
If the customer cancels due to personal reasons, the following cancellation fees will apply:
10～7 days before → 10%
6～2 days before → 30%
The day before → 50%
On that day → 100%
※ Please note that even if you are unable to make it to the tour due to traffic delays, you may still be charged the full amount.