Plan Details

●Explanation of the Minakami Rafting Experience
The Minakami Rafting Tour is a sport in which seven guests and one guide paddle down the river. Minakami Town Rafting Tours are governed by the Tourism Ordinance and conduct tours in accordance with that standard. Our guides are also experienced rafting specialists, so you can rest assured. Before starting, we will explain how to ride and paddle the rafting paddle, and what to do if you fall off.
Minakami Town, upstream of the Tone River in Gunma Prefecture, is a world-famous rafting spot with rapids, so much so that it is called Minakami Rafting. The season is the High Water season in May and June, when you can enjoy thrilling and exciting river rafting, and from spring to autumn, you can experience various courses. That is the rapids rafting on the Minakami Tone River!
The experience time is about 3 hours, and the time may vary depending on the water level.

◆Access

・If you want to do sightseeing, we recommend coming by car.
・If coming by car: 15 minutes from Minakami I.C. on the Kan'etsu Expressway.
・If coming by train: We provide free pick-up and drop-off from JR Minakami Station or Jomo-Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen.
※If you require a pick-up service, please make a reservation in advance.
※We also provide pick-up and drop-off from the nearest accommodation, so please enquire.

Schedule

●Minakami Rafting Half-Day Course Time Schedule
Morning Session
8:20AM Gathering (fill out waiver, change clothes)
9:30AM Departure from base (pick-up by car, listen to safety briefing)
10:00AM Tour Start
12:00AM Arrive at base

Afternoon Session
1:00PM Gathering
1:30PM Departure from base (pick-up by car, listen to safety briefing)
2:00PM Tour Start
4:00PM Arrive at base
●The 11AM rafting course will finish at approximately 2:00PM.
※The tour will last approximately 3 hours. Please note that the time may vary depending on the water level on the day.

• 

  1. Gather (reception). Pay the rafting tour fee.

• 

  2. Facility tour and rafting tour explanation (waiver agreement signature)

• 

  3. Move to the site (safety briefing) Let's listen to safety talk!

• 

  4. Challenge the rapids! (Go down the river while practicing!)

• 

  5. Goal point (let's pose together (^^♪）

• 

  6. Arrived at the base! (Relaxing with a drink♪)

• 

  7. Please take some photos during the tour! (They are available for sale to those who wish to take them.)

• 

  Standard equipment is available for free rental, so you can rest assured!

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.