The
Tone River in Minakami Onsen and the Yoshino River in Shikoku are undoubtedly Japan's best whitewater
rafting experiences with continuous grade 4 rapids.
Minakami
Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, is the source for the Tone River, Japan's biggest
river. During the Spring melt, April - June, the river
provides consistant grade 4 rapids for over 12kms of
whitewater rafting bliss. There are a number of different
courses available to cater for all levels, from nervous
beginners to experienced rafting junkies. Canyons international team of professional guides will ensure you a safe and memorable day of rapid action.
Three years
ago the same section used for commercial rafting played
host to the rafting world cup qualifying tournament.
Teams from around the world came to challenge the mighty
Tone River. The Tone will next be hosting the rafting wolrd cup in Spring 2007.
Make sure you
get up in Spring for the best rafting in Japan. April - June is the Spring melt season, with the river flowing high to produce world class rapids. There are three
canyons that are regularly run, Suwakyo, Minakamikyo
and the infamous Momijikyo, the later of the three being
the most intense.
Half Day Whitewater Rafting
Full Day Combo
Course:
Tone River Standard OR Momiji Course
Tone River Rafting + Canyoning
Thrill Level:
>4-9
>4-9
Wilderness:
>6
>8
Access:
10 minute drive.
N/A
Features:
grade 2 -4 rapids
3 canyon sections
Half day rafting on the Tone River
Half day canyoning
Comments:
The Tone River's best season is in Spring (April - June) when the snow melt swells the river to grade 4. The Summer is a gentle grade 2 trip.
The MomijiKyo section is by far the most exciting with over 7 grade 3-4 rapids in 1km and 12kms long in total. This section will be run if river conditions permit.
In Spring this is an action packed day of adventure. Summer turns into a refreshing day of playing in the water.
(Canyoning is exciting year round)
Duration:
3 hours
6-7 hours
Conditions:
Age 13 or above.
Age 13 or above.
Season:
April 15th - Early November
Late April - Early October
Price:
Standard Course 8000 yen
13000 yen weekdays
14000 yen weekends & holidays July 19-August 31st & Septemeber weekends & holidays +1000yen
Tour Times:
8:45
13:00
8:45
BBQ Pack
Nothing better than sitting around a BBQ with mates and a few beers after your tour. >>
BBQ Options
Onsen Pack
Sooth your body after a hard day of adventure in a relaxing hot spring. >>Hot Spring
Accommodation Packs
Make the most of your holiday by staying at one of the local accommodations. >>Accommodation Pack
Shikoku's Yoshino River is a whitewater rafters paradise with over 30kms of grade 3-4 raipds flowing through the famous scenery of Oboke and Koboke gorges. During the "green" season, May - October, the river provides consistant high flows which allows a selection of a thrilling halfday course or a more relaxed one day section.
Rafting in Shikoku is run by Happy Raft, owned and operated by veteran Australian rafting guide Mark Treston. Mark and his crew of internationally qualified guides will ensure a memorable day of whitewater.
Half Day Whitewater Rafting
Full Day Combo
Course:
Yoshino River
Yoshino River Rafting + Canyoning
Thrill Level:
>7-9
>7-9
Wilderness:
>7
>8
Access:
10 minute drive.
N/A
Features:
grade 3 -4 rapids
1 canyon section
Half day rafting on the Yoshino River
Half day canyoning
Comments:
The Yoshino River's best season is in Summer (June - Septmeber) when the rains swell the river to grade 4.
This is an action packed day of adventure on and in the water. Get excited, get wet!
Duration:
2-3 hours
5-6 hours
Conditions:
Age 13 or above.
Age 13 or above.
Season:
Early April - Mid November
Mid April - Late October
Price:
Spring season 5500 yen
Mid Season 6500 yen
High season 7500 yen ***
Spring season 1200 yen
Mid Season 13500 yen
High season 15000 yen ***
Tour Times:
9:00
13:00
9:00
*** Spring Season Dates March 1 - June 30 (Except GW Holiday 4/26~5/6), October weekdays
Mid-Season Dates
July 1 - July18, September (weekdays)
High Season Dates June 30 - August 31, September (weekends and public holidays)