Rafting Tours

Enjoy one of our most popular Summer activities - white water rafting! Join a group and make your way down the Shiribetsu river with an experienced guide and all the safety equipment you need. Adrenaline junkies should ensure they book for the Spring melt from late April until early June, when the river is 3-4 times its normal volume. Families and first-timers should consider the relatively calm, warm waters of the Summer, or admire the lovely foliage during a peaceful October float.

Spring Rafting

All for one and one for all! Jump into a large rubber raft with your friends, and let an experienced guide navigate you through some amazing grade 4 rapids, interspersed with calmer sections where you can catch your breath and enjoy the wildflowers. In spring, the rivers are high with snowmelt, so expect a fast and adrenaline-fueled experience that isn't for the faint of heart!

Summer / Autumn Rafting

For families, first-timers, or those seeking equal parts relaxation and excitement, consider hitting the river in the summer or autumn. In the summer, enjoy grade 2 rapids interspersed with wide, slow areas where you can swim, lounge and enjoy the surroundings. In the autumn, it’s all about relaxing and enjoying the lovely fall foliage as you float down the river.

Dates of Operation: 29th April - 22nd October 2023

Rafting Pricing

Guest	Price
Adult	¥6,500
Child (3 - 12 yo)	¥4,500

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Rafting FAQs

What to Expect

AM START	PM START
Please check in at the main activities desk at HANAZONO Activity Center before 8:30am Tour start time is 8:45am and the tour will go for ~3 hours	Please check in at the main activities desk at HANAZONO Activity Center before 1:00pm Tour start time is 1:15pm and the tour will go for ~3 hours

What to Wear

You may be wondering what to bring on your HANAZONO whitewater rafting adventure, and for good reason. You will be fitted out with a dry or wet suit but as we run rafting tours rain or shine you are likely to get wet, so it’s a good idea to be prepared no matter what kind of river tour you have planned. 
We recommend that you wear loose fitting clothes, avoid skirts, jeans and any material that does not stretch. Please also keep in mind the river water can remain cold throughout the year so please ensure you bring an extra layer of clothing.

• Clothing - We recommend a short sleeved shirt and shorts in Mid Summer (mid July – late August) and a long sleeved shirt and long pants in Spring and Autumn.
• Glasses - If you wear glasses, we can provide you with a string so you don’t lose them on the river.
• Contact lenses - Please either change to glasses or only wear disposable contact lenses. You may also wear goggles over you contact lenses.
• Watches/Jewelry - Please remove all watches, jewelry before you arrive.
• Shoes - You will be fitted out with river booties for your trip, there is no need for socks.
  

What to Bring

• A full change of clothes & a towel - You will get wet!
• Cameras & electronic devices - Please do not bring any cameras, electronic devices with you on the river.
• Other Valuables - When bringing any valuables please remember to store them in the lockers provided
  

Getting Fitted Out

Once you are ready, our guides will instruct you how to get fitted out. The below is the standard for the majority of our river trips.

NOTE: Guests under the influence of alcohol may not participate on river tours.