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
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: 26th April – 13th October 2025 (depending on water levels)
Rafting Pricing
| Guest | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | ¥6,500 |
| Child (3 - 12 yo) | ¥4,500 |
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.
Interested?
Looking to find out more information on this or would like help booking? We provide booking services to all guests staying with Vacation Niseko.
Contact us TodayDiscover the beauty of the Shiribetsu river in an exhilarating rafting ride with friends.
