Rafting Tours - Canyons Japan

Canyons rafting tours are only held in the Minakami area. The Spring Season brings world-class grade 4+ whitewater and high thrills, and Summer Season involves enjoying playing in and outside the boat on a melow grade 1-2 section. The two seasons are very different in terms of distance covered on the river and the type of experience, so pick your ideal thrill level.

Canyons limits the number of trips held each day. Even though the length and style of tour varies between seasons, Canyons aim to give you the most time to enjoy yourself and experience the real beauty of Japan's nature.

As you descend the mighty Tone River learn about the local history, customs and culture from our professional international guides.

Head rafting Guides

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Rafting Seasons

Know the difference

Minakami Spring

Spring rafting in Minakami is the real deal! Over 12kms of grade 4 whitewater bliss on the half day section and over 25kms on the full day course make for nonstop action! Pass through 3 incredible gorge sections and not only enjoy the thrilling rapids but alos learn a bit about the town and its history from our experienced guides.

Spring tour

Minakami Summer

From the middle of June the water level in the river drops and it is summer season rafting which is perfect for those who are not after the high thrills of spring. Mess around in and outside the boat with your guide, and enjoy the stunning nature that surrounds you. Even with the more gentle flow there is still plenty of time out on the river to have lots of fun.

Summer tour

Packraft vs Rafting

Know the difference

Rafting

Rafting is an awesome team sport with up to 7 customers and 1 guide per boat. It that can be enjoyed by any fitness level without any prior experience. In Spring your skilled guides can navigate your down rapids up to grade 4 , with a bit of help from your paddle power. It is not very common to fall in rafting but it does happen sometimes entire boats flip.
Pick rafting if: You want to enjoy a more leisurely trip with friends or family

Packrafting

Packrafting is a single person inflatible kayak. It requires a decent level of fitness and simming ability. At Canyons we use a level system with up to level 2 being suitable for first time packrafters to learn the basics and level 3 or above best for people with double blade (kayak) experience.

There is a higher chance that you will end up swimming whilst learning to packraft as the smaller boats are more susceptible to flipping.
Pick packrafting if: You are fit and good in the water and keen to learn more skills