Minakami has established itself as one of Japan’s premier white-water rafting destinations, its stretch of the upper Tone River offering consistent, reliable rapids fed by mountain snowmelt through spring and summer. Numerous outfitters run guided rafting tours suited to a range of experience levels, from gentle introductions for first-time paddlers to more technical routes through faster water, with the surrounding gorge scenery — dramatic in spring’s fresh greenery and autumn’s colour — adding to the appeal beyond the adrenaline of the rapids themselves.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Minakami, Gunma |
| Hours | Tours typically 9:00–16:00 (seasonal, weather-dependent) |
| Admission | Around ¥7,000–9,000 per rafting tour |
| Time needed | 2.5–3.5 hours |
| Best time | April–October; peak water flow in spring snowmelt season |
What to Do
- Guided rafting tours through reliable Tone River rapids.
- Options suited to first-timers and experienced paddlers.
- Dramatic gorge scenery framing the river route.
- Peak water flow during spring’s snowmelt season.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Fukiware Falls sightseeing nearby.
- Pair with Shima Onsen for a post-rafting soak.
- Read our Gunma overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR Jomo Kogen Station or Minakami Station, most operators offer pickup.
- By car: roughly 2 hours from central Tokyo.
Tips
Book ahead in peak season (spring–early summer), as popular tour slots fill quickly on weekends. Bring a change of clothes and expect to get thoroughly soaked — this is a genuinely wet, active experience rather than a gentle float.
