Spring rafting season is coming!

The rafting season in Hokkaido is about to start, and the types of rafting tours available change throughout the year! Today, our rafting expert and website manager Hayashi-san is introducing spring rafting!

Hello everyone! We are fast approaching the spring river rafting season here in Hokkaido, which is the period with the most thrilling rides. Here is the important information for you to enjoy your rafting tours while visiting!

・Hokkaido, one of the snowiest areas in Japan, has swollen rivers and rapids during the spring snowmelt, making it the most intense rafting tour experience.

・The best time for spring rafting is mid-April to May

Here are my top three rafting spots in Hokkaido:

1) Mukawa River in Hidaka (or Tomamu) (HOA rafting tours, Flying Dolphin rafting tours, etc.)- This is Hokkaido’s No. 1! In addition to the rapids of the river rising in early spring, the rapids (or steps) are large, so you can experience a rollercoaster-like drop with few places to relax from the start to the finish. The drop in the river itself is large, so you can enjoy it even in the summer when the water level is low as a more relaxed river ride.

2) Shiribetsu River in Niseko (NAC rafting tours, Big Fun rafting tours, Hanazono rafting tours, etc.)- The first time I went on a rafting tour in Hokkaido, I went to Niseko’s Shiribetsu River with NAC. Niseko, known as a world-famous ski resort, is also blessed with abundant snowmelt and clean water that has been ranked number one in Japan for cleanest rivers seven times. The course is long and has a variety of different river terrain- from rapids to clear areas (places where you can relax)- so even beginners can enjoy river rafting. There are many guide companies that offer tours, and accommodation facilities of all genres are available!

3) Tokachi River in Shintoku (TOM- Tokachi Outdoor Mates rafting tours, TAC- Tokachi Adventure Club rafting tours, etc.)- The Tokachi River is characterized by a dam in the upper reaches of the river, and when a large amount of water is released from the  melting snow, the river is so fast that it feels like you are being pushed from behind like a fighter jet being launched by a catapult. If the amount of water released exceeds the set value, it may become too dangerous and river tours will be canceled. . . Once you try it, you will be hooked.

[Bonus Rivers]

The Shisoraputi River in Minamifurano (you could also call it Tomamu)- (FUN Outdoor activities rafting tours, etc.) The river is a natural river with no bank construction work, so I think it is the most beautiful course in Japan. The rapids are large, so the course is set up with variations in speed. During the snow melt period the water level rises, and you can experience a level of rough waters that sometimes makes it difficult to enjoy the scenery, but is high on thrills.

The Toyohira River in Sapporo- Even in the big city of Sapporo, there is a mysterious rafting course that is only held in the spring. There is a dam in the upper reaches of the Toyohira River (the Jozankei Dam near Jozankei Onsen), where you can enjoy fighter jet catapult launch rafting like on the Tokachi River!

The rafting season is fast approaching, so take a look at our activities or send us a custom inquiry! Our team will help you plan your perfect rafting tour and make sure you enjoy your trip across Hokkaido!