Rafting is a popular aquatic activity that also lets you enjoy nature to the fullest. In fact, there is actually a spot in Tokyo where you can enjoy rafting: the upper reaches of the Tama River in Okutama. While only about one hour by train from Shinjuku, the area is surrounded by rich nature and the water level of the river is kept stable throughout the year, making it a place where even beginners and those with children can enjoy rafting.
Rafting is an outdoor leisure activity in which you make your way down the rapids of a river in a rubber raft. The crew on the boat wear gear such as helmets, life jackets, and wetsuits, and paddle their oars as they work together to overcome the raging rapids. The greatest appeal of rafting is the sense of accomplishment from overcoming the fierce currents with strength and teamwork, and the thrill of being in the midst of nature. The upper reaches of the Tama River are full of rocks and complex currents, making the area one of the Kanto region’s more popular rafting spots, where you can experience the thrill of slipping between the rocks as you make your way down the river.
We took part in a rafting tour offered by Crusoe Rafting, one of the rafting companies in Okutama. It is easily accessible, just a 6-minute walk from JR Hinatawada Station, the nearest station, or a 10-minute taxi ride from JR Ome Station. All you need to bring with you is swimwear or other clothing that can get wet, a change of undergarments, and a towel. You’ll be glad to know that all the gear you need for rafting, such as helmets, life jackets, wetsuits, and water shoes, are provided free of charge.
The staff at Ome Base, the meeting point, greet you with smiles when you arrive. After changing in the changing room and having our helmets and life jackets checked to make sure they were on properly, you get on a minibus and head upstream. During the bus ride, there is a lecture on how to use your paddle and how to row, and also about what to do if you fall in the river. The most important thing in rafting is working together and helping each other. There’s more to it than just having fun. It’s important to remember that when dealing with nature, unexpected things can happen, and you need to know how to react should something occur.
After a 10-minute ride, we finally arrived at the clear waters of the Tama River. The boat has room for eight people, with one guide in the role of helmsman. One by one, we grabbed our paddles and boarded the boat, sat down on the edge of the tube, and off we went! We moved our paddles back and forth together in a rhythmic motion, led by the guide saying, “Let’s row together! One, two! One, two!” as the boat moved forward at a comfortable pace.
However, moments of calm were few and far between. Large rocks soon appeared to both the left and right, and the boat began to rock in every direction. Immediately, the guide shouted, “Right side, row!… Okay! stop!” Following his instructions, everyone worked together to overcome the rapids. It was both fun and exhilarating to row frantically while sliding between the rocks and getting splashed with water. It felt just like riding a roller coaster in the midst of nature.
Rafting is fun on its own, but on the tours operated by Crusoe, you also get to step off the boat and have other adventures. You can float on your back in the pristine waters as you drift downstream, climb up huge rocks and dive into the river below, and more. It was a bit hot on this day, so the coolness of the clear waters was quite refreshing, and everyone had a great time.
As you make your way down the river, you can see people fishing, others playing in the water like you are, and also tourists walking across suspension bridges. Communicating by waving to each other and such also added a bit of fun.
Everyone made it safely to the finish line, and our rafting tour ended successfully. The roughly two-hour tour was filled with laughter and excitement throughout, thanks in part to our guide’s entertaining demeanor. And of course, the moderate amount of fatigue also added to the satisfaction!
Another particularly nice touch is that you can download photos taken during the tour for free. Plenty of images are available, and you’re free to browse them at your leisure. Crusoe’s rafting tours are held from April 1 to October 31. Kayaking and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) experience tours are also available. Enjoy some fun aquatic activities while surrounded by the vast nature of Okutama.
(As of publication on October 10, 2025)
Rafting in Okutama: A Fun Challenge Surrounded by Nature
Crusoe Rafting
WEB SITEArea: Okutama Address: 3-921-6 Baigo, Ome City, Tokyo Experience: Crusoe Rafting
