Come Enjoy Whitewater Rafting! May 25, 2019
TSPS members and friends are invited to enjoy the thrills of whitewater rafting on the Tone River in beautiful Minakami. Snow depths that exceeded 4 meters in the mountains surrounding the area, are feeding large quantities of water down the Tone River.
Our hosts for the outing will be Canyons, the premier rafting company in Minakami (see link to their website as they also offer a wide range of other outdoor activities). Their trained, experienced guides will teach you everything you need to know to have a safe and exciting ride down the rapids, and of course they’ll be in the boat with you too, to navigate us down river. All you need is a swimsuit and a towel, they’ll provide the gear.
Here is a brief description, direct from the Canyons’ website:
Minakami Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, is the source for the Tone River, Japan’sbiggest river. During the Spring melt, April – June, the river provides consistent grade 4 rapidsfor over 10 kms of whitewater rafting bliss. There are a number of different courses available to cater for all levels, from nervous beginners to experienced rafting junkies. Canyons’ internationalteam of professional guides will ensure you a safe and memorableday of rapid action.
In 2000,the same section used for commercial rafting played host to therafting world cupqualifying tournament. Teams from around the world came to challenge the mighty Tone River.
Make sure you get up in Spring for the best rafting in Japan. April – May is the Springmelt season (this year – usually longer, but we’ve had less snowfall this year), with the river flowing high to produce world class rapids. There are three canyons that are regularly run, Suwakyo, Minakamikyo and the infamous Momijikyo, the latter of the three being the most intense. http://canyons.jp
We will raft Saturday morning May 25th beginning at 8:30 and have a BBQ lunch at Canyons afterward. In the afternoon you can enjoy a number of activities ranging from hiking to canyoning, bungee jumping, tennis, sightseeing in and around Minakami, and of course the famous hot springs. For those up for some more fun, there will be an afternoon champagne (hint àbring champagne!) and croquet tournament and late afternoon BBQ at Chez Olsen in Tsukiyono, near Jomo Kogen Station.
It’s one of the best adventures available in Japan, and only 75 minutes by train from Tokyo Station. Overnight accommodations are available at Canyons and at many pensions in the area. If you’re interested in recommendations, please let Ernie know.
Reservations are on a first come, first served basis. Book now if you want to take advantage of the fun!Minakami is easily accessible by car (2 hours from central Tokyo via the Kanetsu Expressway) or train (1:16 via Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Jomokogen Station, or 2:30 via regular express train to Minakami Station). Travel instructions will be provided at the time of your reservation.
The cost for rafting and BBQ lunch is ¥10,700/person. If you’re going up by train, Canyons can provide transportation to and from the train station.
CANCELLATION DATE IS MAY 9th. IF YOU CANCEL A RESERVATION AFTER THAT DATE, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FEE. To make your reservation or make inquiries, please email Ernie Olsen at ernfredolsen@occ-japan.com
TSPS is not the formal organizer of the rafting and barbecue event and as such takes no responsibility for either. The contract is between the individual participant and the organizers Canyons.