Beginner-Friendly & Unforgettable Experience in Kochi & Tokushima
Hello, I’m SacChi!
This time, I took on one of Japan’s most exciting outdoor adventures — white-water rafting on the Yoshino River, one of the country’s Three Great Torrential Rivers.
Among its many sections, the Oboke area in Tokushima Prefecture is particularly famous for its intense rapids and dramatic scenery.
It’s located downstream from Sameura Dam, which I introduced in a previous post — and the powerful current from that region makes it a top rafting destination in Japan!
👉 Read the related post:
💧 [Kochi Tosanpo Experience] Touring Sameura Dam with Local Students – Learn How This Mega-Dam Works! | Vol.1 | SacChi’s Love Affair with Kochi
🚣♀️ What Does “Rafting Grade” Mean?
Rivers are ranked by difficulty, from Grade 1 (very calm) to Grade 6 (extreme and often impassable).
The higher the grade, the stronger the current and the bigger the adrenaline rush!
In Japan, most rafting tours range from Grades 2 to 4.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Calm and safe — ideal for beginners and children |
| 2 | Gentle waves and light excitement |
| 3 | Bigger waves, more obstacles — intermediate level |
| 4 | Strong rapids and rocks — thrilling for advanced rafters |
| 5 | High-level, extreme rafting for experts |
| 6 | Too dangerous to navigate — life-threatening currents |
🗾 Top Rafting Spots in Japan (with Difficulty Levels)
| River | Grade | Prefecture | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoshino River (Oboke & Koboke) | 3–4 | Kochi / Tokushima | One of Japan’s wildest rivers |
| Nagara River | 2–3 | Gifu | Clean, scenic, perfect for beginners |
| Fuji River | 3–4 | Yamanashi / Shizuoka | Thrilling spring rapids |
| Mogami River | 2–3 | Yamagata | Popular for sightseeing boats too |
| Kuma River | 3–4 | Kumamoto | Fast, powerful current |
| Kinugawa River | 2–3 | Tochigi | Family-friendly and safe |
| Tama River | 2–3 | Tokyo / Yamanashi | Great urban access |
| Hozu River | 1–2 | Kyoto | Relaxed scenic route |
| Shiribetsu River | 2–3 | Hokkaido | Stunning northern landscapes |
🌊 My Rafting Adventure on the Yoshino River (Oboke Course)
I joined the Half-Day Oboke Course (Grade 3) offered by Happy Raft, based in Otoyo Town, Kochi Prefecture.
Each raft carried 7–8 people, and our experience was packed with action:
- Teamwork through foaming whitewater
- Floating down the river like leaves
- Drifting on your back like a sea otter 🦦
- Jumping off a 5-meter rock!
- Even trying the “wheelie” balancing trick with the raft!
It was only 90 minutes, but the experience felt like an entire day of fun.
The Yoshino River water was cool but refreshing—the perfect way to reset your body and mind in summer.
🧭 Facility Used｜Happy Raft
Happy Raft is one of the most trusted rafting operators in Japan, with professional multilingual guides who have extensive international experience.
Their safety measures and friendly atmosphere make it ideal even for first-time rafters!
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Happy Raft |
| Address | 221-1 Ikadogi, Otoyo Town, Nagaoka-gun, Kochi |
| Tel | 0887-75-0500 |
| Season | May – November (reservation required) |
| Activities | Half-day / Full-day rafting, SUP, more |
| Access | 10 min by car from Otoyo IC, 3 min walk from Tosa-Iwahara Station |
| Website | https://www.happyraft.com |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/LfaaKPfpSytq6Jak8 |
🎯 Summary｜Rediscover the Joy of “Playing in Nature”
This adventure reminded me just how fun it is to play in the water!
Rafting through rapids with your team, laughing as the waves crash over you—these are memories that stick forever.
Next time, I’m setting my sights on the Koboke Course (Grade 4) for an even wilder ride!
Whether you’re a beginner, solo traveler, or family, Yoshino River rafting offers the perfect balance of excitement and safety.
Come experience a day of pure adventure in the heart of Shikoku! 🌿
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