Family rafting on the Sorachi River makes a splash

River rafting is not only for thrill seekers in Hokkaido. ‘Family rafting’ offers a more tame experience with just enough white water for a memorable adventure.

When you’re gliding down the Sorachi River with the sun on your back, you see beautiful old trees, the peaks of tall mountains, and ancient boulders worn smooth by the river’s flow. Occasionally, a local will be standing patiently, up to their waist in cool river water, waiting for a nibble on their fishing line.

As you settle in your raft and relax, some bumps, splashes and swirls will shower you with cool, beautiful water. In a wide bend of the river, your guide will invite you to hop out for safe and supervised water play floating and splashing in the gentle current.

Non swimmers, the elderly, and children as young as three are invited to join these special rafting trips on the Sorachi River.

The Alpine Nature Club in Furano offers these trips as a gentle introduction to the sport. They also provide more serious rafting through the rapids and eddies of Hokkaido’s wild rivers if you prefer. Trips start and finish in Furano.

Before you start any rafting trip, your guide will fit you with helmets, river shoes, life vests, waterproof jackets, and also wetsuits for the children. Then you take a bus to the starting point and learn the commands for paddling forward and backwards, getting on the floor of the boat, and what to do if anyone falls out -- this is very unlikely but preparation is important.

An Alpine Nature Club photographer will be poised on the banks or above on bridges to provide photos of your adventure on the Sorachi River. Family rafting costs around 5000 yen for adults and 3000 for children, and the experience takes three to four hours.

The waters in Central Hokkaido are pristine and cool thanks to the melting snows, which only fully recede in late August or early September. Underground sources also feed the rivers, which have carved fertile valleys over millions of years.

Family rafting on the Sorachi River is a gentle introduction to exploring nature by waterway. It offers just enough thrills to awaken your inner adventurer.

Access

There are many day-return busses and trains to Furano from either Asahikawa or Sapporo. There is also hostel, hotel and apartment accommodation available in Furano.

Address(Furano Alpine Visitor Center): 14-6 Kitanomine-chou, Furano-shi Hokkaido

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