Rafting on the Shinano - November 5 & 6

Minakami is well known as the outdoor adventure capital of Snow Country but there are plenty of other areas offering adventures. With several major rivers running through Snow Country there are great places to raft all over the place. The Shinano is Japan's longest river, and one of Minakami's best known rafting outfits is heading over there for a weekend of rafting on November 5th and 6th.

Spring rafting is the best season for rafting in Minakami but at other times of the year Canyons head further afield to search out the rapids and whitewater. Autumn is a great time to head down the Shinano with stunning views of the changing leaves, warmer temperatures than the Tone and some great sections of water.

The tour kicks off right on the border of Nagano and follows the river back into Niigata. A delicious lunch of local ingredients is enjoyed on the banks of the river, which also gives you the chance to catch your breath after the high thrills of the morning, and then it is back on the water. The day finishes off with the requisite soak in a natural thermal spring bath.

A adrenaline-packed way to spend an autumn weekend.