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Nagatoro Line Kudari

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Nagatoro Line Kudari

Experience a thrilling boat ride through scenic river gorges.

3.24 1

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Supervised by :  Chichibu Railway Co., Ltd.

Chichibu and Nagatoro, nestled along the gentle Arakawa River, are known for river activities. Take in spectacular scenery such as the Iwadatami Rocks, designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, as the ride shifts between thrilling rapids and calm stretches. Guided through the varied currents by boatmen using a single pole, this river journey is full of excitement.

There are three options: Course A, from Oyahana Bridge to the Iwadatami Rocks, covering about 3 kilometers; Course B, from the Iwadatami Rocks to Takasago Bridge, also covering about 3 kilometers; and the Full Course, from Oyahana Bridge to Takasago Bridge. This time, we chose the Full Course, which combines Courses A and B.
Adding to the excitement are two highly skilled boatmen.

Boarding takes place upstream at Oyahana Bridge. As the pier is some distance from the Nagatoro Line Kudari Headquarters, passengers travel there by shuttle bus. The ride takes about 10 minutes. Follow the boatmen's instructions to board, put on the life jacket provided at your seat, and you are ready to depart.

Everyone cheers excitedly through the rapids, then smiles with relief once the boat reaches calmer water. The passengers truly feel as though they are all in the same boat. A natural sense of camaraderie develops, making the experience even more enjoyable. Another highlight of this activity is the changing scenery throughout the seasons. From the boat, you can see fresh greenery in spring, lush foliage in summer, and vibrant leaves in fall.

Highlights

  • This thrilling boat journey takes you past spectacular scenery, including the nationally designated Iwadatami Rocks, as the boatmen steer using a single pole.
  • Choose from three courses. In addition to steering the boat, the boatmen also serve as guides.
  • From the boat, you can see fresh greenery in spring, lush foliage in summer, and vibrant leaves in fall.

Photos

  • Watch the boatmen skillfully maneuver the boat using just one pole.

    Watch the boatmen skillfully maneuver the boat using just one pole.

  • The trip departs from the pier at the foot of Oyahana Bridge.

    The trip departs from the pier at the foot of Oyahana Bridge.

  • The boat quietly sets off and passes beneath the Arakawa Bridge.

    The boat quietly sets off and passes beneath the Arakawa Bridge.

  • With the right timing, you may even see a steam locomotive crossing the bridge.

    With the right timing, you may even see a steam locomotive crossing the bridge.

  • Kodaki no Se is a stretch of rapids often featured in magazines and posters. Determined to capture the moment, we braved the spray and tried to take photos.

    Kodaki no Se is a stretch of rapids often featured in magazines and posters. Determined to capture the moment, we braved the spray and tried to take photos.

  • Nagatoro is famous for the Iwadatami Rocks. This single rock formation extends for 500 meters and makes a powerful impression. Its distinctive raised rock layers spread out like tatami mats, creating a striking landscape.

    Nagatoro is famous for the Iwadatami Rocks. This single rock formation extends for 500 meters and makes a powerful impression. Its distinctive raised rock layers spread out like tatami mats, creating a striking landscape.

  • Okawase is a stretch of rapids where the river is wider than at Kodaki no Se, offering a different kind of thrill.

    Okawase is a stretch of rapids where the river is wider than at Kodaki no Se, offering a different kind of thrill.

  • Kaeru Rock, or Frog Rock, was named for its resemblance to a frog—and it really does look like one.

    Kaeru Rock, or Frog Rock, was named for its resemblance to a frog—and it really does look like one.

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Stanley Kuo
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    On 2026/10/17, I traveled to Nagatoro and specially arranged to ride the SL steam train. In addition to personally experiencing the unique charm of an old steam locomotive that remains full of vitality despite the passage of time, I also gained a sense of Japan's deep-rooted railway culture through the enthusiasm of the people along the route.

    After arriving in Nagatoro, I couldn't wait to head straight for the famous Nagatoro river cruise. I was lucky enough to sit behind the boatman, which gave me an excellent front-row view of the river. The current alternated between calm and rapid, and the scenery kept changing as the boat traveled downstream. Whenever we were about to enter the rapids, the boatman thoughtfully reminded the passengers to get ready and shield themselves from the splashing water. Although it inevitably caught me a little off guard, looking back, this unexpected surprise was the most unforgettable moment of my trip to Nagatoro.

Facility Information

Experience
Nagatoro Line Kudari
Address
489-2 Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
Phone
0494-66-0950 (Nagatoro Line Kudari Headquarters)
Operating Period
Early March to early December
Note: The operating period varies by year.
Note: In January and February, the boats operate as the “Poka Poka Kotatsu Boat.”
Reception Hours
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (boats depart at intervals of 10 to 40 minutes)
Note: Operating hours may be shortened depending on conditions.
Admission
Courses A and B (about 3 kilometers/about 20 minutes): Adults ¥2,000; children ages 3 through elementary school ¥1,000
Full Course (about 6 kilometers/about 40 minutes): Currently suspended
Note: Advance reservations are not required. Please purchase your boarding ticket at the ticket counter on the day of your visit.
Capacity
20 people
Important Information
The Full Course may not operate during busy periods, such as Golden Week, summer vacation, and the fall foliage season. Passengers may also be asked to transfer between boats.
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa