1. Mogami river

The Mogami River, known as one of Japan’s three major rapid rivers, is a symbolic river of Yamagata Prefecture.


The area around Asahi Town is characterized by magnificent valleys surrounded by mountains, offering different scenery with each changing season.

The spring snowmelt and rising water levels after rain create truly thrilling, rapids.


One of the biggest attractions of Mogami River rafting is the opportunity to fully experience the grandeur of nature.

2. Activity Introduction

① Gathering (Explanation, changing clothes, travel)

The meeting place is Asahi Base inside the Ringo Onsen hot spring facility.

After checking in, the guide will carefully explain the day’s schedule and any important points to note.

All equipment, including wetsuits, life jackets, and helmets, is available for rent.

During colder months, jackets are available for rent, so you can rest assured that you’ll have the appropriate gear for the season.


Its ease of use, requiring only a swimsuit (or underwear) and a towel, is also a major draw.

After getting ready in the separate changing rooms for men and women, we’ll head to the starting point by car.

② Pre-event briefing (safety talk)

We arrived after a 10-minute drive.

Before entering the river, your guide will give you a safety lecture covering topics such as paddling, how to get into the boat, and what to do if you fall into the water.

All of them are licensed river guides and professionals.


The explanations were easy to understand, and the speaker occasionally added humor, which helped me relax and keep smiling the whole time!

③ Experience (Rafting)

We were taken to the river in our boat, and at the guide’s signal, we finally set off!

First, we learn how to use the paddles, and then we all paddle together in sync.

At first, it was like, “It’s only moving to the right!” and “It’s spinning around! lol”

We were chatting and laughing at first, but gradually we got the hang of it and it went smoothly.

We all move forward in accordance with the guide’s instructions.


It feels really good to make your way through nature using only your own strength.

The water level was just right that day, and as we approached the rapids, our excitement naturally increased.

“Oh no, it’s here! lol” “It’s so cold!! lol”

Voices like that were flying around, and laughter was constantly heard on the boat.

When you paddle in time with the guide’s instructions, you get splashed with water all at once, so much so that you can’t help but scream!

At first, I was determined not to fall in, but when I actually did, the life jacket kept me afloat, and the feeling of gently drifting along was incredibly refreshing.

Although the experience took place in mid-October, thanks to the wetsuit, the coolness of the water felt pleasant, and I even thought, “Falling in can be fun!”

Furthermore, on this day, we even had the opportunity to disembark onto land at the guide’s instruction!

There was a place nearby where water was flowing like a small waterfall, and I was told, “Anyone who wants to go in, please do!” so I ended up doing waterfall meditation…!

With water poured over my head and my whole body soaked,

“It’s so cold!!” “But it feels great!!” they exclaimed excitedly.

It’s nice that they offer these kinds of “little activities” in addition to rafting.

Where the water is calm, you can play games on the boat or jump into the river at the guide’s signal.

We even tried jumping over some rocks along the way!

It’s higher than I expected, which makes me nervous, but when I muster up the courage to jump, my body floats up and then I feel a great sense of exhilaration as I plunge back in.

On this day, two out of the four of us tried diving, but it was fun just watching.

Not only were there rapids, but in the sections where the river flowed slowly, the green of the mountains and the color of the sky were reflected in the water, making it incredibly beautiful.

It was the kind of scenery that made you feel like, “I want to keep floating downstream like this…”

④ End (Travel, change clothes, share photos)

Once we reach the finish line, we’ll drive back to Asahi Base.

After changing in the separate changing rooms for men and women,

The guide will explain how to receive the photo data.

Throughout the experience, our guide took photos at various points, capturing the moments of the rapids, the jumps in, and everyone’s smiles!

What’s more, all the photos they take are available for free download!

This is a truly wonderful service.

⑤ Refresh yourself at the apple hot spring.

All tour participants will receive a complimentary ticket to the adjacent “Ringo Onsen” (Apple Hot Spring)!

The signature bath, with apples floating in it, has a wonderful fragrance and warms you to the core.

A hot spring bath after rafting is truly a reward.

I thoroughly enjoyed the hot springs, to the point where I thought, “This might be the most relaxing hot spring experience of my life!”

Enjoy nature and relax in apple-infused hot springs—this is the perfect combination experience unique to Asahi Town.

3. Besides rafting, here are some other ways to have fun.

In addition to the rafting activity we did this time, you can also choose a packrafting activity where you can freely operate a packraft on your own.

A packraft is an inflatable boat that moves using your own paddle, just like a canoe or kayak.


This is a new activity that has been gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts in recent years.

The feeling of “I’m moving forward on my own!” is incredibly fun, so I highly recommend you try this as well.

4. Message

We have a message for everyone reading VISIT YAMAGATA.

“The river’s appearance changes dramatically with each season, so there’s a different kind of enjoyment no matter how many times you visit.

Some days the river is a raging torrent, while other days it’s a peaceful place to swim; that’s what makes the Mogami River so interesting.

Let’s have a blast playing together in the nature of Yamagata!

We look forward to your visit!”

5. Summary

The Mogami River rafting activity in Asahi Town offered a chance to fully enjoy the joys of nature, from thrilling rapids to leisurely floating moments.

Furthermore, after the experience, my body warmed up nicely in the apple-infused hot spring, and I felt completely refreshed, both mentally and physically.

I want to play in nature, feel refreshed, and create memories.

This activity, unique to Asahi Town, is perfect for people like you.

Be sure to have a blast at Mogami River on your next day off!