What to know
The Arakawa River (荒川) begins in the Chichibu mountains and flows through Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo before reaching Tokyo Bay. The stretch near Nagatoro, about ten kilometers downstream from central Chichibu, is especially beautiful and can be explored by river cruise. The best time to go is mid to late November, when the riverbanks are often ablaze with autumn colors. In winter, shorter cruises with heated low tables (kotatsu) are available. Cruises are canceled when water levels are too low.
Three boat operators run the same routes at the same prices. The boats are unpowered and end downstream from their starting point. There are two 30-minute routes: an upper course ending at Iwadatami pier near Nagatoro Station, and a lower course starting at Iwadatami.
Reservations can be made in advance on each company's website (Japanese only) or on the day. Some route options may not be available for same-day bookings, especially during busy seasons. Passengers gather at the operator's office near Nagatoro Station before departure, and the tour ends there as well.
All three cruise operators have offices a short walk from Nagatoro Station.
From Chichibu, take the Chichibu Railway to Nagatoro (20 minutes, 550 yen one way, 1-2 trains per hour).
There are several ways to reach Nagatoro from central Tokyo as follows:
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 16:00 (early March to early December)
- Closed
- Cruises are not operated in very bad weather or when the water level is too low. Cruises also do not operate for short periods before and after the winter season in mid to late Dec
- Admission
- 2000-2200 yen (~$14.08) depending on the day
- English name
- Original name
- Nagatoro River Cruise
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.