FuranoFURANO
Furano Relax Downriver
Our flagship river activity: a boat trip down the rivers of Furano, taking in the scenery from water level alongside an experienced guide.
- Price
- JPY 7,700per person, tax included
- Minimum group size
- From 2 people
Furano Rafting Guide
Looking for rafting or a river experience in Furano
If you searched for "Furano rafting" and landed here, this page is for you. Here's an honest look at the choices, and at what HOO actually runs on the rivers of Furano.
What to know before you pick a river trip in Furano
"Rafting" is used loosely for almost any trip that takes a boat down a river, but the experiences behind the word are very different. Some run white water for the thrill of it. Others move gently, and are about the scenery and the life around the water.
What HOO runs in Furano is closer to the second kind: a program we call the Relax Downriver. It isn't a white-water run. You ride the current and take in the nature of Furano at an easy pace, which makes it a comfortable first time on a river.
As you read on, it helps to keep asking yourself what kind of day you actually want.
How to Compare
What to look at when comparing river trips
01Check what kind of trip it is
River trips range from ones built around the rapids to ones built around the view. Deciding what kind of time you want first makes everything else easier.
02Check the area and the meeting point
Even within "the Furano area", operators use different rivers and different meeting points. Check yours against your itinerary and how you'll travel.
03Check who can take part
Age limits and group size requirements vary. If you're bringing children or a large group, ask before you book.
04Check the guide's experience and qualifications
When nature sets the terms, a guide's experience, qualifications and attitude to safety are worth knowing about.
Our Program
The Furano Relax Downriver
A river activity that takes you gently down the rivers of Furano, with a guide alongside you.
FuranoBefore You Go
What to sort out before your first trip
What to wear and bring
You may well get wet, so what you wear and bring should suit the season. We send full details when you book, so follow those and you'll be set.
Weather and river conditions
Whether a river trip runs depends on the weather and the state of the river. Your guide decides based on the conditions, and we'll let you know in advance if we have to cancel or change anything.
Ask us what's on your mind
Not a strong swimmer, not sure about your fitness, wondering whether to bring the kids? Ask before you book, and we'll give you a straight answer.
Guided by someone who has worked rivers across Japan
Shota Kose, HOO's representative, has more than 20 years as a river guide, on the Yoshino River in Shikoku, the Tone River in Gunma, the Mu River in Hokkaido and elsewhere.
He is a Hokkaido Governor-certified Outdoor Guide (Rafting / Canoe) and holds Rescue3 SRT-1 and Advanced First Aid certification, reading the river as it is on the day and running trips accordingly.
FAQ
Questions about river trips in Furano
How is the Relax Downriver different from rafting?
"Rafting" tends to be used as a catch-all for going down a river in a boat. HOO's Relax Downriver isn't about chasing thrills: it's a downriver trip built around taking the current and the scenery slowly. If you're not sure it matches what you have in mind, just ask us.
Can I join if I can't swim?
Talk to us in advance about anything that concerns you. On the day, your guide will explain the equipment and how to spend your time on the water before you set off.
Should I just wear something I don't mind getting wet?
What to wear and bring depends on the season and the conditions on the day, so we send full details when you book. If you'd like to know earlier, get in touch.
What happens if the weather looks bad?
Your guide decides whether to run the trip, and in what form, based on the weather and river conditions. If we have to cancel or change anything, we'll contact you in advance.
Your first downriver trip, on the rivers of Furano.
Bookings, availability, questions: reach us through the form or by phone.
Open 9:00-17:00 (JST) / Outside these hours, please use the contact form