[Popular spot] Nagatoro, Saitama: A thorough explanation of how to board the Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise, a river boat activity that has been going for 100 years
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Nagatoro Town in Saitama Prefecture is a tourist destination known for its townscape rich in nature and the spectacular Arakawa River valley, visited by 3 million tourists a year. In this article, we will thoroughly explain how to board the Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise, a staple of Nagatoro tourism.
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Chichibu Railway is a local private railway that boasts a total length of 71.7 km that crosses northern Saitama Prefecture from east to west. The line is dotted with tourist spots such as Chichibu, Nagatoro, Yorii, Fukaya, Gyoda, and Hanyu, and is a line that allows you to travel through areas rich in nature. You can enjoy seasonal scenery such as rural landscapes and the valleys along the Arakawa River. Various tourist businesses are also operated along the line, such as the steam locomotive "SL Paleo Express" which is the closest to the city center and the "Nagatoro Line Kudari".
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Table of Contents
- Just 90 minutes from Tokyo! Experience the traditional Japanese activity "Nagatoro Line Kudari" in Nagatoro Town, Saitama Prefecture
- Find out before you board the Nagatoro Line Boat Ride. Here are the highlights!
- There are a total of five ticket booths for the "Nagatoro Line Boat Ride." Where is the closest ticket booth to Nagatoro Station?
- Let's try riding the "Nagatoro Line Boat Ride"
- When it's crowded, take advantage of the "Web Priority Service" to receive priority boarding instructions.
- 15 or more people per group: Want to go on the "Nagatoro Line Rafting" with a large group?
- Learn about the "Nagatoro Line Cruise"
- For information on the "Nagatoro Line Cruise" please check the official website or X.
- Request for boarding the "Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise"
- For recommended sightseeing spots in Nagatoro, please see this article.
- Travel to Nagatoro, Saitama on the Chichibu Railway
Just 90 minutes from Tokyo! Experience the traditional Japanese activity "Nagatoro Line Kudari" in Nagatoro Town, Saitama Prefecture
"Nagatoro Line Boating" is a representative activity for tourism in Nagatoro . It is a river boating that has been practiced for over 100 years and is a part of Japanese culture. It is usually operated for a limited period from early March to early December.
The boats sail through the Nagatoro Gorge, an area designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument by the government, and are characterized by their large, strangely shaped rock formations. Among these, the 600-meter monolith "Iwadatami" is a must-see.
The autumn foliage of Nagatoro Valley is beautiful throughout the four seasons, with the leaves sprouting in spring, deep green in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn. You will be pleased with the rich nature in every season.
You won't be able to take your eyes off the boatman as he navigates the boat down the river using only a pole.
You can board the "Nagatoro Line Cruise" without making a reservation in advance. If you would like to board, please come to the boarding reception desk.
Find out before you board the Nagatoro Line Boat Ride. Here are the highlights!
The Japanese boats operate in the area of "Nagatoro," a nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument.
The Nagatoro Gorge, where the Japanese boats sail, is characterized by its large, strangely shaped rock formations. Among them, the 600-meter monolith "Iwadatami" is a must-see.
You can enjoy the view of the rock formations, a staple of Nagatoro sightseeing, from a Japanese boat.
The most famous tourist spot in Nagatoro is the "Nagatoro Rock Formation," a nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument. Many people enjoy walking and taking photos on the rock formations.
If you take the "Nagatoro Line Cruise," you can see the rock formations and the Nagatoro valley, a nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument, from inside a Japanese boat. The view that spreads out from the bottom to the top is impressive.
In spring, the trees in the valley sprout.
The tour usually starts in early March. The boats go down the valley where the trees start to sprout leaves and the valley is dyed a pale yellow-green. You can see spring flowers such as ha no hana, spiraea, and wisteria.
In spring, the water level in the river is low, so the Japanese boats move slowly.
Summer is the most popular season for the Nagatoro Line Rafting. You're sure to be satisfied with the dazzling greenery of the valley and the powerful spray of the water!
In summer, the trees along the river are lush and green, and the summer sunshine makes you feel dazzled.
Also, the water level of the river rises and the rapids become more intense. It's a thrilling river ride. By the way, at the rapids, you can avoid getting splashed by the plastic sheet attached to the Japanese boat.
Enjoy the autumn foliage that colors the valley
The autumn foliage season in Nagatoro is in November. The best time to see the leaves is usually from mid-November to late November.
Many people from all over Japan visit Nagatoro to see the beautiful autumn leaves. In recent years, the area has become popular with inbound travelers seeking vibrant autumn foliage due to its easy access from Tokyo.
In autumn, the water level of the river is low, so the Japanese boats move slowly.
There are a total of five ticket booths for the "Nagatoro Line Boat Ride." Where is the closest ticket booth to Nagatoro Station?
There are a total of five ticket booths for the "Nagatoro Line Boat Ride" in Nagatoro Town. The most convenient booth will vary depending on how you get there.
The closest ticket office to Nagatoro Station
When you leave Nagatoro Station, you will see the ticket booth for the Nagatoro Line Boat Ride directly in front of you. This is the closest ticket booth to the station.
Other ticket booths
Headquarters Ticket Office
1 minute walk from Nagatoro Station. Located behind Nagatoro Station.
There is paid parking available for 80 cars.
Iwadatami Ticket Office
5 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station. It is located next to the stairs leading to Iwadatami from the shopping street.
Bus office ticket office
2 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station.
There is paid parking available for 50 cars.
National Route 140 Ticket Office
2 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station.
There is paid parking available for 60 cars.
Let's try riding the "Nagatoro Line Boat Ride"
The Nagatoro Line Cruise operates at 10-40 minute intervals. The course you will take will be decided when you purchase your ticket at the boarding counter. We will guide you to the course with the least waiting time.
Course A: The boarding section is approximately 3 kilometers from Oyahanabashi Bridge to Iwadatami
For this course, you board a special bus from in front of the "Nagatoro Rhine Boat Cruise Headquarters" and travel about 3 kilometers downstream from the upstream boarding point (Oyahanabashi Bridge) to the rock beds.
Boat distance: Approximately 3 km Boat time: Approximately 20 minutes *Boat time may vary depending on river conditions.
1. Please purchase your tickets once all members of your group have arrived.
*During peak seasons, there may be a waiting line to purchase tickets. Please make sure you arrive early.
2. Take your boarding ticket and go to the bus stop (in front of the headquarters).
*Please go straight to the designated location without making any detours.
3. Check in.
Please speak to the staff guiding you.
4. Wait in the waiting room until the bus departs.
We wait for the bus to depart for Oyahanabashi, the boarding point. There is a toilet in the waiting room, so be sure to use it beforehand.
5. When the bus is ready to depart, the staff will call out to you. Board the bus.
6. The bus will pick up everyone and take them upstream to the boarding point.
*The bus ride takes 10 minutes. The ride time may vary depending on road conditions.
7. When you arrive at the boarding point, get off the private bus.
We walk along the riverbank towards the Japanese boats.
8. Please straddle the boat when riding.
The boat will rock, so please watch your step.
9. To ensure a safe operation, crew members will board the ship in even balance, splitting into two groups on the left and right.
10. Please be sure to wear the life jacket provided at your seat.
*Please note that those who are not wearing life jackets will be refused boarding.
11. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes and goes down about 3 kilometers.
12. We arrive at the rock bed. The river rafting on Course A ends.
There is a shopping street around the rock bed area. You can enjoy eating and buying souvenirs.
*It is a 3-minute walk from Iwadatami to Nagatoro Station via the shopping street.
Course B: The boarding section is approximately 3 kilometers from Iwadatami to Takasago Bridge
This course takes you down the river for about 3 kilometers from the rock bed to the disembarkation point (Takasago Bridge) downstream. After disembarking, you will board a special bus to return to the "Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise Headquarters." (The "Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise Headquarters" is located behind Nagatoro Station.)
Distance: Approximately 3 km
Boat ride time: Approximately 20 minutes *Board time may vary depending on river conditions.
1. Please purchase your tickets once all members of your group have arrived.
*During peak seasons, there may be a waiting line to purchase tickets. Please make sure you arrive early.
2. Take your boarding pass and go to the Iwadatami boarding point.
*There is a toilet in the waiting room at the headquarters of the Nagatoro Line Boat Ride. Please use the toilet beforehand.
*You will pass through Iwadatami Shopping Street, but do not make any detours as you head straight to Iwadatami. It is a 3-minute walk from Iwadatami Shopping Street to Iwadatami.
3. Please hand over your boarding pass to the staff at the boarding area.
4. Please straddle the Japanese boat.
The boat will rock, so please watch your step.
5. To ensure a safe operation, crew members will board the ship in even balance, splitting into two groups on either side.
6. Please be sure to wear the life jacket provided at your seat.
*Please note that those who are not wearing life jackets will be refused boarding.
7. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes and goes down about 3 kilometers.
8. Arrive at Takasago Bridge (disembarkation point). The B course river cruise ends.
9. After disembarking, board the bus that will take you to the "Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise Headquarters."
The Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise headquarters is located behind Nagatoro Station, a 1-minute walk from the station.
There is a shopping street nearby where you can eat and buy souvenirs.
When it's crowded, take advantage of the "Web Priority Service" to receive priority boarding instructions.
The "Web Priority Service" of the "Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise" is a service that allows you to receive priority guidance only when the boat is crowded . The service is free of charge.
*This service is not available during peak periods.
If you are using the "Web Priority Service," please state that you are using this service when purchasing your ticket at the "Nagatoro Line Boat Ride Headquarters." A "Fast Ride Ticket" will be issued depending on the congestion situation.
"WEB Priority Service" User Manual
Application period: From 12:00 noon 14 days before the scheduled boarding date to 12:00 noon the day before . Usage fee: Free *Boarding fee is separate.
*We do not accept requests for specific courses.
*This service does not guarantee boarding.
*Maximum 14 people per group.
*This service is not available during peak seasons. Please purchase your tickets at the ticket counter once all members of your group have arrived. (Peak seasons: consecutive holidays in May, weekends and holidays during the summer vacation period, Obon holiday period, consecutive holidays in September and October, and weekends and holidays in November)
*Please note that this service does not apply if the venue is not crowded.
Web Priority Service Contact Point: Nagatoro Line Boat Tour Headquarters
Please apply for the "WEB Priority Service" from the link below.
1. Choose your embarkation date
Please select the desired boarding date and time slot from the calendar.
If "X" or "Fully booked" is displayed, the service has reached its capacity and is no longer available.
*You can board the "Nagatoro Line Cruise" without using this service. Please come to the ticket sales counter on the day of boarding.
2. Select the number of passengers
Please enter information for each person when applying for this service.
Please select the category of "Adult" or "Child". *Adults are 13 years old or older, and children are 3 to 12 years old.
Please click the blue "Next" button to proceed to the next page.
*If your group includes children under the age of 2, please select the number of people. Children up to 2 years old are free to board the boat.
3. Enter the reservation information
Please enter the information of the representative of the service user as shown on the screen.
①Email address
*Enter twice to confirm.
② Name
*Enter your full name.
③ Name in furigana (optional)
④ Telephone number
※Enter without hyphens
⑤Your prefecture of residence
*If you are coming from overseas, select "Overseas."
4. Please take part in our survey
If you don't mind, please take the time to complete a short, voluntary survey.
Survey [1]: Please tell us the age of the representative user of this service.
Survey [2]: Please tell me the transportation to the "Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise"
Survey [3]: Please tell us one other river boat ride you have taken besides the "Nagatoro Line Boat Trip"
Once you have finished entering the necessary information, press the blue "Next" button to proceed to the next page.
5. Finally, confirm your reservation details
Please check that the information you entered is correct, and if there are no errors, press the blue "Complete" button and proceed to the page.
6. The procedure for using this service is complete.
Once the procedure is complete, you will receive an email to the email address you registered. Please be sure to check the contents of the email and present it at the counter of the "Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise Headquarters" on the day of boarding.
On the day of boarding, please purchase your boarding ticket at the Web Priority Service Counter "Nagatoro Line Boating Headquarters" during the application period. "Fast Ride Tickets" will be issued depending on the congestion situation.
*If you do not come to the counter within the application time, your application will be canceled.
15 or more people per group: Want to go on the "Nagatoro Line Rafting" with a large group?
If you are traveling on the Nagatoro Line Cruise with a group of 15 or more people, you must make a reservation in advance.
Please apply by phone at least 14 days before the desired boarding date. We will inform you of the reservation availability by phone, so please confirm it before applying. Please note that we do not accept group reservations during peak seasons. Thank you for your understanding.
*Peak seasons: consecutive holidays in May, weekends and holidays during summer vacation, Obon holiday period, consecutive holidays in September and October, and weekends and holidays in November
Even if you are a group, it is a "shared boat." It is not a "private boat."
Phone number: 0494-66-0950 (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
For more information, please see the link below.
Learn about the "Nagatoro Line Cruise"
The Nagatoro River Boating is an activity that is only possible thanks to the abundant nature. Therefore, when the water level of the river is low, the Japanese boats cannot go down the river.
When Japanese-style boats cannot travel down the river, we operate "round-trip boats" that take you around the rock formations of "Nagatoro," a nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument .
The river around the rock formations is a place called "Toroba" where the water is deep and the current is gentle. The Japanese boat slowly sails around the area for 20 minutes. You can see the rock formations, which are a tourist highlight of Nagatoro, and the strange rock formations created by the power of nature, such as the red rock cliffs "Chichibu Sekibeki."
Don't be disappointed if the Japanese boats can't go down the river. You can still enjoy the nature of Nagatoro on the "One-Round Boat."
Please note that the operation format is determined by the river conditions, so you cannot choose between a river cruise or a round-trip boat ride based on your preference.
The periods when the river water level is low and boat trips are frequent are mainly in spring and autumn.
For information on the "Nagatoro Line Cruise" please check the official website or X.
Flight information is updated approximately every day around 9:00 a.m.
Before heading out, check the official website or X.
Request for boarding the "Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise"
*Operations may be suspended due to unavoidable circumstances such as rising water levels on the Arakawa River, droughts, or strong winds.
*Depending on the situation, we may not be able to accommodate your desired boarding time or course.
*Pets are not allowed on board.
*Children must be 6 months old and over 60cm tall to board the boat.
*Please be sure to wear a life jacket when boarding the boat. Life jackets will be provided by "Nagatoro Line Rafting."
For recommended sightseeing spots in Nagatoro, please see this article.
There's more to sightseeing in Nagatoro than just rafting the Nagatoro Line. Discover the best ways to enjoy yourself, whether that be through gourmet food or mountain climbing.
Travel to Nagatoro, Saitama on the Chichibu Railway
The area introduced this time is closest to Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway. If you are traveling to the Chichibu and Nagatoro areas, please use the Chichibu Railway.
Chichibu Railway is a local private railway that boasts a total length of 71.7 km that crosses northern Saitama Prefecture from east to west. The line is dotted with tourist spots such as Chichibu, Nagatoro, Yorii, Fukaya, Gyoda, and Hanyu, and is a line that allows you to travel through areas rich in nature. You can enjoy seasonal scenery such as rural landscapes and the valleys along the Arakawa River. Various tourist businesses are also operated along the line, such as the steam locomotive "SL Paleo Express" which is the closest to the city center and the "Nagatoro Line Kudari".
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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