Recommended Activities in Yamagata [Tozawa Village: Mogami River Boat Rafting Experience] (In Japanese Only)

  • Yamagata
  • Experience Gifu

What is the Mother River "Mogami River"?

The Mogami River is fast gathering the May rain.

I am sure many of you know this famous phrase. It was written by Matsuo Basho, the famous haiku poet.
The Mogami River, known as one of the three most rapid rivers in Japan, runs through Yamagata Prefecture from its source to its mouth, and is the longest river in Japan flowing through a single prefecture. In the past, the Mogami River was used as a riverboat transport route, and trade with the Kamigata region (present-day Kansai region) via the port of Sakata supported the development of Yamagata. Even today, the Mogami River is called the "Mother River" because it is indispensable to the daily lives of Yamagata Prefecture residents, as it is used to supply water for agriculture.
The Mogami Gorge, located in the middle reaches of the Mogami River, is famous for its spectacular scenery throughout the seasons. In this issue, we will introduce a boating experience at Mogami Gorge.

Let's start the boating experience right away!

After registration, meet the boatman and move to the boarding area.

After completing the boarding procedures at the Tozawa Clan's boat guard station, visit the adjacent souvenir shop until it is time for the boat ride. In addition to Yamagata souvenirs, you can also buy snacks and drinks during the boat ride. The local sake corner is especially well-stocked, and the drink sizes are ideal for drinking during the boat ride.
Spacious souvenir store
Well-stocked local sake corner
When the boarding time is approaching, an announcement will be made and you should go to the meeting place outside. The boatman in charge will guide you to the boarding area.
Meeting point with the boatman
Heading to the pier with the boatman

14:50Boarding the boat! The boat is about to depart.

When you arrive at the boarding area, you will be greeted by the boat captain. We quickly board the spacious boat, set the floats on the back, and start the boat ride.
Welcome by the boat captain
Spacious inside of the ship. The boat is very comfortable to ride!
It was a beautiful sunny day for boating. It is said that the area has always had a lot of windy days, and a pleasant breeze was blowing from the Sakata Port side, the mouth of the river. It is said that in the days when boat transportation was prosperous, people used this wind to move the boats upstream.
The boat goes against the wind direction, so there is an occasional splash.

Three rapids points and the famous "Mogami River Boat Song

The boat ride is 1.2 km long and takes about one hour, but the boatman politely and amusingly guides you in Yamagata dialect, explaining the scenic points and locations along the way. At three rapids points in particular, the boat moves from side to side, providing a thrilling boating experience. Rest assured that the captain's skillful handling of the boat will ensure your safety.
The most famous feature of the Mogami River boat cruise is the enthusiastic singing of the Mogami River Boat Song by the boatman. Since the number of foreign tourists has been increasing, the boatmen can now sing in English and Chinese as well.
If you request, they might sing a foreign language version of the song!

The scenic Shiraito Falls

There are several waterfall spots along the boating course, and the boatman will explain each of them to you. Toward the end of the boat ride, the 120-meter-high Shiraito Falls comes into view. Selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, Shiraito Falls is a beautiful climax to the boat tour. The waterfall's continuous flow, which never dries up, gives it a sense of power and strength. Many poems and haiku have been written by our ancestors who were fascinated by the beauty of Shiraito Falls. Why don't you try to compose one of your own?

Arrive at the last stop, Kusanagi Port, and take a bus to Furukuchi Port.

The one-hour boat ride ends at Kusanagi Port, the last stop of the tour. The "Kawa-no-eki Mogamikyo Kusanagi" (river station), which is directly connected to the boat landing, has a souvenir shop. You can try freshly baked ajisai rice crackers, as well as "Mogamigawa's specialty miso manju," which are handmade on the spot every day! Be careful not to get carried away with shopping and be late for the bus.

Souvenir store in Kusanagi, Mogamikyo River Station
Miso manju, a specialty of the Mogamigawa River, is handmade right here and makes a great souvenir!
Taste the freshly baked hydrangea rice crackers!
Undoubtedly delicious!
Back to Furukuchi Port by bus!
For the one-way course, take the bus and return to Furukuchi Port via the national road that runs parallel to the Mogami River. You can look back on the course while looking up from the bus at the view from the boat, and feel the dynamic of the Mogami River from a different angle than during the boat ride.
You will arrive at Furukuchi Port in about 15 minutes. The fun boating experience will be over in no time.
Friendly and cheerful staff
Found youtuber! New activity under development!
You can enjoy boating all year round on the Mogami River, which looks completely different depending on the season. The most popular season is autumn! You can enjoy boating while viewing the mountains in autumn. In winter, kotatsu boats are available for those who don't mind the cold. You can elegantly view the scenery like an ink painting from the warm kotatsu, and enjoy a snow viewing boat ride.
You can enjoy a boat ride on the Mogami River throughout the seasons. If you come to Yamagata, you should definitely try it!
Click here to make reservations for the Mogami Gorge Basho Line sightseeing boat ride experience!
Check out the official Youtube "Basho Line Channel" as well!
For train + accommodations in Yamagata Area, book the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package.
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