Nagatoro River Cruises

Nagatoro River Cruise offers a peaceful way to enjoy the scenic Arakawa River (荒川), which flows from Chichibu through Saitama and into Tokyo Bay. In Nagatoro, about 10 km from Chichibu, the river winds through forested hills and rugged cliffs. The best time to experience the cruise is from mid to late November, when the autumn foliage is at its peak. In winter, special boats with heated tables (kotatsu) allow guests to enjoy the views in cozy comfort.

Three boat operators offer the same two 30-minute routes. Since the boats have no engines, they drift naturally downstream—one course ends at Iwadatami Pier near Nagatoro Station, while the other starts from it. Tickets can be booked online in advance (Japanese only) or purchased on the same day, though availability may be limited during peak seasons. All cruises start and end near Nagatoro Station, making it easy to join a tour.