Nagatoro Iwadatami & River Boat
長瀞 岩畳・ライン下り
Layered crystalline schist rock formations called iwadatami line the banks of the Arakawa River. Ride a traditional wooden boat downstream through the gorge, which is the most classic combination for a day trip to Chichibu.
Nagatoro is a gorge on the upper reaches of the Arakawa River. The riverbank “iwadatami” are large, flat, layered formations of crystalline schist, designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. The most popular activity is the “Nagatoro River Boat” (Line Kudari). Boatmen pole wooden boats downstream for about 3 kilometers and about 20 minutes, passing rapids and emerald pools. The fare is about 2,000 yen. The boats operate from March to early December and are suspended when the water level is high. From Nagatoro Station, it is about a 5-minute walk to the iwadatami. Along the way, the Iwadatami shopping street offers shaved ice and snacks. Transportation: from Seibu-Chichibu Station, transfer to the Chichibu Railway for about 20 minutes to Nagatoro Station. The nearby Hodosan Shrine and Hodosan Ropeway can be visited on the same trip, and wintersweet blooms in winter.
Opening hours
Rock formations open all day; boat tours about 09:00–16:00 (depending on weather and water levels)
Nearby sights
- Hitsujiyama Park (Shibazakura Hill)
- Mitsumine Shrine
- Kawagoe (Little Edo)
- Ashikaga Flower Park
- Mount Takao
- Sanrio Puroland
- Inokashira Park & Kichijoji
- Ghibli Museum, Mitaka