The water was fast flowing and icy cold, the round stones on the river bed clearly visible. Tiny fish swam freely below the surface while ducks paddled by above them. On either side of the river, lush greenery overflowed the banks and the dense forest created the illusion that the rest of the world was very far away.
Then suddenly, straight down the middle of the river, cutting into this serene, natural setting, came boat loads of adventurers! As we navigated the rapids, we cheered and splashed each other. Our guide shouted out instructions and we tried our best to work together, alternating from forward to reverse stroke, moving to the left or ride side of the raft to steer around small rocks, and diving to the floor when we were about to bump into a boulder.
Half way down the river, we stopped at a flat area and traded the paddles for some water activities like balancing games, wrestling on top of the boats and cliff jumping. Then towards the end of the ride, we jumped out again but this time to float on our backs to the end goal. Despite being the middle of summer, the water was freezing, and I’m glad I listened to the instructors and wore a wet suit! Still, it was so nice and relaxing. When we finally got out of the water, we were rewarded with some hot tea and cookies provided by the rafting company. And that wrapped up an extremely fun day!
The Tama River is one of many rivers that flow into Tokyo Bay. The mouth of the river is surrounded by concrete and industrial buildings – honestly I wouldn’t ‘hang out’ there, let alone actually get in the water. But if you follow these rivers upstream, it’s a completely different story. Okutama is an area about 2 hours west of central Tokyo, or about 70km upstream. I go hiking in this area a lot, and it’s a popular place to go camping, too. It’s a great place if you’re craving some outdoor adventures!
Final note:
There are many companies to choose from, but if you’re interested, we were very happy with ours called Okutama Rafting.
Fascinating! Only 2 hours out of Tokyo and you can do this!
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Yes! It’s hard to believe and I’m sure not many people know, either.
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Looks like a blast!
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It was so much fun – especially with our big group!
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多摩川の水源となる この森は 何という場所ですか。2艘(そう)のボートが 衝突(しょうとつ)しそうになった時は パニックだったでしょう。みんなが 一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)に 転覆(てんぷく)しないように ボートを漕ぐ(こぐ)情景が よく描写(びょうしゃ)されています。美しい森を見ながら 穏やかな浅瀬と 急流の早瀬を体験できる ラフトの川下りは スリル満点でしたね。セリアさんは オッターのように のんびりと仰向(あおむ)けになって 川に浮かんでみたのですか。
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ここは奥多摩にある御岳渓谷という場所です。急流はちょっと怖くて、スリル満点でした!はい、私も川に浮かんでみました。それは私の足ですよ!
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your writing had me almost there with every turn on the water – and your photos are vibrant and so nice – happy summer C!
💙💙
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Haha thanks, I had fun picturing myself back there and putting that onto paper so to speak.
Hope you’ve had a great summer! x
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yes – very good summer here – hard to believe it is winding down – but ready for fall
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The temperatures have dropped recently here in Tokyo and it got me super excited for autumn, too!
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still hot here in Virginia – but the shadows in the afternoon whisper of fall!
and by the way – I love your new gravatar!
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It looks like so much fun!
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Yes! Perfect weather, awesome spot, being active, good friends… couldn’t have asked for more :)
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Sounds great and great pictures!
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Thanks very much! :)
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