One of the best experiences at Takachiho Gorge is taking a rowboat beneath Manai Falls.
Reservations can sell out quickly on weekends, public holidays, and during the summer season. If the rowboat is an important part of your visit, booking online in advance is strongly recommended.
Quick Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking opens | 9:00 a.m., two weeks before your visit |
| Booking closes | 9:00 a.m., two days before your visit |
| Booking method | Online only |
| Payment | Credit card in advance |
| Price | ¥5,100 per boat |
| Rental time | 30 minutes （Overtime fee: ¥1,000 per 10 minutes.） |
| Capacity | Generally three people （Up to four passengers are permitted only if the group includes a preschool-aged child.） |
| Same-day tickets | Available depending on advance bookings |
| Cancellation deadline | By 8:59 a.m., two days before the scheduled boarding date. |
Booking periods and prices may change. Check the official Takachiho Gorge Rowboat website before making your reservation.
How to Make a Reservation
Reservations are available through the official online booking system.
- Open the official reservation website
- Select your preferred date
- Choose an available time
- Enter the number of passengers
- Enter your contact information
- Pay by credit card
- Check your confirmation email
Reservations cannot be made by phone or email.
Popular time slots may sell out soon after reservations open. Prepare a second and third choice in case your preferred time is unavailable.
In my experience, reservations opened at 9:00 a.m., and all available slots were fully booked by 9:15 a.m.
Price and Boat Capacity
The price applies to one boat, not each passenger.
3 people (up to 4 only if the group includes a preschool-aged child)
A 30-minute rental generally costs between ¥4,100 and ¥5,100, depending on the date. If you exceed the 30-minute limit, an additional fee of ¥1,000 is charged for every 10 minutes.
Each boat normally accommodates up to three people. A maximum of four people may ride only when the group includes preschool-aged children.
The person rowing the boat must be at least junior-high-school age. Rowers cannot change places during the ride.
Pets are not permitted on board.
Overtime fees and raincoats for rainy weather (¥200 each) must be paid in cash.
Where to Check In
Check-in is located inside the Daiichi Oshioi Parking Lot.
There is no parking area reserved specifically for rowboat customers, and parking spaces cannot be booked. During busy periods, you may be directed to a parking lot located 15–30 minutes away on foot.
Arrive early enough to find parking, walk to the reception desk, and complete the check-in process.
If you miss your scheduled time, you cannot change the reservation or receive a refund.
What Happens If It Rains?
Rowboats may operate during light rain. However, service can be suspended because of:
The operating status is generally updated on the official website at around 8:00 a.m. each morning.
You need to check the weather forecast before making or canceling a reservation.
They operate as usual unless the river’s water level rises.
Raincoats (upper-body only) are available for ¥200 each at reception.
If they are operating in rainy weather and you choose to cancel because of the rain, a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
However, operations may be suspended for emergency inspections or in the event of a natural disaster. If operations are suspended, you will be notified by email, and the company will process the refund.
Service may be suspended even on a sunny day if earlier rain has caused the river level to rise. Check the official website before leaving for Takachiho Gorge.
Summary
Online reservations open at 9:00 a.m. two weeks before the date of your visit.
Popular dates can sell out quickly, so prepare your preferred time, passenger details, and credit card before reservations open.
On the day of your visit, arrive early because nearby parking lots may be full. Remember to check the official website that morning for the latest operating conditions.
