8 Best Rivers for Swimming and Cooling Off the Heat

As the temperatures continue to rise and the humidity weighs on us like a sticky, unwelcome blanket, there’s only one thing to do: escape. Away from the scorching concrete of the city, the rivers and canyons near Tokyo offer a brief respite. The water warms up in the summer, making it perfect for boating or swimming.

Add these refreshing rivers and secluded water-playing spots to your bucket list. Many are covered in trees in the summer, so they provide plenty of shade, meaning you won’t have to worry too much about sunburn.

These attractions are only 3 hours away from Tokyo by public transportation, so you can leave early and return late to enjoy a full day of fun. We also recommend staying overnight if possible.

Hadano Sotagawa Park, Kanagawa Prefecture: Clear waters and beautiful scenery

Located in the shadow of the Tanzawa Mountains, the crystal-clear Mizunashi River in Hadanojugawa Park is a popular spot for summer swimming. The shallow waters are perfect for cooling off after a barbecue on the shore. The park can be reached in less than an hour and a half by train from Shinjuku Station.

Toyofusa Otaki, Chiba Prefecture: A Hidden Waterfall Paradise

The Twin Falls Toyofusa Otaki in Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture, is a hidden gem that you might even have trouble finding on Google Maps. Its two 7.5m and 2.5m waterfalls drop into a 20m wide shallow beach, inviting visitors to stay and play all day. The waterfalls are a 10-minute walk from the road, and anyone who likes to swim will need to walk down the path and into the bushes, where you’ll hear the refreshing sound of water. Parking is on the street, so arrive early to ensure you can find a spot nearby.

Rinabukei Valley, Tochigi Prefecture: Clear Rivers and Stunning Blue Water (Great for Camping!)

Tochigi Prefecture’s Rinaki Valley is a secluded nature haven with a pristine river of incredibly clear blue water. The valley is surrounded by verdant trees, providing much-needed shade in the summer. It can get busy here, so there is a small parking fee during July and August (parking is free outside these times). After enjoying a barbecue, you can camp nearby and take a dip.

Gunma Prefecture’s Kodaira River Park: BBQs and adventures await

There are many places to barbecue and play at Kodaira Riverside Park in Gunma Prefecture. It is a perfect day trip for those who want to play in the water and taste the delicious food they cooked. The riverside park is 2 and a half hours away from Shinjuku Station by train and bus, or 2 hours by car.

Tokyo Shizun Kamura and Akigawa Valley: Luxury Camping and Natural Beauty

Shizenjin Village is just 90 minutes from central Tokyo, close to the Akigawa Gorge. As a glamping site, the village offers all the facilities you need and more, including cabins and BBQ utensils. You can even book a private sauna. However, the waterfall pool is the highlight when the weather heats up. It is deeper than the others on this list, reaching up to a meter in some places. Shizenjin Village is bookable, which means you can travel with confidence knowing that there will be plenty of space waiting for you when you arrive.

Kanagawa Prefecture Road Nishikawa: Affordable Adventure Tour

Aone Campground in northern Kanagawa Prefecture is peacefully located on the banks of the Dosai River. Overlooking the Tanzawa Mountains, Aone Campground is a great base for exploring the surrounding nature. For less than 500 yen per adult, take advantage of the large grounds and admire the famous Monkey Rock. Chairs and barbecue tools are also available for rent. Aone Campground is a three-hour train ride from Shinjuku, or just over an hour by car. If the campground is full, there are plenty of other options nearby.

Kinugawa Onsen Autocamp, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture: Hot springs and river fun

The Kinugawa Onsen Auto Campground in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, is a perfect combination of hot springs and a natural river. During the day, you can enjoy a barbecue on site, row a boat in the river, and soak in the hot springs at sunset. Further along the river, day trippers can enjoy rafting and even fishing.

Tokyo Okutama Hanodera Canyon: Tokyo’s hidden gem

Surrounded by lush greenery in the summer, Okutama’s Hatosu Gorge is a peaceful sanctuary along the Tama River. Located in western Tokyo, the gorge’s shallow waters are perfect for boating and splashing around. Hatosu Gorge is a 10-minute walk from Okutama Station and can be reached in two hours from Shinjuku. Despite being popular with foreign residents, Hatosu Gorge never seems to be crowded.

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