Sail Down One of Japan's Most Scenic Rivers

Ride a traditional riverboat through Mogami Gorge’s seasonal attractions

A ride on a riverboat through the Mogami Gorge is like traveling through a slice of history. This Mogami river is one of the fastest in Japan, and was once a major trade route plied by boats hauling rice or safflowers to Osaka and Edo (now Tokyo). The celebrated haiku poet Matsuo Basho once visited the gorge on a journey through northern Japan, composing an ode to the swift current.

Guests can enjoy a variety of different boat styles, from traditional tatami seating to regular chairs that allow customers to keep their shoes on. Reservations are required for meals—an exquisitely prepared bento lunch box or warming potato stew—on the hour-long ride. All passengers will be treated to a performance of the traditional river song of the Mogami River boatmen.

Boats run the river course 365 days a year, so the scenery can be enjoyed in all its seasonal splendor, from spring wildflowers to snow covered hills.

MOGAMIKYO BASYOURAIN KANKO CORPORATION