About 2 hours from downtown Tokyo: 10 river spots where you can enjoy “natural pools” and hands-free BBQ

A bring-your-own-food BBQ site along the clear waters of the Iruma River. There are shallow areas where you can wade, allowing you to enjoy playing in the water and river floating along a stretch of approximately 500 meters. At the Luxury and Light sites, you can even enjoy BBQs and walks with your dog.

This is the largest BBQ area in the lush, clear-water “Akigawa Gorge,” which stretches approximately 20 km from Akiruno City to Hinohara Village. It bustles with families enjoying water activities on holidays and during the tourist season. Since you cannot bring your own equipment, renting supplies is required.

This campground, characterized by its wide riverbank, is just about two hours from the city center, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors. Year-round programs are available, including river activities, fishing, barbecues, canoeing and rafting experiences, as well as Baumkuchen and pizza making.

This trout fishing spot is located at the very mouth of the Hihara River, home to the Hihara Limestone Caves—a popular tourist attraction in Okutama Town. Set on a wide, flat riverbank, it offers a safe and enjoyable fishing experience for everyone, from children to seniors.

If you’re camping near the Hikawa International Trout Fishing Ground, this is the place to be. With many large trees on the grounds, you can enjoy the feeling of forest bathing while camping. The campground features glamping lodges with beds and bathrooms, as well as bungalow-style accommodations.

In the auto-camping area, you can enjoy not only overnight stays but also day camping. Additionally, you can relax in a wood trailer, experience the famous Nagatoro river cruise, try bait fishing, or enjoy serious fly and lure fishing. Advance reservations are recommended.

With a maximum water depth of about 70 cm , the “natural pool” area allows for fun and safe river play. You can also use the fish you catch as ingredients for a barbecue. There is a free playground equipped with balls, rackets, and other play equipment, making it a great spot for families.

A 12-room lodging facility in Tokigawa Town, Saitama Prefecture, surrounded by clear streams and nature. In addition to river activities and BBQs that require no reservation, the summer-only “Activity Pass” offers different experiences depending on the pass, such as unlimited use of the riverbed slide for a day, a bubble set, and rental of underwater observation goggles.

A campground along the Naguri River, a clear stream in Saitama Prefecture. The water depth ranges from knee-high in the upper reaches to chest-high in the lower reaches, so children can play in the river safely. While there is a barbecue area with a tent that accommodates up to six people, you must bring your own equipment and food.

Located along the Naka River, the clearest river in the Kanto region, this spot is perfect as a base camp for river activities like canoeing and kayaking, as well as hiking. We offer shuttle service, rentals, tours, and lessons for canoeing and kayaking, so you can easily give them a try. Campsites and trailer house bungalows are also available.