Niseko: Winter rafting on Shiribetsu River with tea break

Summary

Snow rafting in Niseko with riverside tea and winter views

You’ll float down Niseko’s Shiribetsu River with a local guide, wrapped up warm in rafting gear as snowy forests slide by. There’s a riverside stop for hot tea and snacks — simple but somehow perfect out there in the cold. Expect laughter, quiet moments, and that weirdly peaceful feeling you only get when everything is covered in fresh snow.

What’s the experience like?

Li grinned at us as we shuffled into the dry suits — I was honestly nervous about looking ridiculous, but everyone else seemed just as clumsy. He showed us how to tuck our gloves under the cuffs so snow wouldn’t sneak in. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, and my breath made little clouds. We piled into the raft, and I remember thinking: this is not what I pictured when I imagined Hokkaido in winter. But then the river started moving beneath us, quiet except for the soft scrape of ice against rubber.

The Shiribetsu River was wider than I expected, and the banks were packed with snow that looked untouched except for a fox’s tracks. Li pointed out a cluster of birch trees — he called them shirakaba — and told us they’re kind of a symbol here. We drifted for maybe two kilometers (I lost track), sometimes just floating in silence while snowflakes landed on my helmet. At one point we stopped on the bank for “tea time,” which sounded fancy but was really just hot tea from a thermos and some sweet crackers. It tasted perfect though, hands wrapped around the cup while my toes wiggled inside thick boots.

I tried sliding down a little snowbank near the raft (not very gracefully), and Li laughed so hard he nearly dropped his snack. He said sometimes they do bigger slides if conditions are right — today it was too icy, but honestly I didn’t mind. The whole thing felt like being inside a snow globe, except you could hear water moving under the ice if you listened closely. By the end my cheeks were numb but I didn’t want it to finish yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snow View Rafting Adventure

• Raft 2km down Shiribetsu River
• Stop on riverbank for photos and snow play
• Enjoy tea time with hot drinks and snacks outdoors

Top questions

How long is the snow view rafting tour in Niseko?

The rafting covers about 2 kilometers along the Shiribetsu River and lasts half a day.

Is hotel pickup included for this Niseko winter rafting?

Private transportation is included; check with your operator about specific pickup locations.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, hot tea and small snacks are served during a riverside break on the tour.

What equipment is provided for snow rafting?

You’ll get a dry suit, life jacket, helmet, gloves, and boots as part of your gear.

Is this activity suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and guided by an experienced local guide.

Can pregnant travelers join this Niseko rafting trip?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart conditions.

How many people are needed to run this tour?

The minimum is three participants; if you’re two people you can join by paying for three spots.

Will we always be able to slide down snow slopes at the start?

No, sliding depends on daily snow and slope conditions; sometimes it isn’t possible.

What’s included

Your half-day includes private transport to and from the river in Niseko, all necessary rafting gear like dry suits and boots to keep you warm, plus hot tea and small snacks served outdoors during your riverside break before heading back again with your guide.