6 picturesque rivers in Japan that are great for swimming!

The Akigawa River is a popular retreat for residents of Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the most populated major metropolitan area in the world! This location may conjure up images of a river that flows through the city with urban surroundings, but Akigawa is located in Akiruno City, about 1 hour 20 minutes from central Tokyo by train and around 50 minutes by car. 

The banks of the river are lined with beautiful trees that are especially beautiful during fall (and actually, the name “Akigawa” translates to “autumn river”). There are also spots for barbecuing and picnics along the river, making it the ideal spot for a summer getaway easily accessible from the bustling city center!

Moving from the current capital to the former one, the Yase area of Kyoto is home to a popular swimming spot on the Takano River. This spot is especially popular amongst families, as the relatively shallow waters of the river make it suitable for children. The banks of the river are pebbly, and it is suggested to arrive early, as the beach area gets crowded quickly on weekends during the warmer months!

The swimming spot for the Takano River is nearby Yase-Hiezanguchi Station and sits at the foot of the famous Mount Hie. Enjoy riverside restaurants and, if you are so inclined, hike up Mount Hie for amazing views of the area. 

Gifu Prefecture is one of the most centrally located prefectures in Japan and is only one of seven prefectures in the country to be fully landlocked with no seacoast. But to make up for this, Gifu is home to rolling mountain ranges with picturesque rivers flowing through the valleys in between. One of those rivers is the Itadori River, surrounded by beautiful forests and parading mountain peaks. At the river swimming spots, large boulders jut out of the river and are great for jumping off of into the pristine waters.

There are many campgrounds dotted along the river, with the Suginoko Camp Ground being especially beloved. Here, there is a section of water reminiscent of the works of the famous painter Monet. The campground is around a 50-minute drive from Gifu City in the southern part of the prefecture. 

Nagano Prefecture neighbors Gifu Prefecture, and just like Gifu, it is fully landlocked, with beautiful mountains and rivers defining its geography. In fact, these two prefectures are situated amidst the Japanese Alps in central Honshu. The Tenryugawa River flows out of Lake Suwa in northern Nagano.

Just like the Takano River in Kyoto, the swimming spots along the river are relatively shallow, great for families with young children who want to have some fun in the sun. Oftentimes, there will be stands with rental equipment for water activities! The river swimming spot is best reached by car with a parking fee of 500-700 yen. 

The island of Shikoku is often cited as Japan’s best-kept secret. Though it isn’t as populated or as visited as the other islands like Honshu, Hokkaido, and Kyushu, it has a unique charm and culture that should not be overlooked. The Niyodo River flows through two of the island’s prefectures: Ehime and Kochi, and its waters are said to be the most beautiful in all of Japan, full stop, due to their gorgeous, deep blue hue. There are a number of spots along the river that are swimmable, such as Hakawa Park. Parking at this location is free, and on the premises are restaurants and barbeque rental equipment. 

The Niyodo River’s crown jewel, however, is that of Nikobuchi, a majestic waterfall that flows into jade and turquoise waters. Swimming is not permitted at this section of the river; however, it is more than worth a trip to see with your own eyes!

Also located in Kochi Prefecture is the Shimanto River. Saida and Isaihira are locations nearby the center of Shimanto City that offer great spots for swimming and other water activities like fishing and canoeing! Along much of the river are gorgeous, lattice-shaped rice paddies that offer a great view during late spring and early summer, with deep evergreen contrasting the smooth blues of the water. 

Much of life in Shimanto revolves around the river, with locally sourced ayu being a delicacy and many of the area’s attractions out by the water. To fully enjoy the rich Shikoku nature, the nearby Kawarakko campsite is flocked to by both locals and travelers from other parts of Japan during the warmer seasons.