The 53rd Tokachi River Rafting Festival was held on July 13, covering an approximately 9 km stretch of the Tokachi River between Tokachi Ohashi Bridge (Obihiro City) and Tokachi Chuo Ohashi Bridge (Otofuke Town).
This year’s event drew 255 participants and featured a lively flotilla of 46 rafts—21 handmade rafts and 25 rental rafts—setting off together in festive spirit.

Among the handmade rafts were many creative designs, including some constructed from plastic bottles, each showcasing unique ideas and personality. The rental rafts also stood out, decorated with colorful designs that rivaled handmade quality. With clear skies and pleasant weather, conditions were ideal for enjoying time on the water. Food trucks lined both the start and finish areas, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The Kawatabi Hokkaido raft also made a spirited start!