（Photograph: Taken on August 9, 2025）

From Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025, a lively riverside event was held along the clear waters of the Chitose River, combining nature, music, and food.
Live performances featuring jazz, pop, and other genres filled the riverside stage with music, while the park area bustled with visitors enjoying delicious local food and refreshing cold beer from popular restaurants in the region. The riverside atmosphere created a perfect summer festival setting, bringing together locals and visitors alike.

One of the most popular activities at the event was “Chitose River Clear Stream Rafting.”
Participants drifted gently down the transparent river in a boat, guided safely by an experienced guide. Along the way, they could observe fish swimming beneath the surface and birds resting along the riverbanks, fully immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Chitose.

We created a short video of the Chitose River rafting experience.

20250809 Chitose River Clear Stream Rafting Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHYKtrZBls8

The eco-rafting experience truly highlighted the charm of the Chitose River. The crystal-clear water allowed participants to clearly see fish swimming gracefully below, offering a peaceful and refreshing connection with nature. The approximately 20-minute journey was a relaxing and memorable way to experience the river with all five senses.

The booth run by the Chitose River Office of the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau displayed aquatic creatures that had been caught on the spot in the Chitose River, and the children watched them with great curiosity.

In the fast-eating contest, spectators cheered loudly as participants enthusiastically devoured gourmet dishes from the food stalls at the venue. Their astonishing speed was truly impressive, filling the area with laughter and excitement. The winner was awarded a now highly valued rice voucher, earning a round of enthusiastic applause. It was a lively and memorable moment that once again highlighted the charm of Chitose through food and festival spirit.

Throughout the venue, visitors could enjoy a wide variety of local foods and beers. Under the midsummer sun, an ice-cold beer tasted especially refreshing. The open-air setting, friendly vendors, and smiling faces created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making this riverside festival a wonderful way to experience the charm of Chitose in summer.