Hozugawa River Boat Ride
The Hozugawa River Boat Ride is one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, Japan.
Hozugawa river cruises, called Hozugawa Kudari, run between the towns of Kameoka and Arashiyama. This scenic river boat ride is a must-add to your Arashiyama itinerary!
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Most visitors ride the Sagano Romantic Train from Saga Arashiyama to Kameoka and the Hozu River Boat for the return trip to Arashiyama, thus enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Hozugawa Gorge from two different perspectives.
The Hozugawa River Boat Ride takes you 16 kilometers (about 9.94 miles) along the scenic river in about two hours. Oarsmen offer commentary along the way.
Roofed boats, called yakatabune, became popular in Japan a couple of centuries ago, and today the Hozugawa River Boat Ride is a great opportunity to experience the tradition in Arashiyama.
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Hozugawa River Boat — A Brief History
The Hozu River was originally a way to transport goods to Kyoto and Osaka.
While freight transport by boat continued until shortly after WWII, the introduction of the San-In train line in 1899 as well as the option to transport by truck led to the use of the Hozu River for freight transport gradually coming to an end.
But the spectacular beauty of the Hozugawa Gorge led to the introduction of tourist cruises on the Hozu River, and today hundreds of thousands of visitors take the Hozugawa River Boat Ride each year.
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Hozugawa River Boat Visitor Info at a Glance
| Hozugawa River Boat Route | Kameoke-Arashiyama |
| Hozugawa Boat Ride Length/Duration | 16 km (~10 miles)/about 2 hours |
| Hozugawa Boat Ride Schedule | 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2.30 p.m. (Dec – Mar), hourly from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. (Mar – Dec). More departures possible. Confirm schedule prior to visit! |
| Hozugawa River Boat Ride Ticket | 6,000 yen per adult, 4,500 yen toddler to elementary school child (Book your ticket online on Klook!) |
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Hozugawa River Boat Ride — What to Expect
Between Kameoka and Saga-Arashiyama, the Hozu River traverses a spectacular route, with the highlight being the Hozugawa Gorge.
Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop on either side of the river, with wooded areas covered with pine, cherry trees, and other deciduous trees that change color in the fall.
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Boulders provide interest on the river banks, and there are rapids along the route.
Birdwatchers should bring heir scopes or a zoom lens. Sightings of kingfishers, eagles, cormorants and other birds are common, and your oarsman may point some out as you ride.
Regardless of season, the Hozugawa River Boat route features spectacular opportunities for photos.
In the spring, cherry trees show off their pretty pink blossoms, contrasting with the bright green of new leaves.
In early summer, look for blooming azaleas and lush green on both sides of the gorge. June is rainy reason and the river level usually rises.
In the fall, the slopes are ablaze with autumnal hues: yellows, oranges, and reds.
And in the winter, you may be treated to a dusting of snow on the canyon walls. The boats are heated in the colder months, and you will be treated to a less crowded experience.
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Hozugawa River Boat Ride Access
If you’ve arrived at Kameoka by the Sagano Romantic Train, alight at Torokko Saga Station and go through the tunnel under the tracks.
Then take the bus or a Kyobasha carriage to the boarding area for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride.
If you are traveling from Kyoto by Japan Rail, take the JR San-In Line towards Sonobe to Kameoka Station. Both locals and rapid trains stop at Kameoka.
At Kameoka Station, exit via the north gate and turn left to arrive at the boarding terminal for the Hozugawa River Boat.
If you are traveling from Osaka, take the Keihan Kyoto Kotsu bus from the hankyu Katsura Station direct to the boarding terminal for the Hozugawa River Boat Cruise in Kameoka.
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Hozugawa River Boat Ride Ticket
You can buy your Hozugawa River Boat Ride ticket on the date of your trip, but you may find that no spots are open for the ride you wish to take.
To save precious time on the day of your trip and have a confirmed spot on the ride you want to take, book your Hozugawa River Boat Ride ticket online in advance!
Want to leave the planning to someone else? This popular tour from Osaka or Kyoto combines the Sagano Romantic Train with the Hozugawa River Boat Cruise for a picturesque day out in Arashiyama.
>>> Check price and availability for the Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa River Boat Cruise now!
Hozugawa River Boat Ride Reservation
The Hozugawa River Boat Ride is a very popular Kyoto attraction, and boat rides may get fully booked up, especially during cherry blossom or fall foliage season.
To avoid disappointment, make your Hozugawa River Boat Ride reservation in advance!
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Hozugawa River Boat Ride Price
At the time of writing, the standard one-way adult fare for the Hozugawa River Boat Cruise is 6,000 yen (a little under USD 40.00).
The standard child fare, for toddlers and elementary school students, is 4,500 yen (a little under USD 30.00).
Note that kids have to be at least 80 cm (31.5 inches) tall to ride on the Hozu River Boat.
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Hozugawa River Boat Ride Schedule
Hozugawa River boat cruises run year-round, except for a year-end break (December 29 to January 4 each year) and a few dates through the year for maintenance.
Winter operations are somewhat restricted, with fewer scheduled departures.
While the boats usually depart hourly, they may depart more frequently in high season.
Find the Hozugawa River Boat Cruise timetable here.
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