Introducing the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride!

This video, titled “Beautiful Kyoto: Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) [4K],” is an introductory video about the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride, created by Discover Kyoto.

Many people go sightseeing in Kyoto to see the rich history and culture and to experience the Japanese atmosphere.
If you want to truly enjoy the nature of the surrounding area, we recommend trying the Hozugawa River Boat Ride in Arashiyama!
But first, sit back, relax, and enjoy the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride.

The Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Photo：Boatman going down Hozu River

The Sagano (嵯峨野, Sagano) / Arashiyama area is one of the most popular tourist sights in Kyoto.
On the scenic Hozu River that flows through Arashiyama, you can experience an amazing boat ride.
The Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride started about 400 years ago, when the waterway was made by cutting down the valley of the Hozu River, to transport supplies from Tanba (丹波, Tanba) to Kyoto.

In Saga Arashiyama, near the end of the Kyoto Kameoka/Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride, lays Daihikaku Senkouji Temple, which was built to mourn for the spirits of victims of the excavation work at the time.

The Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride starts from the Shin-Hozu Ohashi Bridge area in Kameoka City (亀岡市, Kameoka-shi). The journey is about 16 km long and lasts until the Arashiyama wharf shown in 2:12 in the video. The boat does not have an engine. Instead, each boatman uses a single rod instead of an oar to navigate the river with ease.

For your own safety, passengers are required to wear life jackets when boarding. Please note that there is no restroom on the boat.

The Beauty of the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride!

Photo：The Sagano Romantic Train

There are scenic spots, such as the suspension bridge at Hozukyo and the Red Rocks of Ose that are in the middle of the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride.
These are great for Instagram, so get your cameras ready!
Be sure to take a photo of the amazing sightseeing train "The Sagano Romantic Train," shown at 1:18 in the video.

It's a good idea to have a blanket or something to protect you from the splashing of waves in areas with rapids such as Koyayu Falls.
We also recommend trying some oden that's made and can be purchased on the boat; This can be seen at 1:48 in the video.

Tips to Enjoy Your Boat Ride!

Photo：Oi River and Houseboat in Arashiyama, Kyoto

To fully enjoy the scenery of Kyoto Arashiyama, purchase a set ticket that includes The Sagano Romantic Train and the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride.
It's also convenient to use the ticket that includes both the Keihan-Kyoto Bus and the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride.
There are some package tours and plans for hotels that come with the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride as well.

You can also experience rafting in the Hozu River valley.
Taking a horse-drawn carriage to get to the boarding area for the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride will make for an unforgettable experience.

Summery of the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride!

This video introduces the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride amongst the beautiful autumn leaves.
In spring, you can enjoy a boat trip surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms, and in summer, you can enjoy cooling off in a yukata.
The Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride uses a tarp to shelter passengers on rainy days, but we recommend checking the weather in advance as trips may be canceled due to inclement weather.

Also, please make sure you make a reservation in advance as it an be crowded during cherry blossom season and during the changing of the leaves in the fall. Every October, the “Hozu Fire Festival,” an annual festival of "Ukeda Shrine" and "Hachimangu Shrine," is held. At this festival, you can see the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride entering the valley. We recommend going on the river boat ride when this event is taking place.

If you want to make the most of your visit to Kyoto, take a thrilling boat ride down the Hozu River at Kameoka / Arashiyama in Kyoto.

◆Kyoto Kameoka/ Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari◆
【Duration】About 90 minutes
【Fare】Adult 4,100 JPY、 Child 2,700 JPY (Group Discount and Charter Available) *As of October, 2019.
【Access】8 minutes on foot from JR Kameoka Station, 15 minutes by Bus from The Sagano Romantic Train Kameoka station.
【Parking】Available (About 80 spots)

【Official Website】Welcome to the official website for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. (Hozugawa Yusen Sightseeing Boat Association)
https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en

【Official Website】The official website of municipal office. Kameoka City, Kyoto
https://www.city.kameoka.kyoto.jp/foreign/english/index.html