One of the rivers that symbolize the beautiful natural scenery and ancient culture of Kyoto Prefecture is the Hozugawa River. The Hozugawa River originates in the Tamba Highlands, flows through Kameoka City, and continues for about 16 kilometers to Saga-Arashiyama, where it joins the Kamo River and eventually flows into the Yodo River.
The surroundings of the Hozugawa River are filled with seasonal landscapes. In spring, cherry blossom petals fall in the breeze like snow. In summer, azaleas bloom among the rocks as the singing of kajika frogs reminds us of the cool atmosphere. In autumn, the mountains are adorned with colorful leaves. And in winter, the snow-covered gorge creates a beautiful picture of serenity.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the charm and route of the Hozugawa River Boat Ride.
1.Hozugawa River Boat Ride
The Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) is a river journey that spans approximately 16 kilometers from Kameoka City in Kyoto Prefecture to Arashiyama, taking about two hours to complete. Known as the oldest river boat ride in Japan, it boasts a history of over 400 years.
Originating in the Tango Peninsula, the clear waters of the Hozugawa River flow through the Kameoka Basin and merge with the Kamo River in Arashiyama. The Hozugawa River Boat Ride is an activity where participants ride specially designed yakatabune (roofed boats) down this scenic river, which is renowned for its breathtaking gorges.
Skilled boatmen expertly navigate the boats through rapids and between uniquely shaped rocks. The journey offers a dynamic and varied river experience, featuring thrilling sections of faster water as well as calm stretches where you can enjoy the serene landscape.
1-1.How to Get There
There are several ways to access the Hozugawa River Boat Ride.
The most common method is to take the JR train from Kyoto Station to JR Kameoka Station. From Kyoto Station, take a local or rapid train from platforms 32 or 33 and get off at JR Kameoka Station. From the north exit of JR Kameoka Station, it’s an 8-minute walk to the reception building.
Another recommended route is to use the Sagano Romantic Train. From Torokko Saga Station to Torokko Kameoka Station, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the river gorge along the way. From Torokko Kameoka Station, take a bus or horse-drawn carriage to the Hozugawa River Boat Ride reception building.
Additionally, access from Osaka is convenient. After getting off at Hankyu Katsura Station, use the direct bus from the east exit provided by Keihan Kyoto Kotsu. It takes about 40 minutes by bus from Hankyu Katsura Station.
1-2.Hours of Operation and Fees
The hours of operation and fees for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride are as follows:
Hours of Operation:
| Hours of Operation |
|---|
| 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM From December 9, 2024, to March 9, 2025: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Fees |
| Adults: ¥6,000 Children (infants to elementary school students): ¥4,500 |
| Private Charter (capacity of 17 people) |
| ¥144,000 (¥162,000 during peak season) |
Kyoto Kameoka Huzukawa River Boat Ride Schedule and Fare
Operating hours vary by season, so please check the official website.
2.History of the Hozugawa River Boat Ride
The history of the Hozugawa River Boat Ride begins with water transport used to ship goods to Kyoto and Osaka. This waterway was used even before Kyoto became the capital, during the era when Nagaokakyo was the capital. It was particularly important for transporting timber from the Tamba region downstream. Timber for constructions such as Kyoto’s Tenryuji Temple and Osaka Castle was transported via the Hozugawa River.
In 1606, the Kyoto merchant Suminokura Ryoi opened the waterway, allowing rice, wheat, and firewood to be transported using rafts and takasebune (shallow-draft boats). However, with the opening of the Sanin Railway Line in 1899 and the post-war development of truck transport, traditional water transport gradually declined.
Today, the Hozugawa River Boat Ride has been reborn as a tourist attraction, with tour boats replacing the rafts and cargo boats of the past. Starting around 1895, this tourist boat ride allows visitors to enjoy the grand natural beauty and seasonal landscapes of the Hozugawa Gorge. It attracts approximately 300,000 tourists annually from both Japan and abroad.
3. Route of the Hozugawa River Boat Ride
The following are some of the highlights along the Hozugawa River Boat Ride route:
| Koi no Taki (Koi Falls) |
|---|
| The only named waterfall on the Hozugawa River, with a height difference of about 2 meters. The flow is too strong for small fish to climb. |
| Tono no Ryojō (Lord’s Fishing Grounds) |
| A fishing spot once enjoyed by the lord of Kameyama in Tamba. It is the second deepest spot on the Hozugawa River, with a depth of about 10 meters. |
| Asahi no Se (Asahi Rapids) |
| The first place to see the sunrise as the river flows eastward. |
| Sao no Ato and Tsuna no Ato (Pole Marks and Rope Marks) |
| Pole marks are depressions created over many years by repeatedly placing poles in the same spot, while rope marks are scratches made by ropes dragging against the rocks when pulling boats. These spots have historical significance, with histories of 400 years and 350 years, respectively. |
| Ukai no Hama (Cormorant Fishing Beach) |
| A historical spot where Emperor Seiwa enjoyed cormorant fishing during his convalescence. On summer nights in those days, scenes of fishermen capturing ayu fish by torchlight were common. |
| Shomotsu Iwa and Kajika Iwa (Book Rock and Kajika Frog Rock) |
| Book Rock features layers that look like stacked books, while Kajika Frog Rock has a shape resembling a kajika frog. |
| Daihikaku (Great Monument) |
| A monument built in memory of those who perished during the construction of the Hozugawa River channel. Originally known as Senkoji Temple, it was moved to its current location by Suminokura Ryoi. |
During the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, visitors will explore these points of interest. With the guidance of boatmen, tourists can learn about the history and natural beauty of Kyoto while enjoying the stunning scenery.
4.Recommended Seasons for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride
A boat journey down the Hozugawa River allows you to enjoy the seasonal landscapes, as well as the ancient culture and natural beauty of Japan.
Below, we highlight the attractions of spring and autumn – the recommended seasons for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride.
If you visit in summer, be prepared for strong sunlight and high temperatures, and take precautions against heat stroke. In winter, the boats operate as “winter boats,” offering the charm of snowy landscapes.
4-1.Spring
Spring in Japan lasts from March to May. During this season, you can experience the warming climate and lush greenery. The cherry blossoms in full bloom create a spectacular view as petals scatter over the river, resembling a pink carpet. The melodious sound of bush warblers from the bamboo grove signals the arrival of spring.
4-2.Autumn
Autumn in Japan runs from September to November. The Hozugawa River is particularly popular in fall for its stunning autumn foliage. The paths, gardens, thatched roofs, and bamboo groves are quietly covered with fallen leaves.
The landscape looks as if it has been dyed in deep crimson and exudes a quintessentially Japanese ambiance, attracting many visitors.
5.Combination of Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Combining the Sagano Romantic Train with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride is highly recommended.
The train ride from Torokko Saga Station to Torokko Kameoka Station offers a scenic journey through the natural beauty of the region.
From Torokko Kameoka Station, you can take a bus or horse-drawn carriage to the Hozugawa River Boat Ride reception building, making for a seamless and enjoyable trip.
Conclusion
The Hozugawa River Boat Ride is one of the popular attractions in Arashiyama, Kyoto. It offers spectacular scenery in all four seasons, with the cherry blossoms in spring, the lush new green of summer, the colorful leaves in autumn, and snowscapes in winter.
For people looking for a thrilling experience in Kyoto, the Hozugawa River Boat Ride is highly recommended.
*This article is based on information available as of May 2024.
