Arashiyama Hozugawa Boat Ride
- Float 16 km down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Saga in Arashiyama on a world-famous boat ride
- Watch skilled boatmen steer with long bamboo poles, rudders and oars as the boat glides between rocks
- See cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall and snow in winter
- Ride for 90 to 120 minutes depending on water level, with up to 24 people per boat
- Board in the rain too: boats sail as usual under covers, and winter boats are heated
- Walk 8 minutes from JR Kameoka Station on the Sagano Line to the boarding area
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Private tour, Shared tour |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
What is the Hozugawa River Boat Ride in Arashiyama?
A 16 km boat ride down the Hozugawa River gorge, from Kameoka to Saga in Arashiyama, steered by local professional boatmen.
- The river: the Hozugawa rises in the Tanba Highlands of central Kyoto Prefecture, winds through the mountains around Kyoto to Kameoka, crosses a 16 km mountain gorge, then meets the Kamo River and flows into the Yodo River.
- The boatmen: they steer with long, slender bamboo poles, a rudder and oars, using practiced skill to glide the boat freely between the rocks.
- Usually 3 boatmen per boat
- 4 to 5 boatmen may be needed, depending on the day's wind and water level
What will you see on the Hozugawa River Boat Ride in each season?
The gorge has its own charm in every season: towering boulders, surrounding mountains, splashing rapids and mysterious, mirror-like deep pools make for ever-changing, poetic scenery you won't want to leave.
- Spring: drift down the river past banks of falling cherry blossoms for a romantic, poetic ride.
- Summer: feel the spray of the rapids under the blazing sun and hear frogs calling across the valley, a refreshing coolness straight from nature.
- Autumn: red, orange and yellow leaves layer the mountains and reflect on the water, a view so beautiful it revives body and mind.
- Winter: sit on the floor of a heated boat and take in a silver, snow-covered world on a relaxed, carefree ride.
Explore Kyoto in depth: Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Purchase Notice
Boarding rules
For safety, passengers who do not meet all of the following cannot board, even if they hold a boarding ticket:
- Taller than 80 cm
- Able to wear a life jacket correctly
- In good health
Contact
- Boat operator (any questions):
- TEL: +81 771-22-5846
- FAX: 0771-25-1550
- KKday Customer Service Center: for product questions before or after ordering, see this page for how to contact us.
Reminders
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Pregnant women
Please fill out the boat trip application form on the day of your trip and submit it to the ticket window.
During peak tourist season, there may be situations where the boat is fully booked and you cannot board on time for your scheduled time slot. In such cases, the boat operator will arrange another boat for you. Please understand that there may be a waiting period on site.
On the day of departure, it is recommended to check the sailing status of the Hozugawa Cruise on the official website: https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/
On rainy days the boats are fitted with covers and sail as usual. Smoking is prohibited on board; eating and drinking are allowed.
If natural disasters or other unforeseen events change the content or operating hours, or stop sailings, you will be notified. Thank you for your understanding. Sailings cancelled due to force majeure are fully refunded.
Images are for reference only. The flowering status and scenery may vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. Please be aware of this.
No reissue or refund can be given for personal reasons, such as a lost boat ticket.
If you need to change the date or number of people, please cancel your reservation one day before the date of use and purchase new tickets. Changes are not possible on the day of use. Please note.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 1 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
