Hozugawa River Boat Ride in Kyoto
- Drift 16 km down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama, steered by boatmen with bamboo poles
- Pass rapids, mirror-still pools, and giant rock formations in the Hozu Gorge over about 2 hours
- Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snow from a heated boat in winter
- Pick an hourly departure from 9 AM to 3 PM (winter boats from mid-December to March 9 leave at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, and 2:30 PM), with free cancellation up to 1 day before
- Book a private charter boat for your own group of up to 17
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?
The Hozugawa River rises in the Tamba Highlands of central Kyoto Prefecture, circles the mountains to Kameoka, then cuts through a 16 km gorge before joining the Kamo and Yodo rivers. The boat ride follows that gorge from Kameoka down to Saga-Arashiyama on a traditional wooden boat carrying up to 24 passengers. Three boatmen steer with slender bamboo poles, a rudder, and oars, threading the boat between the rocks; on days with strong wind or high water, up to five take the helm. The trip takes about 2 hours, or 90–120 minutes depending on the water level.
What can you see on the Hozugawa River Boat Ride?
Spring: cherry blossoms along the banks as the boat slips downstream.
Summer: fresh greenery, spray from the rapids, and frog song echoing through the valley.
Autumn: red, orange, and yellow leaves layered on the slopes and mirrored in the still stretches of water.
Winter: the whole gorge under snow, seen from a heated boat with floor seating.
Along the way the river changes constantly: giant boulders, fast rapids, and deep, glassy pools. In rain the boat is covered with a tent and the ride goes ahead as usual.
Which Hozugawa River Boat Ride ticket should you choose?
Shared boat: adult tickets for ages 13 and over, child tickets for ages 12 and under. Everyone must be at least 80 cm tall and able to wear a life jacket.
Private Charter: the whole boat for your group of up to 17 people.
Choose your departure time when you book; available times are shown in the booking box.
Free cancellation up to 1 day before your date.
What you get with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride ticket
The Hozugawa River Boat Ride is a 2 hour trip on a traditional wooden boat, covering 16 km of gorge from Kameoka to Saga-Arashiyama in Kyoto.
Usually 3 boatmen steer the boat, and up to 5 are needed depending on wind and water level.
Booking gives instant confirmation with guaranteed departure, and you can cancel for free up to 1 day before your date.
Who can ride the Hozugawa River Boat
Riders must be at least 80 cm tall, able to put on a life jacket properly and in good health, or boarding will be denied even with a ticket.
Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
Adult fare | Age 13 and over |
Child fare | Age 12 and under or height of 80 cm and over required |
Minimum height | 80 cm, children under 80 cm in height are not allowed to board |
Life jacket | You must be able to put it on properly |
Health | Not for travellers with high blood pressure, heart disease, or pregnant women |
What happens in rain, high water or a full boat
Rain does not stop the ride, but storms that raise the water level can, and travellers are refunded in that case.
Read the Hozugawa River Boat Ride guide to plan your date around the weather.
Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
Rain | Tents are set up on the boat and the trip proceeds as usual |
Clear weather at the site | The cruise may still be cancelled because of conditions within the canyon |
High water from bad weather or storms | Opening hours may be adjusted or the trip cancelled, and travellers are refunded |
Peak season, boat full | You may not board your reserved boat, so wait while the supplier arranges another |
How to redeem your Hozugawa River Boat Ride ticket
Exchange your emailed e-voucher for a physical ticket at the designated location, then submit the application form at the ticket window on the day.
Receive the e-voucher in your email inbox after booking.
Exchange it for a physical ticket at the designated location.
Fill in the application form and submit it to the ticket window on the day of the ride.
Check the official Hozu River Boat Ride website for the ferry schedule on the day.
How much does the Hozugawa River Boat Ride cost?
Adult and child tickets are priced separately, and the booking box shows the current price per traveler for your selected date and currency.
The ticket covers the river boat fee, so personal expenses and other expenses not mentioned are extra.
Who do I contact about my Hozugawa River Boat Ride booking?
To change the number of passengers or boarding time after booking, contact the KKday Customer Service Center .
For questions about the boat, contact the boat company on +81 771-22-5846.
Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Purchase Notice
- For safety concerns, travellers must meet the following requirements to board (if not, boarding will be denied even if a ticket is purchased)
• At least 80 cm in height
• Able to put on the life jacket properly
• In good health conditions - If you have questions, please contact the boat company
• TEL: +81 771-22-5846
• FAX: 0771-25-1550 - For any product questions before or after booking, please contact KKday Customer Service. See this page for how to reach 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
For safety reasons, children under 80 cm in height are not allowed to board the boat.
Please fill in the application form and submit it to the ticket window on the day of the boat ride
During peak season, it's possible that you cannot board the reserved boat ride if it reaches full capacity. In that case, please wait for the supplier to arrange another boat
Before departure, please check Hozugawa River Boat Ride official website for the ferry schedule on the day (https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/)
In case of rain, the boat will be covered with a tent and the trip will proceed as usual. Smoking is prohibited on board; food and drinks are allowed.
Even if the weather is clear at the site, the cruise may still be canceled due to conditions within the canyon.
If the content or operating hours change, or boats are suspended due to natural disasters or other unforeseen events, you will be notified. Cancellations due to force majeure will be fully refunded.
Images are for reference only. Blooming conditions and scenery vary depending on the season and weather.
Boarding passes lost for personal reasons cannot be reissued or refunded.
To change the date of use or the number of passengers, please cancel the reservation at least one day before the date of use and purchase a new ticket. Changes cannot be made on the day
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.
FAQs
1. Is advance booking required for the Hozu River Boat Ride?
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended for the Hozu River Boat Ride, especially during peak seasons or specific times of the year, to secure your desired slot. You can conveniently book your tickets through KKday, which offers a reliable and straightforward reservation process, ensuring a smooth start to your experience.
2. What is the typical duration of the Hozu River Boat Ride experience?
The Hozu River Boat Ride typically lasts approximately 2 hours. During this time, you will travel a picturesque 16-kilometer stretch of the river, enjoying the stunning natural scenery from Kameoka to Saga-Arashiyama.
3. What safety measures are in place for the Hozu River Boat Ride?
The Hozu River Boat Ride prioritizes passenger safety. Experienced boatmen skillfully navigate the river, and all necessary safety protocols are strictly followed. Passengers are provided with safety briefings, and life jackets are available, ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey through the rapids and calmer sections of the river.
4. What kind of scenery can visitors expect during the Hozu River Boat Ride throughout the seasons?
The Hozu River Boat Ride offers a dynamic display of natural beauty across all four seasons. In spring, expect vibrant cherry blossoms; summer brings lush, verdant greenery; autumn transforms the valley with colorful leaves; and winter provides a serene landscape covered in pristine snow. Each season offers a unique visual experience.
5. Are there any special features or accommodations for the Hozu River Boat Ride during winter?
Yes, during the colder winter months, the boats for the Hozu River Boat Ride are specially equipped with heated tatami mats. This thoughtful accommodation ensures that passengers can stay warm and comfortable while enjoying the snowy scenery and unique winter atmosphere of the Hozu Valley.
6. What are the starting and ending points for the Hozu River Boat Ride?
The Hozu River Boat Ride commences in Kameoka, offering a starting point upstream. The scenic 16-kilometer journey concludes in Saga-Arashiyama, allowing convenient access to the popular Arashiyama district upon arrival.
7. When is the best time to experience the autumn leaves during the Hozu River Boat Ride?
For those wishing to witness the breathtaking autumn leaves along the Hozu River, the best time to experience the boat ride is typically from mid-November to early December. During this period, the valley is adorned with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.
8. What unique experiences are included with the Hozu River Boat Ride ticket?
The Hozu River Boat Ride ticket provides access to a scenic 2-hour journey down a 16-kilometer stretch of river, offering a unique perspective of the Hozu Valley's natural beauty. You'll experience the thrill of navigating gentle rapids and tranquil waters, guided by traditional boatmen, immersed in the ever-changing seasonal landscapes.
