Hozu River Rafting • Togetsukyo Bridge • Bamboo Grove Path • Sagano Scenic Railway

I had always wanted to raft down the Hozu River to Arashiyama, but due to the impact of Typhoon Shanshan, I couldn't make it. On this day, the official announcement of suspension hadn't been made by 06:30 AM, so I set off immediately and took the JR to Kameoka. 1. Hozu River Rafting: The journey from Kameoka City to Arashiyama is about 16 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours. The riverbanks are lush and green, and one can imagine the vibrant colors of spring and autumn. The boat passes under several bridges spanning the gorges. As we passed through Hozu Gorge, the boatman pointed out the impact of the typhoon and the water level, making it easy to imagine the torrential floods. 2. Togetsukyo Bridge: The boat reaches its destination at Arashiyama, right in front of Togetsukyo Bridge. Upon close inspection, the bridge piers are made of reinforced concrete, while the handrails are wooden, blending naturally with the pristine environment of Arashiyama. 3. Bamboo Grove Path: A 400-meter-long path flanked by tall, green bamboo, creating a canopy overhead. Walking under the bamboo is not only refreshing but also gives a sense of purity and tranquility. 4. Sagano Scenic Railway: The train ride from Arashiyama Station to Kameoka Station takes about 25 minutes, offering views of the deep and mysterious Hozu Gorge. From Kameoka Station to Umahori Station, although only a 10-minute ride, it passes through golden rice fields with dark green mountains in the background. The view was so captivating that we sat facing the golden fields for a full hour before leaving.