[2025 Kameoka ] Travel Guide for Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) (Updated Jan)

It was a fantastic experience for Hozugawa River Boat Ride during the Autumn season! The whole boat ride journey took around 2 hours, yes it was long but totally worthy when you have different natural scenery along the journey ride. The red yellow colour of the tree have painted a nice pictures along the Hozugawa river. unfortunately I’m not able to understand Japanese, the captains of the boat are making jokes and some fun fact of the places during this 2 hours journey! worth for a try!

When visiting Arashiyama in Kyoto, besides enjoying the bamboo forest path and the Togetsukyo Bridge, taking the Hozugawa River Boat is an experience not to be missed. This water route stretches about 16 kilometers from Arashiyama to Kameoka, filled with magnificent natural scenery and exciting water challenges along the way. The boat ride follows the Hozugawa River downstream, passing through gorges, unique rock formations, and dense forests. Each season offers its own unique charm: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and snowy landscapes in winter, all adding different attractions to the journey. The skilled boatmen not only navigate the boat expertly but also introduce the terrain and historical stories along the way, sometimes with humorous explanations, making the entire trip engaging and interactive. The boat ride takes about two hours, with some rapid challenges along the way, but with comprehensive safety measures, it is suitable for the whole family to experience together. After the trip, the boat arrives in the Arashiyama area, where you can continue exploring other attractions such as Tenryu-ji Temple, the bamboo forest path, or nearby cafes and wagashi shops. The Hozugawa River Boat ride perfectly combines nature and culture, making it a relaxing yet surprising journey in Kyoto. 📍 **Boarding Location**: 2 Shimonakajima, Hozu-cho, Kameoka City (about a 10-minute walk from JR Kameoka Station) 🕒 **Operating Hours**: 9:00–15:30 (varies by season, shorter hours in winter) 💰 **Ticket Price**: Adults ¥4,500 / Children ¥3,000 🎯 **Recommended Seasons**: Best in spring and autumn for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

Our two-hour boat ride down the Hozugawa River in Japan during winter was an unforgettable experience. The serene beauty of the snow-dusted landscapes, coupled with the refreshing chill in the air, made the journey magical. The local boatsmen, experienced and highly skilled, not only navigated the rapids with ease but also shared fascinating stories about the river’s 400-year history. We learned how this route was once used to transport logs into the capital city—a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage. The combination of thrilling rapids and calm stretches provided the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility. Whether marveling at the stunning seasonal scenery or enjoying the historical anecdotes, this boat ride was a remarkable way to connect with nature and history alike. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Japan—it’s a winter adventure you won’t want to miss!#travel #japan #kyoto

Hey girls! Here's a super detailed guide for a winter trip to Japan! 8 days in Japan, and this guide is all you need! 🌨️❄️ -------- 🎉Itinerary: DAY 1: Kokusai Dori Stroll along Kokusai Dori and enjoy the bustling shopping and food scene. DAY 2: Naminoue Shrine -> Shurijo Castle -> Tsuboya Pottery Museum -> Kokusai Dori Visit the sacred Naminoue Shrine, explore the historical site of Shurijo Castle, visit the Tsuboya Pottery Museum, and return to Kokusai Dori to enjoy the nightlife. DAY 3: Cape Chinen Park -> Gyokusendo Cave -> Senagajima Island Enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Chinen, explore the mystery of Gyokusendo Cave, and finally relax on Senagajima Island. DAY 4: Naha to Osaka Head to Osaka and experience the unique urban culture of the city. DAY 5: Osaka Castle Park -> Osaka Aqua Liner -> Shinsaibashi -> Umeda Sky Building Visit Osaka Castle Park, take a water bus to enjoy the cityscape, shop at Shinsaibashi, and finally go to the Umeda Sky Building to enjoy the night view of Osaka. DAY 6: Sagano Scenic Railway -> Hozugawa River Boat Ride -> Arashiyama Take the scenic train to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama, experience the fun of the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, and explore the natural beauty of Arashiyama. DAY 7: Universal Studios Japan Spend the whole day at Universal Studios Japan and enjoy the movie-themed fun. DAY 8: Kansai Airport Outlet & Return Enjoy a final shopping spree at the Kansai Airport Outlet, and then return home with a full load! 🎊 -------- Travel tips: 📌Visa information: You need to apply for a visa in advance to travel to Japan, so make sure you have a worry-free trip. 🎁Specialty prices: Japan has a wide variety of specialties, so compare prices before you buy to avoid overspending! 🚗Airport transportation: The airport is conveniently connected to the city center, with subways and buses to choose from. ❄️January weather: January is cold in Japan, so remember to bring a thick coat and warm clothes. -------- May your trip to Japan be filled with beautiful memories and unforgettable scenery and warmth. 🌸

Morning light spills over the mountains of Arashiyama, and the Hozu River flows quietly, like an ink painting shrouded in morning mist. I boarded a small boat, setting off from the riverbank, beginning an intimate dialogue with nature. The boatman stood at the stern, paddling and steering, causing splashes of water as the boat moved, with sunlight glinting through the tree shadows. The water sometimes flows gently, sometimes rapidly, mirroring the ups and downs of life. In the rapids, the boat bounces up and down, with exclamations and laughter echoing through the valleys on both sides. The rugged rocks, dappled tree shadows, and occasional kingfishers skimming the water surface add vitality to this picturesque scene. As the boat journeyed deeper, the surrounding mountains became more profound, like the embrace of nature. In the distance, the clear calls of the boatman intertwined with the sound of water, creating a leisurely symphony. When the boat docked, looking back at the landscape, a sense of reluctance welled up in my heart. Hozu River rafting felt like a cleansing of body and soul, allowing me to experience the grandeur and tranquility of nature, making this journey an indelible poem in my memory.

Autumn 🍂 season in Kyoto with love . ❤️ Best view , best partner and great food here . 📌What dates are autumn in Japan? Autumn in Japan spans from September to November, with foliage changing from mid-October onwards. The end of November is the peak time to enjoy vibrant foliage across the country. 📌Where is the best places to see maple leaves in Kyoto? Eikando is the best place in Higashiyama to view the autumn leaves. About 3,000 maple trees cover the entire precincts of the temple. The sight of the tallest pagoda, Dabotou, enveloped by the autumn leaves is a fantastic sight.

Check in at the holy place in late autumn👉 Hozugawa River Valley, which was originally a canal built by Kyoto merchants in 1606 during the Edo period for the transportation of goods, with a total length of about 16km. The scenery is beautiful.

Boarded the 1 and half hour Honzugawa river boat ride from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The ride is so relaxing and fun; at times the boat man will ride on the rapid currents along the river. We get to see mandarin ducks, migratory birds and turtles sunbathing on the rocks. Almost towards the end of the boat ride, we can buy food like oden, grilled squids, grilled dango and drinks to satisfy our hungry pangs and quench our thirst.

2 hours of rafting, the whole journey is beautiful, funny little brother, great experience