船頭さんの「さすがプロ」と感心するトークや操船、終盤の船上コンビニ体験(キッチンカーならぬキッチンボート)など、最後まで飽きさせない工夫もありとても楽しい時間でした。
Kyoto Kameoka Hozugawa River Boat Ride Ticket
Highlights
- A boat journey of approx. 16 km where you can interact with majestic nature.
- You can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the valley in any season.
- Awarded a star in the Michelin Green Guide!
What to expect
Experience river boat ride while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Hozugawa River, considered one of Japan's most beautiful rivers. You can also enjoy the stylish and lively banter of the boatman.
●Operating Period: Mar 10, 2025 (Mon) to Dec 7, 2025 (Sun)
Business Hours: 9:00 to 15:00
Regular Departures: 9:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00
Closed Dates: Jan 1 to 4, Feb 1, Feb 12, Aug 11, Sep 3, Dec 29 to 31
●Operating Period: Dec 8, 2025 (Mon) to Mar 9, 2026 (Mon)
Winter Cruise: Dec 8 to 28, 2025 / Jan 5 to Mar 9, 2026
Business Hours: 10:00 to 14:30
Regular Departures: 10:00 / 11:30 / 13:00 / 14:30
●Operating Period: Mar 10, 2026 (Tue) to Dec 13, 2026 (Sun)
Business Hours: 9:00 to 15:00
Regular Departures: (8:30*) 9:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00
*May open at 8:30 during peak seasons
Closed Dates: Feb 1, Feb 4, Aug 11, Sep 2
●Operating Period: Dec 14, 2026 (Mon) to Mar 9, 2027 (Tue)
Winter Cruise: Dec 14 to 28, 2026 / Jan 5 to Mar 9, 2027
Business Hours: 10:00 to 14:30
Regular Departures: 10:00 / 11:30 / 13:00 / 14:30
What's included
- Cruise fee
About this experience
Schedule
- Check-in at the 2nd floor reception of Hozugawa River Boat Ride boarding area
- *There may be a wait of about 30 minutes from your reserved time until departure
- Hozugawa River Boat RideThe boat journey of approximately 16km begins from Tanba Kameoka to the scenic Arashiyama in Kyoto. We will start rowing vigorously into the clear stream of the Hozugawa River, which reflects the colors of the four seasons.

- Highlights① The breathtaking scenery of the four seasonsThe Hozugawa River, which reflects the four seasons of Japan on its clear surface, welcomes everyone with its magnificent natural beauty in every season. While admiring the harsh yet beautiful nature as it is, let's take a break from daily life and surrender ourselves to the flow.

- Highlights② The boatman's lively banter and artisanal skillsWe will descend the Hozu River, with its depths and rapids, skillfully maneuvered by an experienced boatman.
The witty talk of the boatmen is also a fun highlight of the Hozu River descent♪ They will teach you the history of the river descent and surprising trivia with their humorous narration.
- Highlights③ Hozu River Specialty "On-Board Convenience Store"The "Kotogase Chaya", a shop boat with a 108-year tradition since its establishment in Taisho 8, docks perfectly alongside the Hozu River descent boat. You can purchase snacks, juice, beer, etc., to satisfy your hunger.
*It is closed during the winter season (from December to mid-March).
- Arrival at Arashiyama boarding pierWhen you see the Togetsukyo Bridge, the end of the Hozu River descent is just around the corner. Once you arrive in Arashiyama, you can either enjoy a stroll around the area, or head to Kameoka on the "Sagano Scenic Railway". Please continue to enjoy your journey in Kyoto.

- Tour Ends
Location and Directions
Check-in
Hozugawa River Boat Ride Boarding Area
2 Shimonakajima, Hozu Town, Kameoka City, Kyoto
▷Access to Hozugawa River Boat Ride Boarding Area
by train
・About 8 min on foot from JR Kameoka Station
・About 15 min by Keihan Kyoto Kotsu bus from Sagano Scenic Railway Kameoka Station
・About 40 min by Keihan Kyoto Kotsu direct bus from Hankyu Katsura Station
※For those coming by bus connected from the Sagano Scenic Railway, you may arrive past the check-in time, but you can still check in as long as it's before the boarding time.Parking information
We have a free parking lot for about 100 cars on the premises of the boarding area. There is no time limit, so you can enter early in the morning and leave at night after sightseeing.
*Please note that we do not offer a car delivery service, so if you need to return, please use the Sagano Scenic Railway, JR, etc. (Please understand that we cannot take any responsibility for car theft or accidents within the premises).Itinerary
●Operating Period: Mar 10, 2025 (Mon) to Dec 7, 2025 (Sun)
Business Hours: 9:00 to 15:00
Regular Departures: 9:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00
Closed Dates: Jan 1 to 4, Feb 1, Feb 12, Aug 11, Sep 3, Dec 29 to 31
●Operating Period: Dec 8, 2025 (Mon) to Mar 9, 2026 (Mon)
Winter Cruise: Dec 8 to 28, 2025 / Jan 5 to Mar 9, 2026
Business Hours: 10:00 to 14:30
Regular Departures: 10:00 / 11:30 / 13:00 / 14:30
●Operating Period: Mar 10, 2026 (Tue) to Dec 13, 2026 (Sun)
Business Hours: 9:00 to 15:00
Regular Departures: (8:30*) 9:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00
*May open at 8:30 during peak seasons
Closed Dates: Feb 1, Feb 4, Aug 11, Sep 2
●Operating Period: Dec 14, 2026 (Mon) to Mar 9, 2027 (Tue)
Winter Cruise: Dec 14 to 28, 2026 / Jan 5 to Mar 9, 2027
Business Hours: 10:00 to 14:30
Regular Departures: 10:00 / 11:30 / 13:00 / 14:30Check-out
Arashiyama
13 Kamenoocho, Saga, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto
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Restrictions
- In the event of bad weather or river flooding, service may be temporarily halted.
Before visiting, please check the boat's status using the URL below.
https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/ - Guidelines for boarding the Hozugawa River Boat Ride
1. Those who are below 80cm in height are not permitted to get on the boat.
2. Boarding the boat is only allowed for those who wear life jackets properly.
3. Individuals who are experiencing any symptoms of illness are prohibited from boarding the boat.
4. It is mandatory for individuals who are classified as type 1 or type 2 disabled and are under the age of 12 to be accompanied by a companion. Each disabled person requires one companion. - 5. Individuals using wheelchairs need to be accompanied by an attendant, even if they can transfer to a seat independently.
(Wheelchairs cannot be brought onto the boat.)
Individuals who have guide dogs are allowed to bring their service animals on board.
If you belong to any of the aforementioned categories, you may not be allowed to board the boat even if you show up. Therefore, kindly reach out to us beforehand. - Adult rates apply to junior high school students and above.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult (13 years or older) to board the boat.
- We do not recommend boarding before the stable period of 5 to 6 months of pregnancy, however, you may board at your own risk.
What to bring
- VELTRA Voucher (with QR code)
Other requirements
- Kindly be advised that the boat may take up to 30 minutes after the scheduled time to depart.
- If you wish to avail a discount with a disability certificate, please purchase directly at the counter.
※Reservations made through VELTRA are not eligible for discounts with a disability certificate. - When you arrive at the boarding area for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, kindly show your smartphone ticket to the reception desk.
- If you arrive late for your check-in time, you may not be able to board within the 30-minute window.
Especially for those with reservations for the final boat, please arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Once your reserved check-in time has passed, boarding will not be permitted.
(Access info: https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/access) - Service may be suspended due to strong winds, inclement weather, or rising river levels. Even on sunny days, please check the latest operation status on the day of your visit at the following website:
https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/
Additional notes
- In the event of a large number of visitors, there may be a waiting period.
- The duration is approximately 2 hours.
※Please note that the timing may vary slightly depending on the water level. - The event will take place regardless of the weather conditions. If it rains, the boat will still run and be covered by a canopy.
- We will be closed from December 29th to January 4th every year.
- There are no restroom facilities available on the boat.
- Feel free to bring your own food and beverages.
- You are allowed to take photographs, but kindly inform the boatman if you intend to stand up.
Operated by
Cancellation policy
- On the activity day / No-show: 100%
Reviews
Guest photos 224
船頭さんの「さすがプロ」と感心するトークや操船、終盤の船上コンビニ体験(キッチンカーならぬキッチンボート)など、最後まで飽きさせない工夫もありとても楽しい時間でした。
The boatman also mentioned that the autumn foliage season is even more beautiful, so I was told to consider coming bac… I had my first experience of rafting down the Hozu River. The boatman’s teamwork and storytelling made it a fun experience. I visited during the dazzling season of fresh greenery. The colors of the green and water were wonderful and it was the best. We stopped by a shop along the way and bought some Mitarashi dango, which we enjoyed eating in a spot where the current slowed down.
The boatman also mentioned that the autumn foliage season is even more beautiful, so I was told to consider coming back if I have the chance.
I would love to visit again during the autumn foliage season. 初めての保津川の川下り体験してきました。船頭さんの連携とトークで楽しい体験させて頂きました。新緑の眩しい季節に訪問しました。緑と水の色が素晴らしくて最高でした。途中の売店がきましてみたらし団子買って流れが緩くなるところで食べました。
船頭さんからも紅葉の時期はもっと綺麗らしいので機会あればって言われてました。
秋の紅葉時期にもまた訪問してみたいです。
The weather forecast predicted rain.
Just in case, I brought a raincoat.
I was hoping it would hold off, but it started raining about halfway through!
The boatman put up a roof, so I was able to make it down to the end somehow.2回目の体験。
天気予報は、雨。
念の為カッパ持っていきました。
なんとか、保つかなって思ってたのですが、半分位のとこで雨が!
船頭さんが、屋根を張ってくれたので なんとか 最後まで下れました。
孫達と、また、参加したいと思います。
ありがとうございました。
There were moments when the river narrowed or had significant drops, but that was also quite pleasant. For those seeking thrills, I think rafting would be a better option.
There were three boatmen… It took about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The travel time seems to vary depending on the water level; it can take as little as 1 hour or up to 2 hours at the longest. On the day I participated, the water level wasn't very high, so it was a calm boat trip while enjoying the scenery.
There were moments when the river narrowed or had significant drops, but that was also quite pleasant. For those seeking thrills, I think rafting would be a better option.
There were three boatmen who took turns rowing, as it is physically demanding work. It was very impressive to see them earnestly guiding the guests in English, especially since most of the customers were foreigners. Their efforts to entertain the guests, often with laughter, were evident.
Along the way, you can see rare wild birds and a trolley train, and you can leisurely enjoy the picturesque mountains and rivers that resemble Japan's original landscapes. However, I wouldn't recommend participating in the height of summer or winter (I heard that a roof is put up in the summer). Depending on the travel time, some people might get a bit bored, and I experienced a little seasickness.
I recommend this for those who love vehicles or want to experience something out of the ordinary. If you decide to participate, I think it's best to bring minimal luggage. 亀岡から嵐山まで1時間40分ほどかかりました。水の量によって所用時間が変わるようで、早ければ1時間遅くて2時間かかることもあるとのことでした。
私が参加した日は水が多くなかったようで、景色を眺めながら穏やかな船旅でした。
時折川幅が狭くなったり落差が大きいポイントがありましたが、それもまた心地よかったです。
スリルを求める人はラフティングの方が良いと思います。
船頭さんは3人で、力仕事なので交代しながら船を漕いでくれます。
お客さんのほとんどが外国人という中で英語で一生懸命案内している姿がとても印象的で、時折笑… 亀岡から嵐山まで1時間40分ほどかかりました。水の量によって所用時間が変わるようで、早ければ1時間遅くて2時間かかることもあるとのことでした。
私が参加した日は水が多くなかったようで、景色を眺めながら穏やかな船旅でした。
時折川幅が狭くなったり落差が大きいポイントがありましたが、それもまた心地よかったです。
スリルを求める人はラフティングの方が良いと思います。
船頭さんは3人で、力仕事なので交代しながら船を漕いでくれます。
お客さんのほとんどが外国人という中で英語で一生懸命案内している姿がとても印象的で、時折笑いも交えながらお客さんを楽しませようという気持ちが伝わってきました。
道中は珍しい野鳥やトロッコ列車が見えたり、日本の原風景のような山と川の景色をのんびりと楽しむことができます。ただ真夏や真冬の参加はおすすめしません。(真夏は屋根が出るとのこと)
所用時間によっては少し飽きてしまう人もいそうなのと、私は少しだけ船酔いしました。
乗り物が好きな方や非日常を味わいたい方におすすめです。
参加される際は荷物少なめが良いと思います。
船頭さんのお話も技術もバッチリ👌でした。
11月後半ということもあり、嵐山につく頃には体も冷え切っていたのですが、船上の売店で熱燗をいただき、心も体もあたたまることができました。紅葉シーズンがおすすめです。
紅葉狩り目的でハイシーズンにトロッコ列車を含めた観光でしたが、事前に予約することで待つことなく乗船できました。
The scenery was also amazing with the autumn leaves in various places.
I was happy to recommend it to my friends, and they enjoyed it!3人の船頭さんが楽しかった〜
所々、紅葉していて景色も最高。
友達に勧めて、喜んで貰えて嬉しかった!!
人の力で船を動かす姿がすごいなと思いました。
また、1時間以上かけての川下りは水位もあり、スリリングな体験をさせていただきました。
イメージとしては食べ歩き、神社、、、
とイメージだったのですが旦那がふと
川下りはどう?と提案してくれ、
川下りかぁ、、想像出来ないなぁと思いながら記念になるかーと予約。
結論から言って最高でした。。
もう一度乗りたいくらい!!!!
とはいっても私達の船が当たりだったのかもしれません。
3人1組で船を漕いで運転してくれます。
技術も素晴らしいですし、何より約この2時間。素晴らしいトークで笑かしてくれて、それに加え京都の歴史なども教えてくれます。
次も訪れた時には必ずまた搭乗… 初めての夫婦旅行で、京都を選択しました。
イメージとしては食べ歩き、神社、、、
とイメージだったのですが旦那がふと
川下りはどう?と提案してくれ、
川下りかぁ、、想像出来ないなぁと思いながら記念になるかーと予約。
結論から言って最高でした。。
もう一度乗りたいくらい!!!!
とはいっても私達の船が当たりだったのかもしれません。
3人1組で船を漕いで運転してくれます。
技術も素晴らしいですし、何より約この2時間。素晴らしいトークで笑かしてくれて、それに加え京都の歴史なども教えてくれます。
次も訪れた時には必ずまた搭乗したいと思います。
素敵な思い出をありがとうございました。






















































































































