Hozugawa River Cruise

Hozugawa River Cruises (保津川下り, Hozugawa Kudari) are sightseeing boat rides down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The cruises utilize traditional style, flat bottomed boats piloted by boatmen who guide the craft with oars and bamboo poles. The boats take about two hours to leisurely make their way down the river and are a relaxing way to see the natural scenery of the largely undeveloped ravine. The river cruises are often combined with a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway.
Cruises are offered year round, but are particularly popular from mid November to early December when the leaves change color. The boats are heated in winter and operate during light rain (they will be covered in a plastic tent), but service is canceled in case of heavy rain or large changes in the water level.
The Hozugawa River was originally employed to transport logs that were used to build many of Kyoto and Osaka's famous temples and castles. During the Edo Period the river was cleared of obstructions so that boats carrying grain, firewood and other cargo could safely navigate it. Trains and trucks eventually made river transport obsolete, and operations ceased after several hundred years of use. However, the boats were brought back and eventually became popular as a sightseeing attraction.

Access

The departure point for cruises is a short bus ride (160 yen) or ten minute walk from JR Kameoka Station (20-30 minutes, 410 yen from Kyoto Station). Alternatively, the pier is a 15 minute, 310 yen bus ride from Torokko Kameoka Station, the last stop on the Sagano Scenic Railway from Arashiyama.
Boats arrive in Arashiyama, a few hundred meters upstream from the Togetsukyo Bridge.
How to get to and around Kyoto

Hours & Fees
Hours
9:00 to 14:30 (December 1 to 10, hourly departures)
10:00 to 14:30 (December 11 to March 9, departures every 90 minutes)
On busy days boats depart irregularly according to demand.
Closed
During very bad weather and when the water level is very high.