- Activity
- Kyoto
Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride
A two-hour journey connects Tamba-Kameoka and Arashiyama through beautiful seasonal landscapes and amazing rock formations
An essential activity for Kyoto sightseeing, the Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride is a thrilling journey traversing about 16 kilometers through the Hozu Valley at the northwest of Kyoto City, from Tamba to the Kyoto Basin. Kameoka, the departure point for the river boat, offers various sightseeing and hands-on experience facilities, including the Yunohana Onsen hot spring resort and the Sagano Romantic Train, which connects Arashiyama and Kameoka.
Yunohana Onsen
Yunohana Onsen is located in the quiet mountains about 7 kilometers west of the Kyoto city center. The historic hot spring town is said to be the site where wounded warlords healed their sword wounds during the Sengoku period (15th-16th century). The calm and quaint surroundings of the mountainous hot spring offers a rustic atmosphere that you won't find in the cities. Heartwarming hospitality with the blessings of nature on the table, such as edible mountain plants in the spring, sweetfish in the summer, matsutake mushrooms in the fall and local sake and botan (boar meat) hot pot in winter, as well as the clear air and nature of each season will soothe your mind and body.
Sagano Romantic Train
The Sagano Romantic Train connects Arashiyama, one of the main sightseeing spots in Kyoto, and Kameoka, the departure point for the Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride. The 7.3-kilometer trip takes about 25 minutes through spectacular seasonal views of Sagano, including cherry blossoms in the spring, fresh greenery in the summer, vibrant foliage in autumn and winter fields and sometimes a winter snowscape. With an average speed of about 25 kilometers per hour, it runs at the speed of a bicycle, so you can enjoy both the exhilarating feeling of the wind and the scenery. The open-air "Rich" car (Car No. 5) is especially recommended. The train paces even slower in spots with beautiful scenery, so be sure to snap the perfect picture that you can't take anywhere else.
Kyobasha carriage
The sightseeing carriage runs from Kameoka Torokko Station to the boarding site for the Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride. Enjoy a leisurely and relaxing ride on the slow-paced horse-drawn carriage. As you stroll along the river, listen to the sounds of nature, such as the chirping of birds, trees trembling in the wind and the river flowing, with the clip-clop of the horses trotting. There is also a tour course to return to Kameoka Torokko Station, and you can also experience feeding the horses.
Location
| Name | Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en |
| Address | 2 Shimonakajima, Hozu-cho, Kameoka-shi, Kyoto |
| Access | Approximately 8 minutes' walk from Kameoka Station on the JR Sagano Line |
| Business Hours | 9:00 to 17:00 Operation 9:00 to 15:00 (10:00 to 14:30 during winter) |
| Closed | December 29 to January 4 |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0771-22-5846 |
| Admission | Adults: 4,100 yen; Children (age 4 to elementary school students): 2,700 yen |