The Hozugawa Boat Ride: How Long Does It Take? How Much Are the Fares?

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is surrounded by mountains and blessed with abundant nature.

It is famous for visiting temples and shrines, but in fact, it also has a reputation for enjoying activities in nature.

Among the many activities in Kyoto, the boat ride down Hozugawa is popular among people of all ages.

Hozugawa boat ride (保津川川下り: Hozugawa-kawa-kudari) is a boat ride down the gorge of the Hozugawa River that runs from Kameoka City, located on the west side of Kyoto City, to Arashiyama City, a well-known sightseeing spot, about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station by bus or train.

The Hozugawa River has such a steep current that rafting can be enjoyed in some parts, and visitors can enjoy both the gentle current to the violent, splashing rapids.

The Hozugawa boat ride takes about two hours and is recommended for those who want to participate in an activity unique to Kyoto, where they can enjoy the thrill of rafting while admiring the beauty of nature.

In this article, I, a Kyoto resident, will tell you about the charm of the Hozugawa boat ride, the time required, and the price.

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Introduction to the Hozugawa boat ride

The Hozugawa boat ride is a 16km boat ride from Kameoka to Arashiyama on the Hozugawa River which has its source in the center of Kyoto Prefecture. It is a popular sightseeing attraction in Kyoto.

The river is flanked by mountains on both sides, and visitors can enjoy a varied boat ride while admiring the rich natural beauty of the valley.

The attraction is that the scenery changes with the seasons, with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall.

At times, the boat will take you dynamically down rapids, allowing you to fully enjoy the thrill of the ride.

In winter, you can enjoy the snowy scenery as a tatami heating boat, which will give you a uniquely Japanese flavor.

There are three boatmen, two at the front of the boat and one at the back. They are energetic, cheerful, and funny, and their witty banter adds to the atmosphere.

How long does it take to go down the Hozugawa River?

It takes about 2 hours to go down the Hozugawa River.

However, if the water volume increases after a heavy rain, the river will flow faster and you will arrive at Arashiyama in less than one hour.

If the water volume increases beyond the allowable amount, the operation may be cancelled due to danger.

Since this is an attraction that deals with nature, in the event of a cancellation, you should be flexible and make plans in advance to visit other sightseeing spots.

How to make reservations, fares, timetables, and boarding locations for the Hozugawa boat ride

Next, we will tell you how to make reservations for the Hozugawa boatride; the fare, the timetable, and where to board.

How to make a reservation

During the period from March 10 to December 10, when the regular boat service is available, you can board the boats without a reservation as long as seats are available.

You can also make reservations online in advance, so if you want to be sure of getting on the boat, it is recommended that you purchase your ticket in advance.

＞ Click here for reservation details for the Hozugawa boat ride

Please note that during the winter period (December 11 to March 9), when the regular boat service is closed, advance reservations are required.

Make reservations by phone or online.

*Operation is suspended from December 29 to January 4.

＞ Click here for reservation details for the Hozugawa boat ride

Admission

Fees for the Hozugawa boat ride are 6,000 yen for adults and 4,500 yen for children (infants to elementary school students).

*Children are also allowed to board the boat, but please note that those under 80 cm in height are not allowed to board.

The charter fee is 144,000 yen, and reservations can be made for groups of 1 to a maximum of 17 persons.

Those who are considering a group or private river cruise may choose the charter plan.

Operation Schedule and Timetable

The schedule of the Hozugawa boat ride differs between March 10-December 10, when regular boat rides are available, and December 11-March 9, during the winter season.

＜Schedule from March 10 to December 10＞
Hours of operation: 9 am - 3 pm
[Weekdays] 9 am / 10 am / 11 am / 12 pm / 1 pm / 2 pm / 3 pm
[Saturday, Sunday and Holidays] Departs once capacity is reached

＜Schedule from December 11 to March 9＞
Hours of operation: 10 am - 2:30 pm
[Regular schedule] 10 am / 11:30 am / 1:00 pm / 2:30 pm
*On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, there may be many temporary vessels in addition to regular vessels.

For details, please check the official website of Hozugawa Yusen Kigyo Kumiai (Hozugawa Boat Association) below.

＞ Click here for the timetable of the Hozugawa River rafting

Boarding location

The Hozugawa boat stop is located near the Kyocera Kyoto Sanga Soccer Stadium, a five-minute walk from JR Kameoka Station.

It takes about 8 minutes on foot from JR Kameoka Station, so it is best to take a train or bus to get there.

Please be sure to arrive at the boarding area 20 minutes before the scheduled boarding time, including the time to purchase tickets.

There is a souvenir shop at the boarding area, so it is recommended to arrive somewhat early to see them.

It is also recommended to take a round trip with the Sagano Romantic Train!

There is also a trolley train that runs along the same route from Arashiyama to Kameoka.

We recommend taking the Sagano Romantic Train from Arashiyama on the way there and the Hozugawa boat ride from Kameoka on the way back, so that you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Hozugawa Valley from different positions and angles on the way back and forth.

From Kameoka Station to the boarding point of the Hozugawa River rafting takes about 15 minutes by bus or 10 minutes by cab.

It is also nice to travel by train through the beautiful nature, so if you are interested, please enjoy both the river cruise and the train ride.

＞ Click here for the official website of Sagano Romantic Train

Points to keep in mind when going down the Hozugawa River

Although the Hozugawa boat ride is full of natural attractions, there are some precautions to be taken due to the nature of the river cruise.

First of all, you will not be able to go to the restroom for up to two hours after boarding the boat, so it is advisable to go to the restroom before boarding and to refrain from drinking too much.

However, it does get very hot during summer, so bring a water bottle for hydration needs.

Clothing depends on the season and weather. Check the weather forecast, and warmer clothing is recommended for fall and winter.

Prepare well, and enjoy the Hozugawa boat ride to the fullest!

As I have written above, sightseeing in Kyoto is mainly about visiting temples and shrines, but the Hozugawa boat ride, an attraction that allows you to enjoy the rich nature, is also very attractive.

Spending a moment while enjoying nature in each of the four seasons will surely be an unforgettable memory.

Those interested in hands-on activities and those who want to enjoy a relaxing travel experience should visit the Hozugawa River.

＞ Click here for the official website of the Hozugawa River boat ride