Hozugawa River Cruise

Hozugawa River Cruises (保津川下り, Hozugawa Kudari) offer a peaceful boat ride from Kameoka to Arashiyama, passing through a beautiful forested ravine. For about two hours, you’ll glide down the river in traditional flat-bottomed boats, guided by skilled boatmen using oars and bamboo poles. These boats are heated in winter, and a plastic cover is used when it rains lightly—making it comfortable in most seasons.

The cruise is especially popular in autumn, when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold from mid-November to early December. It’s often paired with the Sagano Scenic Railway, giving you two ways to enjoy Kyoto’s natural charm. Once used to carry timber and goods during the Edo Period, the river now offers a nostalgic journey through history and nature.