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
<br><b>▷Access to Hozugawa River Boat Ride Boarding Area</b>
<b>by train</b>
・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
<font color="red">※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.</font>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
Free cancellation until your booking is confirmed.
- On the activity day / No-show: 100%
Reviews
Guest photos 224
東京から来た母が楽しみにしていて連れて行ったのに残念でした。
◎ Situation on the day
Our reserved boat ride was scheduled to depart at 11:00 with check-in at 10:45.
The shuttle bus from Torokko Kameoka Station left around 10:40.
The reservation information stated that the shuttle bus takes about 15 minutes, and that they would accept passengers even after the check-in time until the boat departs.
The bus was full, and we arrived at the boarding area around 10:50.
Since we w… Honestly, I was filled with anxiety and impatience until we boarded the ship!
◎ Situation on the day
Our reserved boat ride was scheduled to depart at 11:00 with check-in at 10:45.
The shuttle bus from Torokko Kameoka Station left around 10:40.
The reservation information stated that the shuttle bus takes about 15 minutes, and that they would accept passengers even after the check-in time until the boat departs.
The bus was full, and we arrived at the boarding area around 10:50.
Since we were seated at the back of the bus, many people in front were unfamiliar with the payment process, causing delays, and as time passed, I became quite anxious as 11:00 approached.
When we reached the check-in counter, there was a long line (approximately 80 people).
There were separate lines for same-day tickets and reservations, so we naturally lined up in the reservation line (the same number of people were in line).
At this point, we had to fill out a card, wondering what the purpose of the reservation was as we waited.
It was well past 11:00, and the staff kept repeating, "We will call you in order," as numbers were called in the order of check-in, but what I wanted to know was whether everything would be alright since we were already past the check-in time.
Even though we had a reservation, we ended up on the last boat, which departed around 11:40.
Does that mean that many of the people in the same-day ticket line boarded earlier than us?
What is the point of making a reservation?
In the rain, we ended up on the last boat scheduled for 11:00 (departing at 11:40), but the boat ride was enjoyable thanks to the humorous guides.
◎ What I thought about it
If the connection with the Torokko was smooth, there would be no need to feel rushed (and it wouldn't be too long).
As first-time passengers, it would be helpful to have clear and polite guidance on the procedures for boarding, what to expect, and how long it would take to board in the crowded waiting area.
Creating an environment where passengers can wait comfortably until boarding, with clear displays of boarding order numbers, would be beneficial.
Shouldn't reservation customers have priority boarding?
I understand that they are in a difficult situation due to the harsh changes after COVID-19 and the circumstances surrounding the boat ride, but I hope they can continue this traditional boat ride safely.
I wish for their prosperity during the autumn foliage season. 正直、乗船まで、焦りと不安でいっぱいだった!
◎ 当日の状況
私たちの予約した船下りは11:00発チェックイン10:45のもの
トロッコ亀岡駅着し連絡バスが発したのは10:40ころ
予約時の案内には連悪バス所要時間約15分で、チェックイン時間を過ぎても船発までは受け付けるとの記載があった
バスは満員で乗船場に着いたのが10:50ころ
バスの後ろに乗ってしまったため前から降りる人の支払いが不慣れな人も多くもたつき、ドンドン時間が過ぎ11:00が迫りかなり焦った
チェックインカウンター着くと長蛇の列(目算80人ほど)でごった返し
当日券と予約の… 正直、乗船まで、焦りと不安でいっぱいだった!
◎ 当日の状況
私たちの予約した船下りは11:00発チェックイン10:45のもの
トロッコ亀岡駅着し連絡バスが発したのは10:40ころ
予約時の案内には連悪バス所要時間約15分で、チェックイン時間を過ぎても船発までは受け付けるとの記載があった
バスは満員で乗船場に着いたのが10:50ころ
バスの後ろに乗ってしまったため前から降りる人の支払いが不慣れな人も多くもたつき、ドンドン時間が過ぎ11:00が迫りかなり焦った
チェックインカウンター着くと長蛇の列(目算80人ほど)でごった返し
当日券と予約の列があり当然予約の列に並ぶ(同数の人が並んでいた)
ここでまた記載するカードがあり何のための予約かと思いながら記載して待つ
時間はとっくに11:00を過ぎ「順番に案内します」をスタッフが繰り返し、順番に先の受付順に番号が呼ばれて乗船していくが、ここで知りたかったのはチェックイン時間をドンドン過ぎているのに大丈夫なのかということ
私たちは予約していたのに最後の船11:40ころ発になった
とうことは、あの当日券の列に居た多くの人の方が早く乗ったとうこと?
予約って何?と思った
雨の中、11:00発予定の最後の船(11:40発)となったが、船下りは、ユーモアある船頭達の案内で楽しく過ごせた
◎ そこでどう思ったか
トロッコとの連絡連携がスムースなら焦ることもない(また長過ぎず)
乗客はまず初めてである ごった返す乗船待合での「乗船までどういう手順なのか」「自分たちはどうなるのか」「どのくらいで乗れるのか」などの分かりやすく丁寧な案内や掲示、乗船順番号の掲示版などで乗船まで安心して待てる環境づくり
予約客から優先乗船ではないのかなぁ?
コロナ後の厳しい環境変化や船下りを取り巻く情勢などで苦境にあると思うが、伝統あるこの船下りを安全に続けていってほしい
紅葉季の繁盛を祈る
12時出発の予約が、11時35分に行って、12時30分に出発した。後のスケジュールがあったので、とても心配でした。
時期の問題と思いますが、強いて言えば川下りの時間が長すぎスピード感もなく迫力不足、機会あれば違う季節を楽しんでみたいです。
ただ人と人との距離がとても近く、前席の方々がお酒を呑みながらマスクを外して話されていたのが気になりました。
季節ごとに違った景色を楽しめると思うので、次は新緑の時期に訪れたいです。
予約してあると安心です。乗るまでに30分くらい待ちました。船の中で飲食できます。待合室に売っていますし、最後の方ですが、船に売りに来ます。
船頭さんたちが面白かったです。のんびりしました。
船頭さんが皆さん話上手で、終始飽きさせず楽しい船旅となりました。
ありがとうございました
Lastly, if you don't print the voucher, it will cost you 50 yen. This is the first time I've experienced this, both domestically and internationally. Be sure to print it out! 桜が終わって、梅雨に入る前の緑の季節。行きは、トロッコ列車、帰りは、川下り。最初は、単調な川流で、昨日からの観光疲れも出て、失礼ながら、あくび。中盤以降は変化のある川流で、ちょっとしたジェットコースター気分。周りの景色か、桜や紅葉なら、もっと楽しめたはす。
最後にバウチャーを、プリントして来なかったら、50円、かかりました。
今まで、国内外で初めてです。必ずプリントしていきましょう。
Since it was hot, the sunlight was intense on the way back from Kameoka Station to the car.
You can also stroll around Arashiyama, and the parking is free, so I recommend it.
There are several moments on the train ride back when you can look down at the places you were at before.暑い中、涼しい川下りは気持ちよかったです。
暑い中だったので、帰りに亀岡駅から車までの日差しがきつかったです。
嵐山の散策もできるし、駐車場無料だし、おすすめ。
帰りの電車の車窓から それまで自分たちがいた場所が見下ろせる瞬間が何回かあります。
One downside was the narrow spacing between people, and the seating had almost no cushioning, making it difficult to relax and enjoy the scenery comfortably. Since the duration was relativ… The weather was just right, neither too hot nor too cold, making it a pleasant experience. The boatmen provided explanations and engaged in enjoyable conversations while rowing. Their teamwork was excellent, and even while casually chatting, they seemed very experienced and knowledgeable, which was reassuring.
One downside was the narrow spacing between people, and the seating had almost no cushioning, making it difficult to relax and enjoy the scenery comfortably. Since the duration was relatively long, maintaining that position was quite tough. The couple behind us kept murmuring about it quietly, which was a bit unpleasant. For those with back pain, it might be a good idea to bring a small cushion. 暑くも寒くもなくちょうど良い気候で参加できました。
船頭さんたちは漕ぎながら説明と
楽しいお喋りをしてくれます。
チームワークもよく何気なくお喋りしながらも
経験も豊富で熟知してらっしゃる感じで安心できました。
難点は人と人との間隔が狭く
座るところもクッション性がほぼないので
ゆったりくつろぎながら景色を楽しめないところでしょうか…。
時間もわりと長いのでその体勢が結構辛いです。
後ろのご夫婦がそれをずーっと小声でブーブー
言っていたので、そこは気分が悪かったです。
腰痛もちの人などは小さい座布団を持参するといいか… 暑くも寒くもなくちょうど良い気候で参加できました。
船頭さんたちは漕ぎながら説明と
楽しいお喋りをしてくれます。
チームワークもよく何気なくお喋りしながらも
経験も豊富で熟知してらっしゃる感じで安心できました。
難点は人と人との間隔が狭く
座るところもクッション性がほぼないので
ゆったりくつろぎながら景色を楽しめないところでしょうか…。
時間もわりと長いのでその体勢が結構辛いです。
後ろのご夫婦がそれをずーっと小声でブーブー
言っていたので、そこは気分が悪かったです。
腰痛もちの人などは小さい座布団を持参するといいかもしれません。
During the river descent, three boatmen took turns talking to us, and the hour and a half flew by.
One point I would like to see improved is the requirement to print the voucher. Other tour companies allow for voucher-less check-… I took the trolley from Saga Station to Kameoka Station, and then traveled by bus from Kameoka. There were taxis waiting at Kameoka Station, but they are reservation-only, so if you wish to travel by taxi, you need to make a reservation in advance at Saga Trolley Station.
During the river descent, three boatmen took turns talking to us, and the hour and a half flew by.
One point I would like to see improved is the requirement to print the voucher. Other tour companies allow for voucher-less check-in, where you can simply provide your name at the reception. It feels like a hassle to have to print the voucher and then also write the representative's name and address on paper at the site, making the process feel redundant. トロッコに乗って嵯峨駅から亀岡駅へ、亀岡からはバスにて移動しました。
亀岡駅にはタクシーも待機していましたが、予約制なのでタクシー移動を希望の方はトロッコ嵯峨駅にて事前予約が必要です。
川下り中は3人の船士さんが交代制でお話くださり、1時間半強があっという間でした。
1点、改善いただきたいのはバウチャーを必ず印刷していかなければいけないというところ。
他の催行会社はバウチャーレスなので、名前を受付でお伝えするだけでチェックインができるようにしてほしいです。バウチャー印刷の上、現地でも紙に代表名、住所等書か… トロッコに乗って嵯峨駅から亀岡駅へ、亀岡からはバスにて移動しました。
亀岡駅にはタクシーも待機していましたが、予約制なのでタクシー移動を希望の方はトロッコ嵯峨駅にて事前予約が必要です。
川下り中は3人の船士さんが交代制でお話くださり、1時間半強があっという間でした。
1点、改善いただきたいのはバウチャーを必ず印刷していかなければいけないというところ。
他の催行会社はバウチャーレスなので、名前を受付でお伝えするだけでチェックインができるようにしてほしいです。バウチャー印刷の上、現地でも紙に代表名、住所等書かなければいけないので手続きが二度手間のように感じます。
暑くもなく寒くもなく快適な保津川下りを体験できました。
最前列席だったので船頭さんの楽しい話もしっかり聞けて楽しさ増々でした。
前日が雨だったので水の濁りが唯一の残念項目。
桜の季節、紅葉の季節にも来てみたいと思いました。
He was quite skilled in conversation, and I really enjoyed it.
The whitewater rafting was thrilling and better than the rafting in Wakayama.
I was surprised to see so many soft-shelled turtles along the river!何年か前にも参加経験ありますが、その時より船頭さんが若年化しています。
話術巧みで、結構楽しめました。
急流下りではスリル満点で、和歌山の筏下りより良かったです。
川沿いにスッポンが沢山いてビックリしました!
通常より川の水が少ない時期のようで、川底に船があたるのような状況でした。予約時間から1時間45分で解散でした。
急流のあたりでは水に濡れることもあります。
暑い日でしたが、川の上は少し涼しく、さまざまな歴史の話などもあり楽しめました。
ただバウチャーの提出が必須で、印刷していないと50円で印刷してもらう必要があります。その際に、案内の方から公式サイトからいけるもう一つのチケットサイトであれば印刷不要であると情報があり、少し残念な気持ちになり… 6月の梅雨に入ったけれどまだ然程雨の降っていない時期に体験しました。
通常より川の水が少ない時期のようで、川底に船があたるのような状況でした。予約時間から1時間45分で解散でした。
急流のあたりでは水に濡れることもあります。
暑い日でしたが、川の上は少し涼しく、さまざまな歴史の話などもあり楽しめました。
ただバウチャーの提出が必須で、印刷していないと50円で印刷してもらう必要があります。その際に、案内の方から公式サイトからいけるもう一つのチケットサイトであれば印刷不要であると情報があり、少し残念な気持ちになりました。







































































































