Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

Prepare for your 16km river journey. Get transport details and packing lists for the gorge.

Hozugawa River Boat Ride

2 Shimonakajima, Hozucho, Kameoka, Kyoto 621-0005, Japan

GPS 35.017162, 135.586795

Open directions

Getting there

Take the JR Sagano line to Kameoka Station.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Train: JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to JR Kameoka Station, followed by an 8-minute walk to the boarding point.	30 mins	¥420	The fastest and most direct route from central Kyoto to the starting dock.
Train: Sagano Romantic Train from Saga Torokko Station to Kameoka Torokko Station.	25 mins	¥880	A highly popular scenic railway route; visitors often take this train up the gorge and the boat down.
Bus: Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus or shuttle from Kameoka Torokko Station to the boat boarding area.	15 mins	¥300	Connects the scenic railway terminal directly to the boat dock.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

Peak seasons are April for cherry blossoms and November for autumn leaves. The boat runs nearly year-round. Services stop for typhoons or severe storms.

What to bring

Warm clothing layers (the gorge can be chilly, especially in autumn/winter)
Sunscreen and a hat (for sun protection on the open water)
Camera with a secure neck or wrist strap
Small daypack or bag (large luggage is discouraged)
Cash (to buy snacks from the river vendor boat)
Light rain jacket or poncho (for gentle splashes during the rapids)
Comfortable walking shoes (for exploring Kameoka and Arashiyama)
Drinking water (especially during the humid summer months)

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Life jackets are mandatory for all passengers.

Staff provide life jackets at the dock before boarding.

How the day runs

Combine the boat with the scenic railway.

Take the train up the gorge and the boat down.

09:00
Scenic Train
Ride the Sagano Romantic Train to Kameoka.
09:30
Bus Transfer
Take the 15-minute bus to the boat dock.
10:00
Boat Ride
Navigate the 16km gorge back to Arashiyama.
12:00
Explore
Disembark and walk to Togetsukyo Bridge.

What to bring

Dress in warm layers. The gorge feels colder than central Kyoto. Bring a light rain jacket to handle splashes during small rapids.

Avoid large luggage. The wooden boats have limited space. Leave large suitcases at your hotel or in a station locker before arriving.

Easiest way to do it

A scenic train journeys through vibrant red and orange autumn foliage

Kyoto Hozugawa River Boat Sagano Romantic Train Tour

8 h 4.2 (60)

Ticket for Hozugawakudari River Boat Ride
Ticket of Sagano Romantic Train
Air-conditioned vehicle

From$117per person

Viator$117 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

What to wear on the Hozugawa River boat?

Wear warm layers and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a hat and sunscreen for open water sections. A light rain jacket protects against splashes.

Can you bring luggage on the Hozugawa River boat?

No large suitcases are allowed. Space on the traditional wooden boats is limited. Bring only a small daypack.

Are there toilets on the Hozugawa boat?

There are no toilets on the boats. The ride lasts up to two hours. Passengers must use facilities at the boarding dock.