A thrilling bort ride with the boatmen
Japan’s oldest river boating, originated in 1606. It descends the 16 kilometer-long Hozu-gawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama. Enjoy the splash of powerful rapids.
In 2017 (Heisei 29), his shiphandling skills were designated an intangible cultural asset. His skillful talk also entertains passengers.
The Hozu River Rafting began about 1,200 years ago, when rafts carried lumber from the Tamba region to the capital of Kyoto. The rafts floated on the Hozu River carried lumber for the construction of Nagaoka-kyo and Heian-kyo, Tenryu-ji Temple, Rinkawa-ji Temple, and Osaka Castle, and the rafts themselves were also used as materials when they arrived at their destinations.
During the Edo period (1603-1867), the construction of cities such as Kyoto, Fushimi, and Osaka brought boat transportation into the spotlight. A wealthy merchant in Kyoto, Suminokura Ryoi, obtained permission from the shogunate to construct the Hozu River boat channel in 1606. This enabled agricultural products from Tamba to be transported to various parts of the country.
In the Meiji era (1868-1912), water transportation (rafts and barges) along the Hozu River declined due to the development of railroads and truck transportation. The natural beauty of the Hozu Gorge attracted renewed attention, and in 1899, the river was converted to a sightseeing boat. The shipbuilding skills of the boatmen have remained unchanged from the time of its birth, and it continues to be a valuable experience for visitors today.
Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride
0771-22-5846
From Sagano Romantic Railway Kameoka Station, take the Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus bound for the Hozu River boat boarding area. 20 min, Immediately after getting off at the last stop. ／ 6 minutes’ walk from JR Kameoka Station
Closing dates : May be closed from December 29 to January 4 and February and September for safety inspection days. Fee: Adults 6,000 yen, children (infants to elementary school students) 4,500 yen
WEBSITE : https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/
