Kyoto Hozugawa River Cruise: Arashiyama One-Day Trip Itinerary Using Rafting and Sagano Train

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Take the Hozu River Cruise (Hozu River Cruise) to flow along the river, and take the Sagano Train (Sagano Torotrain) on the way back to experience the different aspects of Arashiyama in Kyoto. This article will introduce "How to get to the Hozu River Cruise" , "Hozu River Cruise Experience" and "Arashiyama One-Day Tour Itinerary", step by step explanation of the one-day itinerary guide to Arashiyama Cruise. (🔎Hozu River cruise itinerary reservation:KKday|klook|Trip)

Hozugawa Rafting Station
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Hozugawa Rafting Station

Hozugawa River Boat Ride
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2026-05-19 update
Today: Friday: 09:00 – 15:00
營業中
Monday: 09:00 – 15:00
Tuesday: 09:00 – 15:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 15:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 15:00
Friday: 09:00 – 15:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 15:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 15:00
〒621-0005 2, Hozugawa Shimonakajima, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture
✨ Book Now Hozugawa Rafting Station Related itinerary and tickets

Itinerary guide for one-day trip to Arashiyama in Kyoto

Kyoto Arashiyama Hozu River Rafting Trip Reservation:KKday|klook|Trip

In order to let everyone know how to arrange the itinerary, we first share the way we take the itinerary of Lanshan this day. There are parents and elders, so it will not be hard, but it can also let the elders experience the beautiful scenery of Lanshan in different modes of transportation. Afterwards, they will be interested in this itinerary. I would like to praise you. I didn’t expect to be able to travel and enjoy the scenery like this. Those who are interested in running with you can refer to it!

  • Depart from Kyoto Station and take the JR Sagano Line to ①JR Kameoka Station
  • Walk for 10 minutes from JR Kameoka Station to the ②Hozu River Ferry Terminal (Hozu River Shita)
  • Purchase a ticket and take the Hozu River Cruise down the river for 2 hours before arriving at ③ Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge (have lunch at Arashiyama)
  • After the meal, visit Arashiyama attractions: Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine. It takes 20 to 25 minutes to walk to ④ Arashiyama Train – Arashiyama Station
  • Purchase a ticket and take a small train for 20 minutes to arrive at the train terminal ⑤ Kameoka Station
  • Take the Arashiyama train from Kameoka Station and walk for 10 minutes to ⑥JR Mahori Station, then take the JR Sagano Line back to Kyoto Station

This time, from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama, the transportation includes "JR Sagano Line", "Hozugawa Cruise", "Arashiyama Small Train (Sagano トロッコ Train)" and walking on both feet.Arashiyama's one-day itinerary adopts the way of traveling, and the Japanese transportation route is arranged smoothly. After careful understanding, you can walk according to it. If you do not have the energy to do your homework beforehand, or if you are afraid of taking your parents to take the wrong road, it is recommended to buy a one-day Arashiyama directly. For the tour itinerary, you can go to the meeting point on the same day.

Related Post: Kyoto Accommodation 2026 | 10 Newly Opened Luxury Hotels, Serviced Apartments, Onsen Ryokan, Business Hotels, and Luxury Hostels

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▲ If the text explanation is not clear, you can look at it with this photo to understand the location more clearly.

How to get there by car? Hozu River cruise traffic information and surrounding environment

When going to the boarding pier of the Hozu River Cruise, the fastest way to get there is to take the JR Sagano Line directly from Kyoto Station. Take a train from Kyoto Station directly to Kameoka Station. There is no need to change trains. It can be reached in 30 minutes. After exiting the station, walk 600 meters Meters to reach the boarding pier.

If you want to experience the Arashiyama-Sagano train first, you can take the JR Sanin Main Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, or take the Keifuku Arashiyama Main Line from Shijo-Omiya Station to Arashiyama Station, and take the train from Arashi After arriving at Kameoka Station, take the shuttle bus to the boarding location.

Hozu River Cruise Access Route Map

1. Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to JR Kameoka Station

First, you have to get on the JR Sagano Line smoothly. After entering from the main entrance of Kyoto Station, there is a large electronic signage at the entrance to show the route time, car type, and boarding platform. Find the route to the JR Sagano Line terminal "Sonobe", and confirm Take the platform. The JR Sagano Line is on the right hand side and walk straight to the end. The car will show the terminal "Sonobe" and you can get on the train. At that time, we bought the ticket by ordinary train and arrived at JR Kameoka Station quite quickly.

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▲ We took the 8:10 Sagano Line train, platform No. 33.
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▲ The blue sign above is the direction of each train line and platform; after entering Kyoto Station, go straight to the right.
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▲ The name of the station where the JR Sagano Line stops. One of the Saga Arashiyama is the starting station for the small train. If you only take the small train, you can get off here.
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▲ Confirm the number of trains to the park and prepare to board the train.
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▲ On the way, you can see some beautiful views of Hozu Gorge.
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▲ Everyone gets off at this station of JR Kameoka Station.
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▲ It’s the cherry blossom viewing season, so JR’s staff also handmade a cherry blossom tree and wrote their wishes on it.
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▲ When visiting Arashiyama, you can prepare a booklet and stamp it at each stop to leave a mark of your trip.
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▲Go to the left after exiting the station gate. This direction is to the Hozugawa Ferry Yard.
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2. Walk from JR Kameoka Station to the Hozu River ferry terminal

I have seen Geyou take a shuttle bus from the Arashiyama Little Train Kameoka Station, and I will walk there from JR Kameoka Station. After leaving the station, there is only one way to the Hozugawa Ferry Yard, and there will be along the way. It’s not easy to get lost if you have a banner. You can make plans based on your own itinerary.It takes about 10 minutes to walk there from JR Kameoka Station. We will take our family to enjoy the scenery along the way. The weather in the morning is really comfortable and the weather is good. I look forward to the next cruise!

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▲ The signs along the way are quite clear, plus there is only one way to come, so everyone can rest assured.
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▲ Arrive at the Hozugawa Ferry Yard (Hozugawa Lower Ri)
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Quick Facts: A basic introduction to the Arashiyama Hozu River Cruise

The Hozu River flows from Tamba through Kameoka to Kyoto City and Osaka City. In the early days, it was originally a waterway for transporting timber. After the river was cleared during the Edo period, it became a ship channel for transporting rice, coal and other livelihood supplies. Today it has become a famous The boat tour attraction provides sightseeing services in a hand-operated gondola by a group of three boatmen.

When we were looking for information about the Hozu River Cruise (Hozu River Cruise), we were a little worried that there would be a lot of tourists, so we set off early. When we arrived at the second floor of the ferry terminal to buy tickets, we were actually a little relieved, but I still recommend that everyone When arranging this itinerary, it is better to include "morning & non-holiday" elements.

Hozu River cruises can be divided into manual boats and steamboats. The former is a boat service during the general season, while the latter is a boat ride in the winter. It provides regular boat sailings and charter boat rental services, so you have to take this hand-operated boat that has been handed down from ancient times. The way it operates, you have to choose the right time.

Summer boat trip: March 3th - December 10th

  • The boats depart every hour, and the last boat departs at 15:00
  • 發船時間:9:00/10:00/11:00/12:00/13:00/14:00/15:00
  • Once the seats are full, the ship will sail immediately
  • There are irregular sailings on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Winter boat trip: December 12-March 9

  • Ladder departures every 90 minutes, last departure at 14:30
  • 發船時間:10:00/11:30/13:00/14:30
  • From December 12th to January 19th, service will be suspended all day
  • In winter, take a seated heated boat

Cruise fare

  • Adult: 6,000 yen/person
  • Children (4-12 years old): 4,500 yen/person
  • Only cash payments are accepted, no credit cards are accepted

Schedule time

  • 2 hours, 16 kilometers
  • After arriving at Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge, you can have lunch first and then go on a sightseeing tour around Togetsukyo Bridge in the afternoon.
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▲Relevant boat information can also be found here.
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▲ The information sheet that needs to be filled in when buying a ticket, including the number of people, the name and address of the representative, the ticket and introduction information will be given after the ticket is purchased.
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▲ There are so many celebrity signatures here. This one is placed in the most conspicuous place. It is the signature of the most popular AKB48 member in Japan!
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▲ Call the number on the spot, we are on the 25th and are going to take a boat!
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▲ The crew will sequentially number the passengers to board the ship.
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▲ Explain lifesaving and precautions.
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▲ Go!

Hozu River Cruise Experience: Take a human-powered boat to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the Hozu Gorge

Kyoto Arashiyama Hozu River Rafting Trip Reservation:KKday|klook|Trip

Japanese cruise ships are built to shuttle through unique or magnificent scenery, and you will love them once you have taken them. We later arranged several boat trips, which will be listed below.In addition, the boatman is also a major feature of the itinerary. Some will sing a song to entertain the "confidant" on the boat, and some will introduce the scenic features along the way. At the time, the ride belonged to the latter. Because I didn't understand Japanese, I couldn't understand the introduction. Fortunately, the official website has detailed Chinese. Commentary, you can link to the official website before you leave (I point), it’s much clearer to read the guide text while traveling.

  • The itinerary of the Hozu River Cruise: Koami no Taki → Temple no fishing ground → Asahi no Ze → Kan no trace → Tsuna no trace → Ukai no beach → Shomono Rock → River deer (frog) rock → Daibeikaku → Hikifune

Related Post: Kyoto Cruise Guide: Guide to Sightseeing Boats, Houseboats, and Downstream Cruises for Lazy Bags

Hozu River cruise route map
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (2)
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (3)
▲ Pay attention to sun protection when taking a boat on a sunny day with no clouds. This trip is 2 hours. It is often dark in the cold spring and you will not notice it.
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (4)
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (5)
▲ Clear and cold water.
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (6)
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (7)
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (8)
▲ I think the scenery of Arashiyama Hozu Gorge spring cherry blossoms is not as beautiful as red leaves. I suggest you choose autumn to make it more beautiful.
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (9)
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (10)
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▲ At the rest stop, you can buy hot food, drinks, and alcohol to cushion your stomach.
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (13)
Kyoto Hozu River Cruise (14)
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▲ Arrive at the destination Lanshan Togetsu Bridge.
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▲According to the official website information, the boat will be towed back by the boatman for four hours. A walkway dedicated to the towing of the boat has been excavated on the river bank, which is called a tow road.
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▲ There are also various types of houseboats carrying passengers around Togetsu Bridge to enjoy the beautiful scenery here.
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Featured in the same scene: The experience of riding the Arashiyama Sagano Train

Arashiyama Sagano train ticket reservation:KKday|KlookPassenger Road

When arranging a one-day trip to Arashiyama, most people will choose to take the Arashiyama Sagano Train (Sagano Tono Train) to Arashiyama, and then take a bus or train when returning to Kyoto city. The fare is compared to the Hozu River Cruise It’s cheap, and you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama and Hozu Gorge.

We were going back to Kyoto city from Arashiyama. We went to Arashiyama Station to buy a train ticket and took the Arashiyama-Kameoka (Tornooka Station) trip, and then walked 550 meters from Kameoka Station. From JR Mahori Station, take the JR Sagano Line back to Kyoto Station. If you want to buy a train ticket and travel all the way, you can also refer to the following article for a complete explanation.

Related Post: "Sakura Viewing Spots in Kyoto" Sagano Sightseeing Railway: a Trotko train that explores the scenery of Arashiyama

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▲ Prepare to walk from Togetsu Bridge to Arashiyama Station of the Arashiyama Little Train. This is the route direction.
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▲ Pass through Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, and arrive at Arashiyama Station at about two o'clock in the afternoon.
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▲ There are still seats available for the latter shifts. It is also possible to buy a seat in Car No. 5. We have to wait until after 3 o'clock and we have to rush to the Heian Shrine to enjoy the evening concert, so we don't have to wait too much.
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▲ This position is Car 5.
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▲ The view from the top to the bottom is different, but the same is beautiful.
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▲ Prepare to leave Kameoka Station on the Arashiyama train and walk to JR Mahori Station.
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▲ Go left after exiting the station, go straight for about 8 minutes and then turn left, you will see Mabori Station.
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▲ After purchasing the ticket, take the JR Sagano Line back to Kyoto.
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▲ Two trips to Arashiyama and his party finally asked me to collect all four seals. ^0^

Video introduction: Unboxing video of Arashiyama Hozu River Cruise

Take a look while you're at it. Google,Threads,PTT,Dcard,FB What netizens are saying
Howard Wu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"The two-hour downstream rafting trip involved three boatmen taking turns steer, pole, and paddle—all entirely manual operations, which is no easy feat. Along the way, the maple leaves were ablaze with color, turning red, yellow, and green; the journey alternated between smooth stretches and rapids, making for a truly thrilling experience. Even in the fast currents, the boatmen maintained a distance of about ten centimeters from the rocks, ensuring no collisions whatsoever—a perfect rafting experience. The boatmen not only spoke Japanese but also interacted with passengers in English, which was fantastic! 👍 For some of the scenery along the way, we encourage you to use your imagination. Remember to book your tickets in advance! Every passenger's name must be included. Especially during peak autumn foliage season, it's essential to book online early."
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Max Chen
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I couldn't get tickets for the Arashiyama Scenic Railway, so I thought I'd take a Hozu River cruise instead. I didn't have high expectations, but... the scenery exceeded my expectations, and it was even more worthwhile than the train ride! Everyone should definitely take a ride if they have the chance! The ride takes about two and a half hours, and it's excellent value for money!"
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Robert Eversmann
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"It's so much fun! This is my third time here, haha. The first two times were with my wife, and the third time I brought my American family. I still think it's super fun and super beautiful. The captains on the boat are hilarious."
Read more

Hozugawa Rafting Station

Hozugawa Shimoya Boat TerminalHozugawa Cruise Corporate Portfolio
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Last synced: 2026-05-19
Reservations: KKday | Trip | klook
Saturday: 09:00 – 15:00
+ 81 771-22-5846 營業中
〒621-0005 2, Hozugawa Shimonakajima, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture
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