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Japan/Things to Do in Kyoto, couple trip

Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari)?

88%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 88% Couple-Friendly: Shared bench seating, cozy winter heated boats, and quiet stretches through maple-lined ravines create a romantic atmosphere, and ending in Arashiyama offers date-friendly cafés.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 4,476 reviews)
Hozugawa River Cruise - Exciting boat ride in Arashiyama, Kyoto 2023
15 min
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Hozugawa River Cruise - Exciting boat ride in Arashiyama, Kyoto 2023
42.1K views • 1 year ago
Hozugawa River Cruise Arashiyama Kyoto, October 30th, 2022
6 min
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Hozugawa River Cruise Arashiyama Kyoto, October 30th, 2022
8.7K views • 2 years ago
Kyoto's Most Breathtaking River Adventure! - Hozugawa Boat Ride (4K)
9 min
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0:00
Kyoto's Most Breathtaking River Adventure! - Hozugawa Boat Ride (4K)
1.8K views • 10 months ago
If You Come To KYOTO JAPAN You Should Try This ! ( Hozugawa River Cruises )
11 min
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0:00
If You Come To KYOTO JAPAN You Should Try This ! ( Hozugawa River Cruises )
2.5K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Intimate shared adventure: Rapids and calm stretches offer moments to laugh and relax together.
  • Unique photo memories: Gorge walls and train crossings create backdrops you won’t find elsewhere.

Challenges:

  • Limited seating: Benches fill up fast; late bookings may only get middle spots.
  • No onboard restrooms: Use the toilets at Kameoka boarding site before departure.
  • Weather exposure: Rapids spray and open sides can get you wet on windy days.
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What is Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari)?

  • A riverboat excursion traversing the 16-kilometer Hozugawa corridor between Kameoka and Arashiyama in Kyoto Prefecture
  • A craft that experienced boatmen propel and steer through the Hozugawa Gorge’s rapids, boulders, and winding rock formations
  • A seasonal attraction operating from spring through autumn amid cherry blossoms, maple foliage, and steep-sided riverside cliffs

What is so special about Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) for couple trip?

  1. Experience shared thrills navigating Kyoto’s rapids by boat
  2. Pose for unique couple photos by iconic rock formations
  3. Enjoy seasonal scenery: blossoms, foliage or winter warmth
  4. Engage in punting for a hands-on adventure together
  5. Extend the journey with the Sagano Scenic Railway return

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: A 2-3 hour ride lets you enjoy rapids, scenic bends and onboard experiences without rushing.

(View Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari)

Early morning departure:

Ride at the first slot for quieter waters and softer light.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance to secure a 9 AM departure.

Punting try-out:

Ask the boatman to let you pole the boat near trip’s end.

Tip: Show enthusiasm and they’ll hand you the bamboo pole for free.

Rock formation photo ops:

Spot Eboshi-iwa (Samurai Hat Rock) and Lion Rock along the gorge.

Tip: Sit on the right side for best views of the rock formations.

Return via Sagano Scenic Railway:

Cap the trip with a train ride back through forested hills.

Tip: Reserve train seats early to get the open-sided cars for better views.

When is the best time to visit Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) (Kyoto, Japan)?

Spring brings cherry blossoms along the banks. Autumn reveals fiery maple leaves. Winter boats have heated shelters. Summer mornings are cooler; avoid rainy afternoons.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Kyoto on Trip.com

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Reviews of Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) (Kyoto)

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Matthew Sharpe

Matthew Sharpe

Jul 2025

**American Family Visiting** There was plenty of parking onsite and the facilities were clean and staff was friendly. There was some English available for tickets, safety videos, and announcements. Purchasing the ticket was easy at the counter. There is no electronic ticket machine. Inside is also a souvenir shop and food/drinks which can be brought onto the boat. Boats normally launch when ...

Matthew

Matthew

Jun 2025

This experience was an absolute blast! The crew working is very funny and knowledgable and overall a very good time. The value for this experience is very good, and I will highly recommend it. We were able to see some birds that we never saw in the city, as well as some wild monkeys. It was lots of fun.

Sae

Sae

Jun 2025

This was such a fun and adventurous experience! The staff were incredibly friendly and made it even more enjoyable by giving us a humorous and engaging tour during the boat ride. Excellent service and warm hospitality all around. One tip: if it’s a sunny day, be sure to apply sunscreen beforehand—it can get quite hot out on the water.

Casey White

Casey White

May 2025

This boat ride is approximately 2 hours in duration. It was a very leisure ride with a few light rapids (which were my favorite part). We did not get wet at all. The boat was comfortable and the crew were very engaging and fun. We also saw some nice wildlife along the way. At the end of your ride, there is a refreshment boat with snacks and drinks available for purchase. We tried the dango, which ...

Belle Nippanon

Belle Nippanon

Apr 2025

The Hozugawa river boat ride was such a fun and relaxing experience. The 2-hour journey was filled with calm and cool weather, making it a perfect way to unwind. There were a few exciting moments along the way, but nothing too scary—just enough to keep it interesting. There were three boatmen who took turns rowing. They were incredibly strong, professional, and friendly. They kept chatting with u...

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Boat ride ticket (one-way per adult)JPY 6,000
Sagano Scenic Railway return ticket (per adult)JPY 880
Total EstimatedJPY 13,760

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari)

  1. Choose side seats: Sit on the right for rock views or left for river bends.
  2. Book online early: Lock in your preferred time and avoid sold-out slots.
  3. Combine bookings: Pair with a Sagano train ticket for a seamless round trip.
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Kyoto attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

Map of Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari)

Address: Japan, 〒621-0005 京都府亀岡市保津町下中島2

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) (Kyoto)?

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About Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari)

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 771-22-5846

Average price

US$ 41.53
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Average price

US$ 41.53
Promo on Trip.com
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