A 16 km descent on a traditional boat down the Hozu river gorge to Arashiyama, with pole boatmen; from around 4.500 ¥.
The descent of the Hozugawa river (Hozugawa Kudari) is one of the most beautiful nature experiences near Kyoto. Aboard a traditional wooden boat, expert boatmen guide the vessel with poles, oars and rudder along about 16 kilometres of gorge, from Kameoka to the Arashiyama district. The journey lasts about two hours and alternates calm stretches, ideal for contemplating the rock walls and the vegetation, with small rapids that splash and add excitement to the trip. The scenery changes spectacularly with the seasons: cherry blossom in spring, intense green in summer and red maples in autumn. The trip starts at around 4.500 ¥. Kameoka is reached by train from Kyoto station or Saga-Arashiyama, and many travellers combine it with the Sagano scenic train to do the outward journey by train and the return by boat. The service may be suspended due to heavy rain or floods, with a refund. Bring something warm, as it is cool over the water.
