Hozu River

The Hozu River boat ride runs two hours downstream from Kameoka to Arashiyama, with wooden boats steered by boatmen using poles and oars through rapids, deep pools, and narrow rock passages in a forested gorge. The boatmen narrate with humor and local knowledge as they read the currents. The scenery shifts dramatically through the seasons: cherry blossoms over the banks in spring, fiery maples in autumn, and snow-dusted cliffs in winter. You arrive at the foot of Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, where the bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji, and riverside cafes are a short walk away. Seat capacity is around 20 per boat.