While visiting ancient Kyoto city in Japan, you can’t miss the Arashiyama area, which is renown for its bamboo forest and also the most scenic Kyoto river boat ride cruises. The 2 Hours Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) span over 16km from Kameoka to Arashiyama which will pass by cherry blossoms in spring and stunning picturesque colourful autumn foliage scenery in fall. Upon arriving at the Arashimaya boat landing site, the Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove which is one of Kyoto’s top sights is just a short distance walk away.
The history of the Hozugawa River Boat Ride is about 400 years old. In 1606, it was developed as an industrial waterway by a wealthy merchant of Kyoto, Suminokura Ryoi. It was used to deliver goods such as lumber, firewood, and charcoal to the capital from Tanba Province. After the invention of railways and cars, the delivery methods have changed; however, the Hozugawa Kudari continues in the form of a tourist attraction for people to enjoy the beautiful valley throughout the four seasons.
For the Hozugawa Kudari, they use a 16 passenger flatboat. On the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, a three-person crew navigates the boat through the river with rapids and big rocks. Watching the team skillfully navigate the ship with long bamboo sticks is one of the highlights.
Hozugawa River Boat Rides start from 9:00 AM and costs 4,100 yen for adults and 2,700 yen for children four years of age to elementary school students.