Kameoka, where the boats set off, is about twenty minutes from Kyoto by JR, and the tours handle the transfer to the jetty and send you back the scenic way, landing by Togetsukyo Bridge. If you’d rather get wet, there’s half-day rafting on the same river.
Ride Kyoto’s Hozugawa River for two hours past sculpted rocks and wooded gorges, with skilled boatmen, lively commentary, and occasional splashes.
Most Popular★ 4.7“it's was fun and depends on how entertaining the boat team is.”
★★★★★★★★★★
3,331 reviews2 hoursFrom $37.89
Ride Kyoto’s Sagano Scenic Railway, float down the Hozugawa River, and explore Arashiyama with transfers from Osaka or Kyoto.
★ 4.8“Great experience at Kyoto. Joe is a good guide.”
★★★★★★★★★★
604 reviews10 hoursFrom $65.39
Ride Kyoto’s Sagano train, float through the Hozugawa Gorge, then explore Arashiyama, with practical advice on timing, weather, and value.
★ 4.3“Did this early December and still had some autumn foliage. It was definitely cold so bundle up, but this was such fun! Gorgeous landscape, fantastic tour guides (fun, funny, entertaining). nice to get away from the city and temples for a slower pace and activity…”
★★★★★★★★★★
95 reviews7 hoursFrom $82.09
Raft Kyoto’s Hozugawa River with friendly guides, beginner-friendly rapids, a 3-meter rock jump and free photos, just 25 minutes from Kyoto Station.
★ 4.9“it was great experience! Our guide Nissan was very friendly, funny and helpful. It was our first rafting and I hope not the last one. Everything was excellently organised”
★★★★★★★★★★
95 reviews3 hoursFrom $60.65
Ride Kyoto’s Sagano Romantic Train through Hozukyo Gorge, then float down the Hozugawa River to Arashiyama, weather permitting.
★ 4.2“great recommendation train:”
★★★★★★★★★★
68 reviewsFrom $90.95
Adventure awaits on Kyoto's Hozugawa River with thrilling whitewater rafting, stunning scenery, and expert guides—perfect for active travelers seeking authentic fun.
“It was a great trip! Full of fun and surprises! Our two guides are funny and kept us on our toes! It was beautiful. I am happy we were able to see deers, ducks and other birds! Worth every penny and the train ride out.…”
★★★★★★★★★★
66 reviews3.5 hoursFrom $61by Hozu glitters Co., Ltd.
Compare Kyoto’s Sagano train, horse-drawn carriage, and Hozugawa River cruise, with practical advice on guides, weather, timing, and value.
★ 4.7“It was well organized and I did not have to worry about buying the tickets. If you have visited Swiss Alps before, the romantic train can be skipped. The horse carriage is just for the experience, in terms of scenery there is nothing much. For…”
★★★★★★★★★★
61 reviewsFrom $94.60
Discover the scenic beauty of Kyoto with this combined Sagano Railway and Hozugawa River boat tour, perfect for quick, memorable explorations.
“It was a great experience, even though it was really hot this day. We could easily find the starting point and the bus was very comfortable. The train was nice with beautiful views of the river. The bus from the train station to the pier…”
★★★★★★★★★★
21 reviewsFrom $127.38by Beauty of Japan
Get ready to embark on a breathtaking journey through Kyoto's natural wonders and cultural treasures, but what unexpected delights await you along the way?
★ 3.9“Badly organised with a ‘guide’ who was hardly visible or audible I was told expecting a guide who shared interesting facts about the whole outing but he said nothing and was not a natural-born organiser. The meeting point was a mess. The ‘romantic’ train boarding…”
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8 reviews5 hoursFrom $116
Ride Kyoto’s Sagano Romantic Train, cruise the Hozugawa gorge, and enjoy a Japanese lunch on a guided Arashiyama day tour from Osaka or Kyoto.
★ 5.0“Well timed day with excellent guide Joe. Good variety with delicious lunch in a cool setting on a very hot day. Plenty of time to explore Arashiyama, extremely enjoyable trip. Date of trip was changed week prior due to availability- good communication from company”
★★★★★★★★★★
5 reviewsFrom $80.85
Pair a Hozugawa River cruise with Kyoto’s Sagano train for a two-part Arashiyama outing, with a guide and free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.
★ 5.0“our guide, Joanna, was a very nice person and she is a very considerate person.”
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3 reviewsFrom $93.35