Boats have run this stretch of the Hozu since the early 1600s, when it was cleared to float timber and rice down to Kyoto. The passenger rides keep the same route and the same hand-steered, flat-bottomed boats.
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 was so much fun, and experiencing the Hozugawa River was truly special.”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“Had a great Day with Tomo our tour guide. The trsin ride was great to see everything from above but the real treat was the boat ride. The ride took over 100mins and the scenery was just amazing. Our boat men we very engaging and…”
★★★★★★★★★★
604 reviews10 hoursFrom $65.39
Ride Kyoto’s Sagano Scenic Railway and Hozugawa River boat, with a guide and Arashiyama time, but check weather and language details before booking.
★ 4.6“Thank you very much, ma'am. Your service was excellent! Your singing was also very beautiful.”
★★★★★★★★★★
171 reviewsFrom $65.39
Ride Kyoto’s Sagano Romantic Train through Hozukyo Gorge, then float down the Hozugawa River to Arashiyama, weather permitting.
★ 4.2“We really enjoyed the trip , the views were beautiful and our tour guide was excellent. The only disappointment was that the boat ride was cancelled due to the rain, but the tour guide informed us that we will receive a refund. Overall, it was…”
★★★★★★★★★★
68 reviewsFrom $90.95
Compare Kyoto’s Sagano train, horse-drawn carriage, and Hozugawa River cruise, with practical advice on guides, weather, timing, and value.
★ 4.7“Very thankful for EasyGo guides to plan this full itinerary from pickup at osaka to lisasing with another guide to bring us through Sagano train ride-horse carriage ride-river cruise. Guide HuaHua and Suke are both very friendly and explain things simply on where to meet…”
★★★★★★★★★★
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.
“A must see tour. Organized tour from beginning to end. Planning to return in Spring and Autumn in the near future.”
★★★★★★★★★★
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…”
★★★★★★★★★★
8 reviews5 hoursFrom $116
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.”
★★★★★★★★★★
3 reviewsFrom $93.35