Hozu River
Also known as: Hozugawa, Katsura, Hozugawa Kudari
Dramatic Hozukyo Gorge cliffs, seasonal cherry blossom and maple foliage, ends at iconic Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo district
Is there water?
Whether there is a river here on your dates, and what kind of water it is.
Rain-fed; boats suspend at high water after heavy rain; typhoon-season (Aug-Oct) closures possible
Year-round; standard season ~Mar 10-Dec 7, winter kotatsu boats Dec-early Mar (Confirm. annual dates)
Spring (cherry blossom) and autumn (foliage) peak; scenic year-round including winter heated (kotatsu) boats
Temperate; comfortable spring-autumn; winter cold (heated boats); water cool
High water / heavy rain suspends departures; summer typhoon rainfall main risk
Grade & who can come
A river changes grade with its level. These grades describe a normal flow - in flood the same run is harder, and often a different run entirely. Check the gauge before you commit.
Class 1-2 gentle rapids interspersed with calm mirror pools (guided flat-boat)
Traditional boat descent; kayak
Traditional boats seat larger groups; private/charter options; kayak groups separate
All-ages sightseeing descent; from Kameoka (~JR Kameoka/Saga-Arashiyama via Sagano line); very tourist-friendly
The run
Three boatmen steer flat-bottomed boats with oars and bamboo poles; a few playful rapids; kayakers treat as easy gorge run
Guided flat-boats manage line; high-water cancellations; low technical hazard for passengers
Hozugawa Kudari - Kameoka to Arashiyama (Hozukyo Gorge)
Very high tourist volume, especially spring/autumn; advance booking advised
Access & shuttle
Adult ~4,100 yen / child (4-12) ~2,700 yen (Confirm. current fares); Hozugawa Yusen association
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Board at Kameoka boarding point near JR Kameoka; disembark at Arashiyama near Togetsukyo Bridge
One-way descent; return to Kameoka by Sagano Scenic Railway or JR Sagano line; operator handles boat logistics
No river camps; Kameoka and Arashiyama/Kyoto lodging
Passengers need no gear; seasonal clothing; good mobile coverage; kayakers self-equip
Hozugawa Yusen (boat association); Arashiyama tourism hub; Kyoto operators
Hazards & exits
High-water suspensions; heavy crowds; passengers must follow crew instructions
Road/rail-accessible gorge; operator crews; Kyoto emergency services
Guided only - licensed boatmen; independent kayaking possible with own skill/gear
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand river run report. Coordinates are approximate.