Hozugawa River boat ride tickets and booking ahead
Do you need to book in advance?
Usually not. On an ordinary weekday in June you can turn up at the Kameoka counter and be on the next boat. Two things change that. The first is the calendar: Golden Week and the mid-November to early December colour fill the boats, and turning up at eleven on a Sunday in that fortnight is how people end up not riding. The second is the weekend rule in the main season, where boats go when full rather than hourly, so the queue moves in lumps rather than on a clock.
Counter, online, or a tour
Three different things, and people mix them up.
- The pier counter. ¥6,000 for an adult, ¥4,500 for a child from infant to elementary school age. First come, first served, same day only.
- Online with the operator. Open to groups of nine or fewer. Ten or more should phone ahead rather than trying to book nine plus one.
- A tour package. The boat ticket is included, and so is the part that is actually hard. Prices and what each one covers are on the cost page.
What a tour booking covers that a ticket does not
A tour booking covers
- The boat ticket itself, on every package listed here
- The transfer out to Kameoka from Kyoto, or from Osaka
- Usually the Sagano Romantic Train through the same gorge
- An English-speaking guide with the group
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours
It does not cover
- A private boat, unless you charter one
- A guaranteed sailing if the river is closed for water level
- Meals, unless the listing says so
Book the tour, not the ticket, if your Japanese is limited and your Kyoto days are numbered. The ¥6,000 was never the difficult part. Read the honest verdict if you are still deciding whether to give the river half a day at all.
Discounts and larger groups
The pier prices are fixed and there are a few reductions. With a disability certificate the adult fare is ¥5,400 and the child fare ¥4,050. School trips pay ¥5,400 per person under 35 people, and ¥5,000 per person at 35 and above. If you want the boat to yourselves, a private charter runs ¥144,000 to ¥162,000 depending on the season, which is covered on private tours and charters.
If the operator cancels
Online bookings are refunded in full, automatically, and booked passengers are notified by email either the day before or on the day. Tours sold through GetYourGuide mostly carry free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which is the useful protection when you are watching a forecast. The detail is on the refunds page.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book the Hozugawa River boat ride in advance?
Not on an average day — same-day tickets are sold at the pier counter. Golden Week and the November foliage weeks do sell out, so book those. Timing detail is on the season page.
How much is a ticket at the pier?
¥6,000 for an adult and ¥4,500 for a child from infant to elementary school age. Tour packages include the ticket and cost more because they include the day around it.
Can I book online?
Groups of nine or fewer can book online. Ten or more should phone ahead instead.
Is there a discount for school groups?
Yes. Under 35 people it is ¥5,400 each, and at 35 or more it is ¥5,000 each. There is also a disability discount of ¥5,400 for an adult and ¥4,050 for a child with a certificate.
What if I want the whole boat?
A private charter is ¥144,000 to ¥162,000 depending on season. See private tours and charter boats.