Hozugawa River Half-Day White Water Rafting Adventure Kyoto

4.9 (420 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

Duration3.5 hours (14:00 to about 17:30)
Daily (afternoon course at 14:00)
Group

Hozugawa River Half-Day White Water Rafting Adventure Kyoto

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Overview

This half-day Hozugawa rafting adventure takes you out of the city and onto the white water of the Hozu River, only about twenty-five minutes by train from Kyoto Station. You meet at the rafting base near JR Umahori Station, change into your gear and walk to the river, where your guide gives a safety briefing and paddling lesson. Then comes about five kilometres of real rapids through green, forested scenery, with time to swim in a calm stretch and, if you dare, jump from a three-metre rock. A short train ride, included, brings you back to the base to change and see the day's photos. It is a shared group activity for adventurous travellers and families with children aged eight and over.

Highlights

About 5 km of rapids on the Hozu River with an experienced guide
Only about 25 minutes by train from Kyoto Station
Optional swim in the river and a 3-metre cliff jump
Helmet, life jacket and rafting shoes included
Insurance and a commemorative photo file included
Train ticket back to the base included
Changing rooms, restrooms and luggage storage at the base

Full Description

The Hozu River, Kyoto's wild side

The Hozu River, or Hozugawa, is the stretch of the river that runs from the Kameoka basin west of Kyoto through a steep, forested valley before reaching the city at Arashiyama, where it takes the name Katsura. For centuries timber and goods were floated down this valley to the capital, and the famous traditional boat ride and the scenic railway along the gorge still show how beautiful and lively this water is.

Rafting on the Hozugawa is the most active way to experience it. Instead of watching the river from a train window, you are in the middle of it, with the rocks, the forest and the clear green water all around. It is a perfect contrast to days of temples and gardens, and one of the best outdoor activities in Kyoto, especially on a hot summer afternoon.

The 5 km rafting course

After changing at the base, you walk about ten minutes to the starting point, where your guide fits your helmet and life jacket, explains the safety rules and teaches you how to paddle together as a team. Once on the water, the course covers about five kilometres with many rapids, some gentle and some full-scale, where water splashes over your head and the raft bucks through the waves.

Between the rapids there are calm sections to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery of the valley. Your time on the river is about an hour and a half in total. Guides speak English, Japanese and Nepali, and photos are taken during the run, so you can concentrate on paddling. No experience is needed: if you are eight or older and comfortable in the water, this Kyoto rafting trip is for you.

Swimming and the cliff jump

About halfway, the raft stops at a calm stretch where the current is gentle and anyone who wishes can jump in and swim in the river, floating in their life jacket in the cool, clear water. For many guests this is the most relaxing part of the afternoon, especially in July and August.

Then comes the challenge: a rock about three metres high from which you can jump into a deep pool. It is entirely optional, and cheering from the raft is just as much fun. After the jump you paddle the final stretch to the finish point, where a station is close by. The short train ride back to the base takes about five minutes, and the ticket is included in your booking.

The rafting base near JR Umahori Station

How to get to Hozugawa rafting from Kyoto? Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Umahori Station, a journey of about twenty-five minutes, then walk three minutes to the rafting base. If you drive, it is about five minutes from the Shino exit of the Kyoto Jukan Expressway, and parking is free.

The base has changing rooms and restrooms, and your valuables and luggage are stored while you are on the river, so you only need to bring clothes you do not mind getting wet, a towel and a change of clothes. After the trip you change, look through the photos of the day with your guide and receive the photo file. The afternoon course runs from 14:00 to about 17:30, leaving time to return to Kyoto for dinner.

Itinerary

Arrive at the rafting baseMeet at 14:00, change into your rafting clothes and leave your valuables in storage.
Walk to the start and safety briefingAbout ten minutes on foot, then a briefing and paddling lesson from your guide.
Rafting the Hozu RiverFrom about 14:45, around five kilometres of rapids and calm stretches.
River swimAround 15:30, an optional swim in a calm part of the river.
Cliff jumpAround 16:00, an optional jump from a rock about three metres high.
Finish and train backArrive at the finish around 16:45 and take a short train ride back to the base; ticket included.
Change and photosChange, view the day's photos and receive your photo file; the activity ends around 17:30.

What's included

Half-day rafting with a guide
Safety equipment: helmet and life jacket
Rafting shoes
Insurance and tax
Commemorative photos (digital file)
Train ticket back to the rafting base
Changing rooms, restrooms and luggage storage

Not included

Swimwear or clothes that can get wet
Towel
Sunscreen
Transport to the rafting base

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children — a child price for ages 8–11
Active travellers looking for adrenaline
A half-day plan — about 3.5 hours
Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.9/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts
You travel with young children

Not suitable for

Children under 8 years
People under 110 cm (3 ft 6 in)
People over 104 kg (230 lbs)
Pregnant women
Wheelchair users
People with epilepsy
People with diabetes
People with recent surgeries
People over 80 years
People with a cold
Hearing-impaired people

Meeting point

Meet at the rafting base, a 3-minute walk from JR Umahori Station on the JR Sagano Line, about 25 minutes by train from Kyoto Station; the building has a sign on its wall and we send you the exact map location on WhatsApp after booking. If you come by car, it is about 5 minutes from the Shino exit of the Kyoto Jukan Expressway and parking is free. Please arrive at 14:00. Hotel pickup is not included.

Important information

Participants must be 8 years or older and at least 110 cm tall
Participants over 104 kg cannot join for rescue safety reasons
Bring clothes or swimwear that can get wet, a towel and a change of clothes
Jeans, sandals, flip-flops, high heels and jewellery are not allowed on the river
Valuables and luggage are stored at the base during the trip
The tour needs at least 3 participants; if it is cancelled for this reason you receive a full refund
Bring sunscreen in summer; it is not provided
Free parking is available at the base

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

Is this a shared or a private experience?

It is a shared group rafting activity with a guide; you may share the raft with other travellers.

How long does the rafting trip take?

About three and a half hours in total, from 14:00 to about 17:30, with around an hour and a half on the river.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. The base is a 3-minute walk from JR Umahori Station, about 25 minutes by train from Kyoto Station.

What is included?

The guided rafting, helmet, life jacket, rafting shoes, insurance, tax, a commemorative photo file and the train ticket back to the base.

Is the price per person or per group?

The price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for your date.

Is it suitable for children or people with reduced mobility?

Children aged 8 and over who are at least 110 cm tall can join. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women or people with certain health conditions listed on this page.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Everyone wears a life jacket and the guide gives a full safety briefing; the swim and the cliff jump are optional.

What should I bring?

Clothes or swimwear that can get wet, a towel, a change of clothes and sunscreen. Do not wear jeans, sandals or jewellery.

When is the best time for rafting in Kyoto?

Summer is the most popular season, when the water is refreshing and swimming is a pleasure; spring and autumn bring cooler water and beautiful colours in the valley.

What happens in bad weather?

Rafting runs in light rain, since you get wet anyway. Safety decisions on the day are made by the river guides, and we contact you on WhatsApp if anything changes.

Do I get photos?

Yes. Photos are taken during the trip, shown to you after you change, and you receive the photo file.

How do I book and confirm?

Choose your date in the booking panel. Our team confirms your booking and sends the base location on WhatsApp within minutes.