This is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for me and the Polish Bear, we went on a boat tour in Arashiyama in Kyoto in 2019, it was unforgettable. I took a lot of footage from my Canon and used a gimbal to smooth out the rocking on the boat and put it together as a vlog.
Hozugawa River Cruises (保津川下り, Hozugawa Kudari) are sightseeing boat rides down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The cruises feature traditional style, flat bottomed boats piloted by boatmen who guide the craft with oars and bamboo poles. The boats take about two hours to leisurely wind their way down the river. You can also combine this with the Sagano scenic railway to come back if you like.
Here is my video of the boat ride
The nice little snack boat sidling up alongside us was a great surprise and that they sold beer was even more amazing on the summery hot day, we needed refreshment. Highly recommend this as a day trip if you ever go to Kyoto. It’s not as crowded or popular with western tourists as many of the other Kyoto sights and is pretty tranquil overall.
About the Hozugawa River
The Hozugawa River was originally used to transport logs that were used to build many of Kyoto and Osaka’s famous temples and castles. During the Edo Period the river was cleared of obstructions so that boats carrying grain, firewood and other cargo could safely navigate it. Trains and trucks eventually made river transport obsolete. However the picturesque nature of the river has made it great for sightseeing cruises.
Content Catnip 
That sounds great. I wish I had known of that option when I was there.
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It was pretty nice, I hope you get a chance to enjoy it if you go back there Kim. 🙂
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Definitely put this on the list! Thanks for sharing
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I think you would love it Jeremy, it is so very relaxing and chilled out, going in the late afternoon for the last boat ride was as the light was really beautiful during golden hour. The guys rowing the boat were really lovely and friendly. This is one of the lesser known things to do in Kyoto and definitely less touristy than other things, but was our favourite thing to do there.
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Muky wants to visit Kyoto so this seems perfect. Thanks
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I hope you two have a wonderful trip!
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Oh not planned yet! But in the works. We’re trying to take more advantage of our proximity. If we book just a few weeks ahead tix to Japan can be like $170 NZ return which is quite tempting
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That is amazingly cheap..how exciting these kinds of last minute trips! You are lucky being so close
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Love the video!! And that snack boat was so surprising to see – I haven’t seen this kind of “floating shop” before 🙂 Thanks a lot for sharing, hope to visit Kyoto one day 😁
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Thank you so much Georgina I’m really glad you enjoyed this 🤗 yes that floating boat was such a surprise and we were delighted by it, nobody on the boat expected it and it was very EXCITING!! I hope you’re doing well dear friend, hugs
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Yes I hope you get to go to Kyoto too. Just like me you may find it difficult to leave!
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You got that music just right Catnip. The perfect accompaniment to a brilliant trip.
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Thank you so much Kev I’m so glad you enjoyed this…yes that song fits eh it will forever remind me of that journey down the river. Hope Hope are going well and take care 🤗💚😻
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