hozu river cruise

Hozugawa River Cruise

Hozugawa River Cruises (�ےÐ쉺��, Hozugawa Kudari) are sightseeing boat rides down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama . The cruises utilize traditional style, flat-bottomed boats piloted by boatmen with oars and bamboo poles. The boats take about two hours to leisurely make their way down the river and are a relaxing way to see the natural scenery of the largely undeveloped ravine. The river cruises are often combined with a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway .

Cruises are offered year round, but are particularly popular from mid November to early December when the leaves change color . The boats are heated in winter and operate during light rain (they will be covered in a plastic tent), but service is canceled in case of heavy rain or large changes in the water level.

The Hozugawa River was originally employed 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, and operations ceased after several hundred years of use. However, the boats were brought back and eventually became popular as a sightseeing attraction.

Getting there and around

The departure point for cruises is a short bus ride (170 yen) or ten minute walk from JR Kameoka Station (20-30 minutes, 420 yen from Kyoto Station ). Alternatively, the pier is a 15 minute, 310 yen bus ride from Torokko Kameoka Station, the last stop on the Sagano Scenic Railway from Arashiyama .

Boats arrive in Arashiyama , a few hundred meters upstream from the Togetsukyo Bridge.

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• Another Kyoto
• Hozu River Boat Cruises
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Hozu River Boat Cruises 保津川下り

2 Shimonakajima, Hozu-cho, Kameoka-shi, Kyoto-fu

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A riverboat ride through the wild hills of west Kyoto

The Hozu River passes through Kyoto and the city of Kameoka, which lies to the west. Splendid mountains line the riverbanks, forming a landscape straight out of a painting. Delightful throughout the year, the mountains turn bright red in autumn, a landscape best enjoyed from a boat. The Hozugawa river cruise will help you take in that view.

Quick Facts

Eagles, kingfishers and cormorants are abundant

Boats depart hourly, although during busy periods they will depart as soon as they are full

You can buy food and snacks during the journey from a boat that pulls alongside

How to Get There

You can reach the cruise jump-off spot by JR train then shuttle bus.

The departure point for the boats is a 10-minute walk from JR Kameoka Station. There are shuttle buses from Torokko Kameoka Station for those combining the boat ride with the Sagano Scenic Train.

Taking the current back in time

During the “Kawakudari” riverboat ride, guests enjoy the two-hour, 16-kilometer ride from Kameoka to Arashiyama, as three boatmen steer the traditional, flat-bottomed boats with oars and bamboo poles.

The ride alternates between thrilling sections with strong currents and deeper stretches that are calm. Along the way, the boat's 20 passengers can enjoy birds, wildlife and the Hozu River Gorge's unusual rock formations.

A trade artery into Kyoto and Osaka

Popular for over 100 years.

Trains and trucks of the modern period eventually made river transport obsolete, with operations ceasing completely in 1945. However, the boats took on new life as a sightseeing attraction as early as 1895, drawing over 300,000 visitors a year, including a large number of celebrities and members of royalty.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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Hozugawa River Boat Ride｜ 保津川下り

A trip to Kyoto wouldn’t be complete without exploring the city’s gorgeous natural scenery, and one of the best ways to do this is to take a short train trip to the neighboring city of Kameoka and board the Hozugawa Kudari boat ride!  This popular river route has a rich history dating back more than 400 years and offers visitors a chance to enjoy a leisurely and entertaining boat ride through one of Kyoto’s most beautiful areas.

Taking approximately two hours to travel 16 kilometers down the Hozugawa river between Kameoka and the well-known sightseeing area Arashiyama, the Hozugawa Kudari boat ride costs 4,100 yen for adults and 2,700 yen for children aged 4-12.  Though most of the river provides a smooth, calming journey, there are a few rapids that supply some additional excitement along the way, and depending on the season you can enjoy cherry blossoms, vivid greenery, fall colors, and even snow!  With the trip narrated by jaunty boatmen ready to point out local ravine wildlife, historical spots, comically shaped rocks, and good photograph spots, as well as to explain the finer points of boat steerage, you’ll be in good hands until you reach land once more.

The Hozugawa Kudari route was used for transporting lumber as far back as the 8 th century, and after the river was widened by a wealthy merchant Suminokura Ryōi in the early 1600s, it served to ship rice and other goods all the way to the Port of Osaka.  Even today you can see the remains of the paths along the river that the boatmen once had to trek every day, hauling their vessels back upstream by rope!  Sightseeing took over the route once modern transportation dominated the shipping industry, and now approximately 300,000 tourists ride the Hozugawa Kudari every year.

〒621-0005 京都府亀岡市保津町下中島２

• General: ¥ 4,100
• Children (4-12 years old): ¥ 2,700
• Check the tickets and timetable information at the Hozugawa River Boat Ride official website .

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• JR San-in Line ⇒ Kameoka Station ⇒ 7 minutes walking
• Torokko Saga Station ⇒ Torokko Kameoka Station ⇒ 30 minutes walking 
• Torokko Saga Station ⇒ Torokko Kameoka Station ⇒ 6 minutes walking ⇒ Umabori Station (JR San-in Line) ⇒ Kameoka Station ⇒ 7 minutes walking

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Hozugawa River Cruise: History, Nature, Rapids and Snacks

For a fun outdoorsy adventure in Kyoto, check out the Hozugawa River Cruise. Departing from Kameoka, this two hour, 16km journey follows the Hozu River over gentle rapids and past beautiful flora and fauna, finally arriving in the popular town of Arashiyama. It’s a relaxing (and occasionally thrilling) experience that harkens back to an earlier time in Kyoto’s history, when these boats were used to transport supplies downstream.    

First stop: Kameoka

The Hozugawa River Cruise departs from the town of Kameoka, less than 30 minutes from Kyoto Station. As you make your way there, you’ll pass over a series of bridges, catching a glimpse of the river valley you’ll soon be exploring. 

At the boat departure building, you can relax, grab a bite, or do some souvenir shopping until your number is called — then it’s down to the riverbank!

Each boat fits around 24 people, sitting 4 to a row. Once the life vests are on, the staff pass around a laminated sheet of instructions in English. Note: this experience is conducted in Japanese with minimal English. You’ll miss some of the explanations but you don’t need language to enjoy nature.

Setting sail on the Hozu River

As the wooden boats are fairly large, they require three operators. One uses a bamboo stick to pierce the riverbed and drag the boat forward, another rows with one oar, and the third operator steers from the back. It’s vigorous work so they switch roles throughout the journey, joking around and pretending to lose footing on the side as they make their way past.  

After leaving the shallow waters of Kameoka, you’ll soon encounter some gentle rapids and deep basins as you wind your way through the mountainous valley . 

Nature along the Hozugawa 

Japan’s four seasons are very distinct so you can expect nature to put on a show no matter when you visit. In spring, the valley is dotted with soft pink and white cherry trees ; in autumn, it’s a glorious patchwork of greens, yellow, oranges, and reds with pampas grass swaying in the sunshine. Summer is lush with colourful pops of azaleas, while winter is a magical snowy scene viewed from inside a heated tatami boat.

On the journey, the operators point out the resident birds, rocks, mountains and bridges along the route. It’s fascinating to see the large boulders in the water with holes bored into them from hundreds of years of bamboo poles poking the same spot. In fact, there is one point when the operator with the bamboo pole manages to accurately hit three well-worn holes in a row to propel us further along.  

River cruise and trains 

The Hozu River passes below many bridges and you’ll hopefully see some JR trains zipping overhead. Another train line runs alongside the river, the Sagano “Romantic Train” . This sightseeing train actually departs from Saga Torokko Station in Arashiyama and heads upstream to Kameoka—the reverse of this aquatic journey. At Saga Torokko Station, you can actually buy a combined train ticket and Hozugawa River Cruise ticket so that you can enjoy the valley first by train, then by boat, returning to Arashiyama. 

Snacks on arrival 

Another highlight of the Hozugawa River Cruise is the snack boat. As you approach Arashiyama, a motorised food boat appears to the left and ties up to the wooden boat, giving the passengers a chance to buy snacks .

There’s a selection of goodies from chips to grilled squid, dango, and even oden. We followed the direction of the other passengers and ordered some warm sake to heat us up, then enjoyed it on the approach to Arashiyama. 

Arriving in Arashiyama

Pulling into Arashiyama, rosy-cheeked from the excitement—or the sake—you’ll no doubt catch a few envious looks from passers-by. As you disembark from your quiet commune with nature, you can choose to join the tourist crowds or perhaps explore some of the quieter pockets of Arashiyama like Nison-in , Daihikaku Senkoji or Otagi Nenbutsuji. Read more about the area here .

Hozugawa River Cruise timetable 

The Hozugawa River Cruise website says that boats depart every hour, however we noticed they were departing much more frequently and at random intervals to meet demand. This worked in our favour as we were held up in a very slow coffee house and running late for our 12pm reservation. We called ahead and they said to “come whenever.” When we arrived over 30 minutes late, it was a non-issue; they scanned the reservation QR code, gave us tickets and our number was called within 10 minutes. 

How to get there

From Kyoto Station, take the JR San-In Line 10 stops (27 minutes) to Kameoka Station then walk around 10 minutes to the departure building.  

Name: Hozugawa River Cruise  Address: Shimonakajima−２, Hozucho, Kameoka, Kyoto, 621-0005 ( map ) Open: 9:00 to 15:00, boats departing hourly (or more often). Admission: Adults ¥4,500, Children ¥3,000 – reservations can be made online here . Website: https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/   

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Hozugawa River Cruise

Wooden boats and songs of the oarsmen

Boating has been a Kyoto pastime since the Tale of Genji a thousand years ago, with the nobility enjoying a sunny afternoon on the river, drinking sake and reciting poetry to the sound of flute and koto stringed instruments. In the Edo Period 200 years ago, boats with tatami mats and a roof called Yakatabune were popular.

These days, you can take off your shoes and recreate this gentle pastime, though the flutes and poetry have been replaced by the banter and commentary from the expert oarsmen, some in their sixties.

The Hozu river cruise or hozugawa kudari takes place several times a day from Kameoka to Arashiyama , the latter being less than 30 minutes from the crowds at JR Kyoto Station. Most people come here from Osaka or Kyoto on a day trip, however, you can stay overnight at one of several excellent ryokans nearby at Kameoka Onsen.

In the fall the cruise is hugely popular as the forests take on a blaze of red color. On the other hand, in winter the boats are heated, and the crowds are noticeably absent, allowing you to take in the crisp silence of the colder months. In spring you may see cherry blossoms, and in summer the verdant green scenery and river breezes are a perfect anecdote to the heat of Kyoto City. After the rainy period in June, the river levels are a little higher, though the chances of being drenched are pretty low. If it does rain heavily or there is a typhoon, the cruises will be canceled.

Once you depart from Kameoka town, the scenery takes a dramatic turn as you encounter the steep forest gorges on either side. For bird watchers, there is plenty of wildlife here, with sightings of eagles, kingfishers, ducks and cormorants expertly spotted by the oarsmen. High above the waterline, the Torokko scenic train weaves its way through various tunnels in the gorge, and in parts is close enough for you to wave to the passengers, all happy and waiting in anticipation of their next turn on their scenic trip up to Kameoka.

It is hard to believe that until 1945, this river was full of commercial activity. In the seventeenth century, Suminokura Ryoi, a Kyoto merchant, wasted no expense in clearing the obstacles on the river, allowing loggers to ship logs on wooden barges from the forests of Kyoto prefecture to Osaka for sale. The quality of this wood from the nearby Tanba district was well sought after, with both Osaka and Fushimi Castles making the most of this supply. Overland trucks eventually took over the task of transporting timber in the twentieth century, allowing the river to revert to its peaceful state.

There are cafes and convenience stores in Kameoka if you wish to have a light lunch there.

The first boat departs at 9:00 and the last boat at 15:30, though in the winter months of December and January, the first boat does not depart until 10:00, with the last boat at 14:30, to allow everyone to enjoy the cruise with adequate daylight. It is closed during the New Year Holidays.

Generally, these boats depart hourly, though on weekends and busy periods they will depart more frequently, as soon as there are 20 people on board. While there are no seats on the boat, the cloth floor is reasonably comfortable, though you may wish to bring a cushion. You can bring your own snacks; otherwise, a food boat comes alongside you as you head towards Arashiyama during the peak tourist seasons. The boat ride takes two hours from Kameoka to Arashiyama, winding its way through the 16-kilometer course.

Getting there

The easiest way to get to the pier at Kameoka is walk eight minutes east north east towards the river from JR Kameoka Station, and the pier is next to the highway bridge heading north across the river. If you come up by the Scenic Torokko Train , it is a 15 minute bus ride from the Torokko Kameoka Station. Kameoka itself is 31 minutes from Kyoto Station, and I recommend that you leave Kyoto by 1130 am at the latest if you are going on a day trip.

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By Bonson Lam

Community writer

Information

Hozu town Shimonakajima 2 Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture ( Directions )

0771-22-5846

hozugawakudari.jp

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Enjoy the Hozugawa Kudari: Scenic River Cruise Down One of Kyoto's Most Picturesque Valleys

Experience the beauty of Kyoto on the Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari), a 2-hour scenic cruise through cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.

400-Year History of the Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Preparing for your kyoto river cruise: what to know, the route and scenery: rapids, splashes, and full of thrill.

Ruled by Akechi Mitsuhide, the former mountain castle town of Kameoka is located to the northwest of Kyoto. About an 8-minute walk from JR Kameoka Station is the boarding area for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride.

Nestled to the northwest of Kyoto, the former mountain castle town of Kameoka harbors a treasure of history - the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, merely an 8-minute walk from JR Kameoka Station. Dating back centuries, the origins of the Hozugawa River Boat Ride trace to the year 1606 when a prosperous Kyoto merchant, Suminokura Ryoi, ingeniously crafted it as an industrial waterway. Its purpose was to ferry goods, such as lumber, firewood, and charcoal, from Tanba Province to the capital city.

With the advent of modern transportation like railways and cars, the mode of cargo delivery evolved, transforming the Hozugawa River Boat Ride into a captivating tourist attraction. Today, visitors embark on this picturesque journey to relish the beauty of the valley through all four seasons .

Aboard the 16-passenger flatboat, a skilled three-person crew adeptly navigates through river rapids and challenging rocky terrains, using long bamboo sticks to steer the vessel gracefully - an enthralling spectacle to witness.

Meet Hiroshi Kawarabayashi, a seasoned boatman and native of Kameoka, who abandoned his office job to embrace the historical significance of his hometown. With over two decades of experience, he sheds light on the rigorous path to becoming a full-fledged boatman: “To become a fully-fledged boatman, it takes about ten years of experience not only handling the ship but learning the river and its changes throughout the seasons .” Preservation and maintenance of the river and its banks stand as vital responsibilities for these dedicated boatmen, who have also embraced learning foreign languages like English and Chinese to accommodate the surge of international visitors.

Spring adorns the riverbanks with cherry blossoms, and autumn cloaks them in a radiant tapestry of hues. On these enchanting days, more than a hundred boats set sail, a testament to the boatmen's unwavering endurance. For Mr. Kawarabayashi, “Surrounded by nature and 400 years of history, it is our duty as boatmen to ensure that everyone on the boat is enjoying the whole experience.”

Hozugawa River Boat rides start at 9:00 AM and cost 4,500 yen for adults and 3,000 yen for children four years of age to elementary school students (tax included for both prices).

• Regular Boat Departure Times (Weekdays): 9:00 AM / 10:00 AM / 11:00 AM / 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM / 3:00 PM
• *On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, departures will be based on the number of passengers gathered.
• Price: Adults 4,500 yen; children 3,000 yen

We arrived first thing in the morning, but there was already a crowd of tourists waiting for their boats. Many visitors will take the Sagano Romantic Train from Arashiyama to Torokko Kameoka Station and then take the Hozugawa Kudari back down to Arashiyama . We board our boat at the base of Shin-Hozu Ohashi Bridge, and it’s time to go! The boat has six bench-style seats that fit 3-4 people per row. This time there were a total of 16 passengers. On both sides of the craft, there are sheets to block water. We are excited to see how wet we will get.

The Hozugawa River Boat Ride boarding area is located in Kameoka Valley and the river is wide with a moderate flow.

The three crew have their own roles, the boat person at the bow is the sao-sashi, and their job is to use the long pole and push the boat forward and adjust the direction. The kai-hiki uses the oar and acts as the engine. At the stern of the boat is the kaji-tori, who operates the rudder to navigate the ship. The most important thing is for the three-person crew to work as one.

The Kyoto river cruise crew humorously introduces the method of operating the boat, history of Hozugawa Kudari, and areas to see, and the experience was filled with a friendly atmosphere.

The Sagano Romantic Train connects Kameoka and Arashiyama along the Hozu River , and at times you will be going down the river alongside it. When you look up, you'll likely see many Sagano Romantic Train passengers waving at the boats. Also, the boat crews cheerfully wave at the passengers.

For a while the current is calm, however about 20 minutes in you will enter the first section of rapids.

This area is called Ko-ayu no Taki (Sweetfish Falls) and is the only place on the Hozu River with a waterfall in its name. There is a difference in elevation of about two meters, and it was named ‘Sweetfish Falls’ because the sweetfish can’t go upstream. Among the boatmen, they say that the sound of Ko-ayu no Taki has changed to Kowai no Taki (Fearsome Falls).

If it weren’t for the teamwork of the three-person crew and skillful maneuvering with the pole, the boat would not be able to navigate the narrow paths between rocks. At moments like this, the cheerful team put on their serious faces, letting you know you are in good hands.

During the Kyoto river cruise, you will go under 5 JR San’in Honsen (JR San’in Main Line) bridges and one Sagano Romantic Train bridge. The bridges go in a straight line, so that means the river winds through the valley. On your way down, you will see Mt. Atago, known as Hibuse no Kami (God of Fire Protection), to the left, then to your front; after a while, you start to get confused about which way you are facing.

Through repeated use of the poles, the hard rocks have dents. It is proof that many boatmen have been transporting goods and people since the Edo period.

The giant rock Magoroku Iwa covered in moss, is around the halfway point of the course. When Suminokura Ryoi was developing the waterway, this was considered one of the most hazardous areas. The large rock was broken by the stone smith Magoroku, hence the name; also, this was done in an era without heavy machinery. There is also a tragic story behind the name; when Magoroku dealt the final blow to the rock in the rapid current, he also lost his life.

If you look behind the rock, you can see that it was carved by hand. With so much time passing with moss on the rock and trees in the area, you can imagine the struggle of our predecessors.

Going under the final bridge.

The final rapids are the Oose–Large Rapids. The river width is wide here, but a rocky area with whitecaps lasts a while. Whenever the boat encountered a bumpy area, the boatman would call out, “Ready the sheets!” We didn’t get so wet, thanks to this. Of course, you can always leave the sheets down and get soaked.

Past Oose, and when the current calms again, there is a boat with paper lanterns and pleasant aroma coming from it.

It is the famous concession boat of the Hozu River . The boat slowly gets side-by-side and you are able to buy warm oden (Japanese pot dish with different ingredients) and mitarashi dango (skewered sweet soy sauce glazed dango).

Money and goods will go between guests for the people on the other side of the concession boat. After the 2 hour ride screaming through rapids and laughing, the boat becomes one. It is amazing how the boat is filled with a warm atmosphere.

After leaving the concession boat, you can see Togetsu-bashi past the boatmen. At this point the river is filled with yakatabune (home-style boat) touring Arashiyama and boats transporting customers to their inns.

You will part ways with the other guests at little bit upstream from Togetsu-bashi.

After waving goodbye to the boatmen at the dock, Arashiyama is downstream filled with tourists. It is still before noon after the boat ride, and you can explore the Arashiyama area for half a day!

A boat trip that is full of thrill, nature and photogenic spots. A warm experience with cheerful boat crew will be something to remember.

• Address 2, Shimonakajima, Hozucho, Kameoka-shi, Kyoto, 621-0005 View Map
• Nearest Station Kameoka Station （JR Sagano Line / JR San-in Line） 9 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0771-22-5846

• Area kyoto Suburbs
• Category Outdoor Activities

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Hozugawa kudari

The cruise on hozu river.

Hozugawa Kudari is the Japanese name of the boat ride down the Hozu River, between Kameoka City and Kyoto in Japan. The cruise is operated on a safe course among the rapids and is a popular nature activity all year long, providing another point of view on the wildlife of this mountainous region.

Kameoka City is about half an hour from Kyoto station, in the north-west of the former imperial capital. Located 640m from the train  🚅 station, a small port is awaiting the passengers of the day, while boats are gently floating on the water, below on Hozu River .

The history of Kameoka City began when the capital was still in Nagaokakyo, long before Kyoto became the imperial capital. At the times, the river was a transportation route for building materials from " Tanba ", the mountain range from which the river originates. Over time, the type of products varied thanks to the "lord of the river" Ryoi Suminokura , a wealthy merchant who specialized in ship transportation of rice, wheat, firewood, and coal from 1606.

However, competition arose with the opening of the JR railway in 1895 and the development of roads . At the end of World War II, river freight was stopped, and the ship operators shifted their activity to cruising boats . Nowadays, the 16 kilometers boat ride welcomes more than 300,000 tourists per year.

Boat ride from Kameoka down to Kyoto

Boatsmen welcome their sightseers’ groups in small wooden boats . Passengers may be puzzled by the guides’ average age, who look as old as the surrounding mountains, but these rivers pirates are not to be underestimated as they have been riding these waters for decades. They will joke and tell fun anecdotes, however only in Japanese, during an entertaining ride that can last one to two hours depending on the conditions. The cruise takes the travelers through the gorges and along the sides of the mountains colored in white and pink in spring   🌸 , or orange and red in autumn   🍁 . The scenery appears as a larger-than-life painting showing nature’s timelessness wonders.

Many prominent personalities, such as United Kingdom’s Princess Margaret and Emperor Showa, have enjoyed the ride on Hozugawa River. It was however famous writer Natsume Soseki who best described in his novel "Gubijinso" this picturesque getaway amidst the touristic turmoil and fresh winds reminding of history.

The cruise ends in front of Togetsukyo bridge in Arashiyama , an ideal landing place to easily continue the exploration of Kyoto’s western suburb.

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Hozu River cruise

An exciting boat ride through the beautiful currents

The Hozu River cruise is a beautiful and scenic 16 km long boat ride from Kameoka to Arashiyama. As you sail down the clear and gentle waters of the Hozu River, you can enjoy the tranquil and beautiful scenery in each passing season. Whether the cherry blossoms in spring, the lush and green trees in summer, or the beautifully colored autumn leaves, the scenery is amazing in each season. Boatmen offer interesting explanations about local history and culture while skillfully maneuvering the boat. The Hozu River cruise combines the beauty of nature and the atmosphere of a traditional boat trip into a pleasant experience for their passengers. The amazing scenery will surely make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh your body and soul.

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The Best Guide to Sagano Scenic Railway

The mountains from Arashiyama to Kameoka have some of the most spectacular scenery in Kyoto . To adore the scenery that change each season, the best seats are provided by Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道). The company’s Sagano Romantic Train runs along the Hozu River (保津川), which flows through the scenic Hozu Gorge (保津峡). Especially during the cherry blossom and the autumn foliage seasons, the train ride will be one of the most memorable part of your trip!

Table of Contents

How to get to the stations on sagano scenic railway, explore the sagano/arashiyama area with a guide, the best carriage of sagano scenic railway, hozukyō torokko station (トロッコ保津峡駅).

• Cherry Blossom and Autumn Foliage along Sagano Scenic Railway
• Are Reservations Required for Sagano Scenic Railway?
• Which Side of the Train Should I Sit on?
• Can I Bring Large Suitcases onto Sagano Romantic Train

Tip: Because the train conductor only speaks Japanese on the train, scan the train guide’s QR code for Sagano Scenic Rail’s audio guide. You should find it at Sagano Scenic Railway’s stations. It comes in four languages, Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.

From Kyoto Station, the fastest way get to the Sagano Scenic Railway’s train stations in Arashiyama is by taking JR’s rapid trains. It will only take you 11 minutes to get to JR Saga Arashiyama Station (嵯峨嵐山駅). You can also take the local trains. It will just take you a little bit longer but less than 20 minutes.

After getting out of JR Saga Arashiyama Station’s ticket gates, head left and take the escalator down to the ground level. Sagano Scenic Railway’s Saga Torokko Station (トロッコ嵯峨駅) will be on your right as shown in the IG post. If you are unsure, the direction signs are hung from the ceiling (refer to the 2nd to the 4th photos in the IG post). Or, just follow the crowd.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @lilz.japan.travel.guide

Tip: If you have extra belongings you don’t want to carry around, there are coin-operated lockers close to the 7-11 at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station’s 2nd floor.

On the other hand, if you are coming from the other side of the prefecture, boarding the train from Kameoka Torokko Station (トロッコ亀岡駅) is a better choice.

To get to Kameoka Torokko Station, you just need to get off at JR Umahori Station (馬堀駅) on the San-in Main Line. From there, it will just be a 5 to 10-minute walk.

Tip: If you plan to visit the area around Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋), get off at Torokko Saga Station (トロッコ嵐山駅) . The station is at the end of Arashiyama’s bamboo grove.

All Sagano Romantic Train has five carriages. When the weather is good, the best carriage to be in during the scenic ride is carriage no. 5, called the Rich (ザ. リッチ). The only open-air carriage allows you to snap photos of the magnificent scenery in front of you without any unpleasant window glares.

A small extra benefit of boarding the Rich is the slight excitement you might get when the train is inside a tunnel. With the surroundings covered in darkness, it will feel like you are on an expedition (´▽｀*)

But, while you enjoy the refreshing breeze and natural light in carriage no. 5, it may not be a pleasant trip on a rainy day. Moreover, it is extra cold from mid-November to February on this carriage. Thus, consider your circumstances before purchasing or reserving your tickets.

Tip: If you want to board the Rich from mid-autumn to early spring, warm clothes are recommended. Without the window, the cold wind blows directly on you.

As the train approaches Hozukyō Torokko Station, get your camera ready for the cute raccoon dog statues on the platform. These statues are Shigaraki ware (信楽焼), which is a famous specialty of the Kōka City in Shiga Prefecture nearby.

The station is situated on a bridge because it is sandwiched between tunnels.

From Hozukyō Torokko Station to Kameoka Torokko Station, you might have many opportunities to spot the sightseeing boats going down the Hozu River. If the people on the boats notice you too, how about saying hi to them with a big wave (^_-)-☆?

The Cherry Blossom and Autumn Foliage Along Sagano Scenic Railway

• The cherry blossoms along the Sagano Scenic Railway usually peak from early to mid-April .
• As the day gets darker, the maple trees close to the rail track will be lit up.
• In 2023, the nighttime Sagano Romantic Train ran from the 14th of October to the 29th of December.

Are Reservations Required for Sagano Romantic Train?

While reserving your seats to board the train isn’t essential, it is a very popular train line, especially during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons. The seats can be booked out quickly, so it is definitely recommended that you reserve your tickets if you visit during the peak seasons.

Reservations are open at 12 am one month before the boarding date via Sagano Romantic Train’s website HERE at 12 am Japan time a month in advance. The tickets of the first train of the day during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons can be gone within minutes.

On the day, simply show the QR code which can be found in the member’s area of the Official Website that you would have registered.

You can pre-purchase the ticket through klook . The greatest benefit of pre-purchasing your ticket through klook is there is no need to redeem at the ticket office. Simply open the link on your voucher and present it to the station staff when you board the train.

Important: You can change your reserved seat up to three times by the day before the boarding date. If you need to change the date or the train you want to take, you need to cancel your booking and reserve again. Note that free cancellation is only available by the day before boarding.

If all the advanced tickets are booked out, you can try your luck on the day for the same-day ticket. The same-day ticket is on sale from around:

• 8:35 am at Torokko Saga Station
• 8:50 am at Torokko Arashiyama Station
• 9:10 am at Kameoka Station

Tip: You can also book a tour that includes the Sagano Scenic Railway. Book the tour with Viator or Klook !

Which Side of Sagano Romantic Train Should I Sit on?

This question is probably not so important if you plan to make a round trip on the Sagano Romantic Train. You can simply sit on one side of the train for one journey and the other on the way back.

However, if you are taking a one-way trip, here are the sort of views that you can expect on each side of the train.

• The left -hand side during the first 1/4 of the journey has a better view, with Hozugawa Valley on your left.
• The right -hand side during the 3/4 of the remaining trip has a better view, with Hozugawa Valley on your right.
• From Kameoka to Arashiyama: It is the other way around.

Important: Note all the seats are box seats for 4 people. This means that half of the seats face in the opposite direction of travel.

Tip: If you want a seat with the best view and faces the direction of travel, choose seat D with an even number if you plan to travel to Kameoka. If you plan to travel to Arashiyama/Sagano, choose seat A with an even number.

Can I Bring Large Suitcases Onto Sagano Romantic Train

You can bring large suitcases onto the Sagano Romantic Train. But you need to pay to do so. On the day, please head to the ticket office and let the staff know you have a large suitcase you want to bring on board. The staff will issue you a separate ticket for the suitcase. You can refer to the IG post for an idea of what the ticket looks like. We paid 260 yen for ours.

Because it is rare for passengers to do so, the staff at the platform may not know what to do. All you need to do is get on the train early and put your luggage behind the first or the last row.

The end of one side of the carriage is designated for those without a reserved seat ticket. The area is marked in blue and has the words “立席” written and images of people standing drawn. You can refer to the 2nd photo in the IG post for an idea of what it looks like. The unreserved seat tickets are on sale on the day at the station.

Please put your large belongings on the other end of the carriage where the floor isn’t marked. You can refer to the last photo in the IG post.

Important: ☛ If you have large suitcases, get on the train as early as possible so you have enough time to settle your belongings. ☛ You can also bring a foldable pram. But bicycles are not allowed.

If you prefer to be guided when you visit the Sagano/Arashiyama Area, consider booking one of the tours below!

• Kyoto Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour
• Kyoto Rickshaw Tour
• Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama
• Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train, Arashiyama, and Kiyomizudera Half-Day Tour in Kyoto
• Arashiyama Morning Walking Tour with Sagano Romantic Train in Kyoto

Discover Kameoka City – Just a Train Ride Away from Aarashiyama

Arashiyama in Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations in the prefecture. After taking the Sagano Romantic Train, take a JR train to Kameoka.

Kameoka City’s scenery is as amazing as what you can get in Arashiyama, if not better. And the best thing is, it is only half as crowded!

For more information about the city, please refer to our  Kameoka City  article (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.

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1 thought on “The Best Guide to Sagano Scenic Railway”

I love the Sagano ride. I remember seeing a resort/hotel of some sort nestled in the mountain while on the ride. Can someone please tell me the name of this resort?

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Hozu-Gawa-Kudari /Hozugawa River Boat Ride

The upper course of the Oigawa River flowing through Arashiyama is called the Hozugawa River. In the 1600s, the waterway for transporting goods was renovated by the wealthy merchant Suminokura Ryoi. Because the Hozugawa River was littered with boulders, smaller rocks were hoisted over and then dropped on to these boulders, smashing them up and, thereby, securing the waterway. This is how the Hozugawa River became indispensable in transporting goods to Kyoto and Osaka. The landscape around Hozukyo Gorge is so captivating that the "Hozugawa Kudari," meaning Hozugawa River boat ride, began for sightseeing purposes in the middle of the Meiji era. Running 16 kilometers from Kameoka to Arashiyama, Hozugawa Kudari is the longest river boat ride in Japan and has been awarded a star on the Michelin · Green Guide. The flow of the river differs depending on the weather and the water level. When the water level is high, the boat zips down the river at a thrilling pace for about 90 minutes. When the water level is low, the ride becomes a gentle 2-hour cruise. Cherry blossoms in the spring are a sight to behold here, but there are also the singing of Kajika frogs in the summer and harvest colored leaves in the fall to enjoy. In the winter, special boats retrofitted with heated tatami rooms are available for a cozy ride through the riverscape.

52 Shimo-Nakajima Hozu-cho Kameoka, Kyoto, Japan

0771-22-5846

Varies by plan and season ※Please check the website for details

Irregular holidays, December 31st and January 1st ※Please check the website for details

Adult 4,100 yen, Children from (4 years old to elementary school student) 2,700 yen

8 minute walk from JR Kameoka Station 12 minute bus ride using Keihan Kyoto traffic bus from Kameoka station Sagano Tourist Railway, get off at (Hozu Gawa Kudari), a short walk from the bus stop 40 minute bus ride using Keihan Kyoto Traffic Bus from Hankyu Railway Station, get off at (Hozu Gawa Kudari), a short walk from the bus stop 10 minutes by car from Shino IC of Kyoutojuukan Expressway

https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/

※The written notice and information on this page are as of the date of publication. Please refer or confirm the latest information of each spot on individual introduced website.

Down the Hozu River / Hozugawa Kudari 保津川下り

• Published on : 30/06/2015
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Washed away

Travel down the Hozugawa to discover the landscapes of the Kyoto area, all in an enchanting setting.

Kyoto  does not only owe its popularity to its ancient temples but also to its region. Between mountains and valleys, the changes in landscape abound and the most enjoyable way to watch them go by is to be seated quietly in a boat on the Hozu River.

Boats leave from Kameoka and take curious visitors on a journey of about two hours to Arashiyama. Following a route once taken by the rice and timber merchants, the three men, driving each boat with the sheer force of their arms, safely through rapids and stretches of calm water.

Steep mountain slopes, bamboo forests, pine and maple trees and rock reliefs, succeed each other and delight the eyes. Monkeys  may also invite themselves along. In spring, when the cherry trees are in blossom or autumn, when the maple trees turn red, the beautiful nature will surely win many hearts.

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Hozugawa River Cruise

Wooden boats and songs of the oarsmen.

Boating has been a Kyoto pastime since the Tale of Genji a thousand years ago, with the nobility enjoying a sunny afternoon on the river, drinking sake and reciting poetry to the sound of flute and koto stringed instruments. In the Edo Period 200 years ago, boats with tatami mats and a roof called Yakatabune were popular.

These days, you can take off your shoes and recreate this gentle pastime, though the flutes and poetry have been replaced by the banter and commentary from the expert oarsmen, some in their sixties.

The Hozu river cruise or hozugawa kudari takes place several times a day from Kameoka to Arashiyama , the latter being less than 30 minutes from the crowds at JR Kyoto Station. Most people come here from Osaka or Kyoto on a day trip, however, you can stay overnight at one of several excellent ryokans nearby at Kameoka Onsen.

In the fall the cruise is hugely popular as the forests take on a blaze of red color. On the other hand, in winter the boats are heated, and the crowds are noticeably absent, allowing you to take in the crisp silence of the colder months. In spring you may see cherry blossoms, and in summer the verdant green scenery and river breezes are a perfect anecdote to the heat of Kyoto City. After the rainy period in June, the river levels are a little higher, though the chances of being drenched are pretty low. If it does rain heavily or there is a typhoon, the cruises will be canceled.

Once you depart from Kameoka town, the scenery takes a dramatic turn as you encounter the steep forest gorges on either side. For bird watchers, there is plenty of wildlife here, with sightings of eagles, kingfishers, ducks and cormorants expertly spotted by the oarsmen. High above the waterline, the Torokko scenic train weaves its way through various tunnels in the gorge, and in parts is close enough for you to wave to the passengers, all happy and waiting in anticipation of their next turn on their scenic trip up to Kameoka.

It is hard to believe that until 1945, this river was full of commercial activity. In the seventeenth century, Suminokura Ryoi, a Kyoto merchant, wasted no expense in clearing the obstacles on the river, allowing loggers to ship logs on wooden barges from the forests of Kyoto prefecture to Osaka for sale. The quality of this wood from the nearby Tanba district was well sought after, with both Osaka and Fushimi Castles making the most of this supply. Overland trucks eventually took over the task of transporting timber in the twentieth century, allowing the river to revert to its peaceful state.

There are cafes and convenience stores in Kameoka if you wish to have a light lunch there.

The first boat departs at 9:00 and the last boat at 15:30, though in the winter months of December and January, the first boat does not depart until 10:00, with the last boat at 14:30, to allow everyone to enjoy the cruise with adequate daylight. It is closed during the New Year Holidays.

Generally, these boats depart hourly, though on weekends and busy periods they will depart more frequently, as soon as there are 20 people on board. While there are no seats on the boat, the cloth floor is reasonably comfortable, though you may wish to bring a cushion. You can bring your own snacks; otherwise, a food boat comes alongside you as you head towards Arashiyama during the peak tourist seasons. The boat ride takes two hours from Kameoka to Arashiyama, winding its way through the 16-kilometer course.

Getting there

The easiest way to get to the pier at Kameoka is walk eight minutes east north east towards the river from JR Kameoka Station, and the pier is next to the highway bridge heading north across the river. If you come up by the Scenic Torokko Train , it is a 15 minute bus ride from the Torokko Kameoka Station. Kameoka itself is 31 minutes from Kyoto Station, and I recommend that you leave Kyoto by 1130 am at the latest if you are going on a day trip.

Bonson Lam @bonson.lam

I knew my future was destined to be with Japan the moment I flew from Sydney to experience the atmospheric laneways of Kyoto last century.  I am humbled to have met many distinguished people during this time, especially the national living treasures of Japan, such as the doll maker to the Imperia...

Information

Hozu town Shimonakajima 2 Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture ( Directions )

0771-22-5846

hozugawakudari.jp

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Love South America but have already cruised the Amazon? Consider AmaWaterways ' newest ship, AmaMagdalena. Debuting in January 2025, the 60-passenger ship will sail two alternating seven-night itineraries year-round on Colombia's Magdalena River, traveling from Cartagena to Barranquilla and vice versa.

With the Wonders of Colombia itinerary , you'll board AmaMagdalena in coastal Cartagena, a popular Caribbean port on Panama Canal transits that you can now also enjoy on a river cruise. Arrive a day early or book a two-night precruise add-on to see sights such as the historic Walled City, San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Gold Museum.

Following a sunset sail away, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of Colombia via a local music experience in Palenque, the first "free town" in the Americas after a 1713 decree from the Spanish crown freed residents from slavery. You can also check out 19th-century Calamar on a paola (a two-person bicycle taxi) and the jazz music and local handicrafts available in Santa Barbara de Pinto and Mompox.

El Banco and Magangue round out the list of port calls before the cruise ends with a tour of the floating village of Nueva Venecia and an evening Carnival celebration in the seaside port of Barranquilla.

Choose the Magic of Colombia itinerary , from Barranquilla to Cartagena, and you'll visit the same ports, just in a different order. Rather than end your cruise with the Carnival celebration, you'll experience it on your first day. You can also book several precruise and postcruise land tours, including three nights precruise in Medellin, three nights postcruise in Panama or both.

AmaMagdalena will be joined in June 2025 by 64-passenger AmaMelodia. Both vessels will offer spacious (237- to 516-square-foot) staterooms and suites, as well as a heated pool on the sun deck and two dining options: the main restaurant, serving Latin American cuisine and Western favorites, and an intimate alfresco dining experience.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

American Cruise Lines' 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers

American Cruise Lines ' itineraries on the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington already attract travelers who appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, but now the cruise line has a 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary that takes scenic appreciation to another level.

The trip combines an eight-night cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers with a seven-night land tour to three national parks: Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The itinerary visits five states and begins or ends in either Portland, Oregon, or Jackson, Wyoming, depending on whether you do the land or cruise portion first.

What will you see on this cruise? If you start in Portland, you'll overnight before boarding one of the company's modern, 180-passenger river ships: American Jazz, American Harmony or American Song. Your first day will be spent enjoying scenic cruising along the Columbia River, with Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens as a backdrop, as you head to Astoria, Oregon. The historic seaside city is known for its beautiful Victorian houses and red trolleys.

Geology enthusiasts and anyone who remembers the devastating May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens will be fascinated by the port call in Kalama, Washington, where you can take an included guided excursion to the National Volcanic Monument. The following day will be spent cruising the Columbia River Gorge before you arrive in Stevenson, Washington, where a visit to 620-foot Multnomah Falls is a highlight. The final two days feature views of the dramatic landscapes of the Snake River in eastern Washington as you call on Richland before disembarking in Clarkston.

The guided national parks tour begins with a drive to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, for a lake cruise followed by an overnight in Kalispell, Montana. Once in Glacier National Park, you'll navigate Going-to-the-Sun Road and dine at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge.

The tour continues on to Yellowstone National Park, where your adventure guides will offer insight as you explore Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Tower Fall and Old Faithful, among other highlights. A visit to Grand Teton National Park and its Jackson Lake Lodge follows, with your final day spent admiring the park's incredible mountain vistas and abundant wildlife.

Related: The best US river cruises

American Cruise Lines' 50-night The Great United States

If 15 nights aren't enough to satisfy your wanderlust, American Cruise Lines offers a 50-night version of The Great United States program for 2025.

The 2025 sailing encompasses three cruises. It takes the 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary described above and adds a 21-night Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota, aboard 180-passenger American Serenade, which will call on 21 ports in six states. Along the Mississippi, you'll have a chance to visit Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri; and the landmark Gateway Arch in St. Louis. You can also enjoy legendary blues music on Beale Street in Memphis.

That segment will be followed by a 14-night, 14-port cruise along the coast of New England on 125-passenger American Pioneer (debuting in 2025). The ship will sail round-trip from Boston and visit scenic coastal ports in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including the quintessential New England islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

Tour options will include visits to the Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Harbor and Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, an SUV adventure along the dunes of Provincetown on Cape Cod and a tour of the gilded mansions of Newport in Rhode Island.

In total, you'll check off 15 states from your must-visit list during this river cruise. That's an impressive number of destinations to visit in a single trip.

Avalon Waterways' 7-night Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

Portugal's Douro River Valley is beloved by oenophiles. Over the past few decades, it has also attracted river cruisers seeking a relaxing itinerary punctuated by sleepy small towns and the daily enjoyment of local food and wine.

In March 2024, Avalon Waterways added the Douro River to its offerings when it debuted 102-passenger Avalon Alegria sailing an itinerary called Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro . The seven-night cruise is round trip from Porto, where there's time at the start and end of your cruise to explore this colorful city's historic port-wine cellars, churches and bridges (including the Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, designed in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel).

Noteworthy stops range from an afternoon call on Porto Antigo, with included excursions to monasteries and churches in Braga and Guimaraes, to a call at Peso de Regua, where sightseeing and wine tasting go hand in hand. You'll even have an opportunity to add an optional excursion from Pinhao to the elaborate 18th-century Baroque palace Casa de Mateus (of rose wine fame).

Save time for the onboard activities, too. After a full-day excursion from Barca d'Alva to Salamanca, Spain — a city known for its mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles — you can learn how to paint azulejos (Portugal's famous blue-hued handmade tiles) or enjoy a pastry-making demonstration on the ship the next morning.

Related: The best river cruises in Europe

CroisiEurope's 7-night A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys

Germany is known for its scenic river valleys, and a new itinerary from French river cruise line CroisiEurope doesn't skimp on beautiful vistas. Called A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys , the seven-night, round-trip sailing departs from Strasbourg, France, and visits the Rhine, Neckar, Moselle and Saar river valleys.

The ship for this itinerary, 81-passenger Elbe Princesse II, is one of CroisiEurope's three paddle river boats. It normally navigates the Elbe River between Berlin and Prague. However, from July to October 2025, the ship will be cruising the Rhine and its tributaries.

This river cruise kicks off on the Saar River, famous for the Great Bend at Mettlach (the river equivalent of a hairpin turn), and overnights in the town of Saarburg, Germany. After a morning scenic cruise onto the Moselle River, you'll visit Trier, Germany, known for its ancient Roman structures and its photogenic medieval buildings, before continuing on to Cochem, Germany, where you can enjoy an afternoon visit to the hilltop Reichsburg Castle.

Larger cities like Koblenz, Germany, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and home to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, are also on the itinerary. The trip features a stop in wine-centric Rudesheim, Germany, as well, so you can sample some vino and enjoy a ride on a scenic train while in the Rhine Valley.

The final day calls on a trio of German ports on the Neckar River. In the morning, you'll visit Mannheim and disembark for a coach transfer to Heidelberg, home to pink-hued Heidelberg Castle, historic churches and atmospheric beer halls. You'll then reboard Elbe Princesse II in Heidelberg and sail to Eberbach, a medieval city with an abundance of half-timbered homes and ancient fountains. The ship will overnight as you enjoy a final gala dinner before disembarking in Strasbourg the next morning.

Riverside Luxury Cruises' 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery

With the March 2024 debut of 110-passenger Riverside Debussy, Europe-based newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises has added more than a half-dozen new three- to 21-night itineraries, with options on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers. In October 2024, the ship will sail an 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery itinerary from Budapest to Frankfurt that combines the highlights of two rivers and visits four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

You'll embark Riverside Debussy in Hungary's capital before cruising past the illuminated Hungarian Parliament Building on your way to Bratislava. The capital of Slovakia is home to a hilltop castle, a walkable pedestrian zone and pubs serving local beer.

The next day, discover the history and artistry of Vienna with visits to its Hapsburg-era palaces, 16th-century St. Stephen's Cathedral and numerous museums. Charming Durnstein, Austria, is known for its medieval castle and a riverfront abbey with a pretty blue-and-white spire, while the golden-hued abbey in nearby Melk, Austria, celebrates the flavor of apricots in preserves and liquors.

As you reach Passau, Germany, which sits on the confluence of three rivers, you'll enter Bavaria and discover a walkable city with a domed 17th-century Baroque cathedral. The next day on the Main River (a Rhine tributary), you'll tour Regensburg, Germany, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center, before spending two days exploring Nuremberg, Germany, which has a notably complex history.

Rounding out the cruise are calls on Bamberg, Wurzburg and Wertheim, Germany, with bustling Frankfurt — where historic remnants of the Middle Ages meet modern skyscrapers — serving as the departure port.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Scenic's 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe

If you have two months to spare, a fascination with history, a love of fine wines and a generous budget, you can explore the rivers of Europe in one epic trip with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. The new 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe journey — available on two dates in 2025 ( May 4-July 9 and Aug. 16-Oct. 21 ) — explores more than a half dozen major rivers and waterways and calls on almost 60 ports in 13 countries.

The first part of the journey begins in Bucharest, Romania, with an overnight in a luxury hotel before you set sail on one of Scenic's 163-guest Space-Ships from Giurgiu. You'll cruise the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers all the way to Belgium and the Netherlands, then backtrack along the Rhine to Basel, Switzerland, taking some time to explore towns along the Moselle River.

This portion of the trip will take 36 days, and you'll explore ports in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. You'll spend two days each in Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam, and scenic highlights include Austria's Wachau Valley and Germany's Rhine River Gorge, with its many hilltop castles.

After a flight from Zurich to Paris, you'll start the next leg of your trip when you board 124-passenger Scenic Gem for a 10-night cruise on the Seine River. Visit historic Rouen and Honfleur or take excursions to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and the WWII beaches at Normandy.

Next, you'll fly from Paris to Bordeaux and board 149-passenger Scenic Diamond for a 10-night journey along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in the heart of France's Bordeaux wine region.

On day 57, you'll fly from Bordeaux to Porto, Portugal, to board 96-passenger Scenic Azure on the Douro River for the final 10-night leg of your trip. You'll explore the legendary port cellars of Porto, taste wine amid the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley and venture into Spain for a day trip to Salamanca. Your river cruise — and this epic 66-night journey — concludes back in Porto with an overnight, allowing you more time to experience this exceptional city.

Tauck's 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris

Tauck's newest river offering in Europe for 2025 is its 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris itinerary. This multiriver and land journey is available from April to October on Tauck ships Joy and Savor.

You'll start your journey with two nights at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel and enjoy ample time to take in sights such as Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. You'll then transfer to Regensburg, Germany, for a nine-day cruise to Trier along the Main, Rhine, Moselle and upper Danube rivers, as well as the Main-Danube Canal.

Ports and cities visited on excursions include Frankfurt, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim and Boppard, Germany. Exclusive experiences available to Tauck guests range from a private reception and dinner at Schlosshotel Kronberg near Frankfurt to a visit to the legendary Nurburgring racetrack near Koblenz.

You'll continue your trip on land with a quick stop in Luxembourg for a walking tour of its capital city. Afterward, you'll board a train to Paris, where your journey will conclude with a two-night stay at L'Hotel du Collectionneur.

Uniworld's 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has added a new 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul itinerary to its 2025 journeys. The two-week cruise offers you the chance to experience these two legendary cities, visit landmarks along the Seine River and then travel by luxury sleeper train for five nights from Paris through six additional countries to Istanbul. A 14-night reverse itinerary from Istanbul to Paris is also available.

If you begin your journey in Paris, you'll board Uniworld's 128-passenger Joie de Vivre for a seven-night Seine River cruise. Highlights include visits to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and Normandy's medieval capital, Rouen, known for its 11th-century cathedral and Joan of Arc history. A second stop in Rouen gives you a choice of excursions to the beaches of Normandy. This portion of the trip concludes with a stop at Versailles and an overnight in Paris.

You'll then transfer to Gare de Lyon and board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. First stop: the vineyards of Champagne for a tasting. The next day, the majestic scenery of the Austrian Alps are a daytime highlight, while dinner and a private classical concert in Vienna are on the evening agenda. After a morning exploring the city, you'll be back on board as your train heads to Postojna, Slovenia, where you'll enjoy a nighttime tour of the intricate Postojna Caves.

A visit to the Serbian capital of Belgrade rewards you with a traditional feast, while the next day's stop in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, offers architectural and archeological gems in a city dating back 7,000 years. Upon disembarking in Istanbul, you'll spend a night at the luxurious Four Seasons Sultanahmet and have time to explore nearby sights, which include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Viking's 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer from Nuremberg to Basel

Viking 's newest itinerary for 2025 is the 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer , which cruises from Nuremberg to Basel (or vice versa) from May to November and visits cities in Germany, France and Switzerland. It's a new mix of ports for Viking, including some lesser-known historic towns in Germany's Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria regions.

You'll board one of the cruise line's 190-passenger Viking Longships in Nuremberg, where an overnight offers time to learn about the city's medieval structures and past as a staging ground for Nazi rallies. More medieval architecture awaits in Bamberg, famous for its river-spanning Altes Rathaus (Town Hall) and its rauchbier (smoked beer). If wine is your preferred spirit, you're in luck, as Wurzburg, a city in Germany's Franken wine region, is also on the itinerary.

As you continue your cruise, you'll see the vibrant half-timbered houses and sample the hearty Bavarian cuisine (think: bratwurst and pork knuckle) of Marktheidenfeld, Germany. A visit to bustling Frankfurt, which provides a stark contrast between historic and modern Germany, is also in order after an afternoon spent sailing past the Main River's castle-topped hillsides.

France's Alsace region gets its turn when you call on Strasbourg, known for its beautifully preserved Old Town encircled by the Ill River. The itinerary also includes a stop across the Rhine in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest and a town full of vineyards. You'll end your journey with a full day of exploring charming guild house-lined Marktplatz, history-rich streets and more than 40 museums in Basel.

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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

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• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Saturn Stadium