Hozu Gorge

What it is

• A natural gorge designated as Hozukyo Prefectural Natural Park spanning from Kameoka to Arashiyama.
• A historic transport route developed in 1606 for moving timber and goods to Kyoto.
• A destination for traditional sightseeing boat tours which have operated since 1885.
• A scenic river valley featuring unique rock formations such as Lion Rock.

What to see

• Traditional sightseeing boats that travel sixteen kilometers down the river.
• The Sagano Romantic Train running along the former railway line through the canyon.
• Natural rock formations including the prominent Lion Rock along the riverbanks.
• JR Hozukyo Station which is built directly on a bridge over the water.
• Rafting tours that provide an active alternative to the traditional flat-bottomed boats.

Getting there

• The gorge is accessible via the JR Sagano Line for visitors traveling from Kyoto.
• JR Hozukyo Station provides a direct vantage point over the river canyon.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.