Table of Contents
Cherry Blossoms in Hozukyo
Basic Information
| Cherry blossom spot | Hozukyo |
| Best time to see the cherry blossoms | Late March to mid-April |
| Types of cherry trees | Someiyoshino cherry, yamazakura cherry |
| Light up | No lights |
| Parking lot | Yes (free of charge, approx. 80 cars) |
| Location | Kita Matsuoyama, Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 610-0000, Japan |
Features and Highlights
- Cherry blossoms adorn one of the most beautiful valleys in Kyoto
- Cherry blossoms can be viewed from theHozu River andSagano Trolley Train.
- Enjoy the seasonal expressions of the cherry blossoms
How to enjoy the unique cherry blossoms of Hozu Gorge
(1) Hozu River cruise
Hozu River cruise is a sightseeing boat using the Hozu River, which originates in the center of Kyoto Prefecture. The 16-km course from Kameoka to Saga Arashiyama (Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City) is a sightseeing boat ride, enjoying the natural scenery and seasonal beauty of the river. Originally started as a water transportation service for goods, it is now known as a sightseeing boat for tourists and attracts about 300,000 visitors a year.
The attraction is that each of the four seasons offers a different experience of natural beauty and thrills!
| Activities | Hozu River Rafting |
| Hours of Operation | Departure time: 9:00 – 15:00 (Departures every hour) (Departs every hour on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays as soon as the maximum number of passengers is reached. |
| Fare | Junior high school students and older: 6,000 yen Infants to elementary school students: 4,500 yen |
| Total length | Approx. 16km |
| Time required | Approx. 2 hours |
| Tel. | 0771-22-5846（Hozugawa Yusen Kigyo Kumiai) |
| Official website | http://www.hozugawakudari.jp/ |
Sagano Trolley Train
The Sagano Trolley Train is a sightseeing train that allows you to enjoy nature and the beauty of the valley along the Hozu River. During the approximately7.3-km, 25-minute trip, you can experience seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and dry fields and snowy landscape in winter. The appeal of this service is that you can slow down to enjoy the scenery and feel the wind, light, and sound in an open vehicle.
Hospitality is also provided by the unique crew staff and the reliable and skilled diesel locomotive drivers!
| Activities | Sagano T rolley Train (Sagano Torokko Ressha) |
| Hours of Operation | Timetable |
| Fare | Adult (12 years old and over): 880 yen Child (6-11 years old): 440 yen |
| Total length | Approximately 7.3km |
| Travel time | Approx. 24 min. |
| TEL: +81-75-861-7444 (Sagano Tourist Railway Co., Ltd.) | 075-861-7444（Sagano Kanko Railway Co.) |
| Official website | https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/index.php |
How to access
Train
- Get off at JR “Kameoka” Station and walk about 8 min.
- Get off at ” Trolley Kameoka” station and take a bus for about 20 minutes.
By Car
- Approx. 15 min. by car from “Shino IC ” of Kyoto Jukan Expressway
Parking lot: approx. 80 cars (free)
Cherry blossom spots in the vicinity
Summary
Cherry blossoms in Hozukyo are a spectacular sight representing spring in Kyoto. Take a Hozu River cruise or Sagano Trolley Train to enjoy the beauty of the valley and the cherry blossoms.
Hozukyo is an attractive spot where you can enjoy the seasonal changes and discover something new no matter how many times you visit.
