Unleash Your Inner Explorer
Go beyond the serene temples and carve your own path through Kyoto’s heart. Navigate the thrilling rapids of the Hozugawa River on a white-water rafting adventure! Perfect for families, friends, or adrenaline seekers of all experience levels, the Hozugawa offers calm stretches with stunning scenery and heart-pounding rapids that test your teamwork and paddling skills. Get ready for refreshing splashes and pure exhilaration!
A Journey Through Time: Beyond the Rapids
The Hozugawa River is more than just a white-water playground. As you paddle, delve into the rich history that flows alongside you.
A Geological Story in Stone: A Realm of Ancient Wonders
Carved by the Hozugawa River over millennia, the gorge unveils a mesmerizing panorama of towering cliffs, verdant forests, and tranquil waters.
The gorge’s mesmerizing rock formations, sculpted from layers of chert, tell a remarkable geological story. These ancient layers, formed from the accumulated remains of radiolarians (plankton), offer a glimpse into our planet’s formative era.
Shomotsu-Iwa(Book Rock) postcard. Late 19th-early 20th century.
Look out for the aptly named “Book Rock,” with layers resembling pages, stretching back a staggering 250 million years. It’s a testament to the interplay between marine life, tectonic movements, and erosion.
From Vast Lake to Thriving Basin
Modern geological interpretations reveal that around 2 to 5 million years ago, tectonic shifts caused extensive subsidence, forming basins in the region. Among these was the Kameoka Basin (where the tour starting point is), encircled by towering mountains This natural amphitheater transformed into a vast lake, fed by unrelenting water flow.
The Hozugawa River of that era boasted a width exceeding 200 meters, with fossils of ancient plankton now found 80 meters above the modern riverbed! As the sea receded, the water level gradually lowered, and Kameoka Lake was eventually drained by two routes, one being Hozukyo Gorge.
Echoes of Creation in Myth
This geological narrative is mirrored in the region’s captivating creation myth, known as “Kuni-tsukuri Shinwa” (the myth of nation-building). In the distant past, Okuninushi, a deity from Japanese myth, ascended a peak offering a panoramic view of Kameoka Lake. He called upon the eight deities governing the region, declaring, “Let us carve open these mountains, channeling the lake’s waters into Yamase (Kyoto) to create a new land!”
Among the consulted deities that completed the task working together was Ohyamakui, the enshrined spirit of Uketa Shrine (standing at the Hozukyo Gorge entrance). Ohyamakui said to be the one to bear the construction costs. The Kameoka Lake dam was breached, and the basin transformed into fertile agricultural land, ushering in an era of prosperity.
Uketa Shrine: Nestled at the Gateway to Hozukyo Gorge
Centuries of Navigation and Transformation
For over 1,200 years, the Hozugawa served as a vital transportation route. Imagine navigating past centuries-old temples like Tenryu-ji or Osaka Castle during the Samurai era, all built using logs rafted down the Hozugawa. Skilled rafters navigated the river using these rafts of logs, demonstrating a deep understanding of the current and a connection to the power of nature.
Raft postcard
Postcard depicting Basho’s haiku capturing the scene of cherry blossom petals falling on the straw capes of raftsmen in Arashiyama after a spring rain (composed around 1780-1783)
Suminokura Ryoi and the Development of the Gorge
In the 17th century, Suminokura Ryoi, a dominant merchant from Kyoto, embarked on an ambitious project to further develop the gorge. He made the Hozukyo Gorge accessible for boats, allowing fertile goods from the Tamba and Kameoka regions to be transported to Kyoto city.
1606 Hozugawa River Excavation (Zuizenji Temple En-giki Emaki)
You can visit Senkoji Temple on the mountain in Arashiyama, where Ryoi is enshrined as the pioneer of Hozugawa boat culture. Interestingly, the descendants of both the rafters and boatmen now operate the Hozugawa River boat rides, reflecting a history of co-existence. You’ll meet these inheritors of tradition during your thrilling rafting tour!
Centuries of “Kawasaku” shaped Hozugawa! This meticulous river management technique, involving stacked stones like the iconic “Mizuyose,” is a testament to human ingenuity.
The Railway’s Mark and a Shift in Focus
The 19th century ushered in a new era for Japan, marked by the arrival of the iron horse and a shift from river transport to railways for cargo. Building a railway through the gorge, however, presented a unique challenge. Engineers had to navigate the unforgiving terrain while preserving the scenic beauty cherished by the locals. Utilizing the most innovative techniques of the time, they achieved a remarkable feat, carving a path for the train that lives on today as the scenic Sagano Romantic Train. The legacy of their ingenuity is further evident in the old brick and iron bridges that grace the riverside, adding another layer of history to the already captivating Hozukyo Gorge. These enduring structures not only stand as testaments to human perseverance but also transport us back to the Meiji era.
Iron bridge completed in 1899, still retaining its original appearance of stone and brick from the Meiji(1868-1912) era.
From Transportation to Tourist Delight
The arrival of the railway on land sparked a transformation on the Hozugawa River. No longer solely burdened with cargo, the waterway blossomed into a scenic paradise. Leisure boats emerged, and by the 1890s, the Hozugawa’s beauty had captured international attention, welcoming foreign guests like British royalty. This period solidified the Hozugawa River’s reputation as a renowned tourist destination. Imagine yourself paddling the same rapids that enthralled historical figures from around the world!
Prince Edward shot the rapids in 1922, following in his father King George V’s footsteps from 1881.
Hozugawa: A Timeless Tapestry
Hozugawa stands as a captivating intersection of cutting-edge geological science, ancient folklore, and a rich cultural history. It offers a glimpse into Earth’s profound history, the enduring power of human ingenuity, and the enduring appeal of nature’s beauty.
Experience Kyoto Like Never Before: Adventure Awaits
Hozugawa Rafting offers a unique opportunity to combine the cultural richness of Kyoto with an unforgettable outdoor adventure. This activity is perfect for anyone above 7 years old with a sense of adventure! Pack your comfortable clothing, swimsuit, sunscreen, and get ready to ditch the usual sightseeing crowds and embark on a thrilling whitewater journey down the Hozugawa.
