The Hozugawa River Cruise boats were originally used for transporting lumber and goods, before being rendered obsolete by new roads and trucks. Now the legacy remains as a fun sightseeing trip for visitors from around the world. Each flat-bottomed boat holds up to 25 people, and the floor is heated to make winter cruises comfortable. The boats, which are steered with oars and poles, take about 2 hours to complete the trip from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The scenery is beautiful, especially in the fall when leaves are changing color. There are some rapid areas, but nothing dangerous and passengers are not tossed around by the water action.
Board the Hozugawa River Cruise boats near the Kameoka Station. The ride costs ¥3900 for adults and ¥2500 for children 4-12 years old. The hours are variable, so check the schedule before planning your trip. The official website in English is: http://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en