Kameoka - a city that boasts a harmony of nature and history.
Recently, in addition to the 3 famous sightseeing attractions of the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, the Sagano Romantic Train and
Yunohana Hot Springs, the “sea of clouds” phenomenon that appears from late autumn to the beginning of spring, is gaining
considerable attention. This wondrous sight is breathtakingly beautiful! Only 20 minutes by rapid train from Kyoto station,
Kameoka, with its many yet known hidden charms, is only going to get more interesting from now on.
Experience 1.
Boasting 400 years of history,
Japan’s oldest river boat ride
It was around 140 years ago that cargo boats were transformed and used as sightseeing boats at the Hozugawa River that was excavated by Ryoi Suminokura, a wealthy merchant of Kyoto.
After sightseeing in Kameoka, journey down the river to Arashiyama.
The course stretches over 16 kms from Kameoka to Arashiyama.
The boatmen, with their skillful steering techniques, spend 2 hours cutting through the valley as they navigate the entire course.
During this journey, interesting landmarks like that of huge as well as strangely shaped rocks can be spotted. The ride takes on an exciting spin with the splashing and spraying of water at the rapids which appear at around 10 different spots along the way.
The thrusting of the wooden guide poles against the same spot on the rocks over and over again, led to the formation of depressions in said rocks which tells of the ride’s long history. The world famous Hozugawa River Boat Ride is an attraction visited by many tourists annually. While this is largely due to the breathtaking natural scenery, the overall atmosphere complemented by that of a floating snack shop and so on, contribute to the thriving popularity of this boat ride.
Hozugawa River Boat Ride
https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en
Experience 2.
Running a along the scenic valley
Welcoming visitors from all over the world throughout the year.
On this 25-minute journey through gorgeous natural scenery, there are many highlights from the eight tunnels to the bridge that overlooks the Hozugawa River.
The sightseeing train attracts numerous passengers daily and many of which, are fans of diesel-run classic trains. The magnificent scenery flows by in an endless stream by the train windows during the 7.3km long journey between Arashiyama and Kameoka. Out of the five train cars that make up the sightseeing train, the very last car “The Rich”, has no glass windows thus allowing for a unique, exhilarating experience. The points of highlight pass by relatively slowly when the train starts dropping speed. When that happens, it is time to whip out those cameras and take a shot of the upcoming picturesque spot! Interesting explanations by the train conductor as well as commemorative photos taken during the train ride are all part of this unique experience.
Sagano Romantic Train
https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/
Healing
Kyoto’s Mountain Retreat
Introducing the 6 inns of Yunohana Hot Springs village.
Fully immerse yourself in each inn’s unique hospitality and cuisine.
Yu no Hana Onsen is nestled among the mountains about 7 km west of the center of Kameoka. It is also referred to as “Kyo no Okuzashiki”.* Legend has it that soaking in these hot springs will cure ailments, and during Japan’s turbulent feudal era, many wounded soldiers sought to heal their injuries here. Located near Osaka Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture and Kyoto city, the easy accessibility of Kameoka’s Yunohana Hot Springs village also makes it an attractive spot. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the fresh air and beautiful seasonal sights around Yu no Hana Onsen provide visitors with a natural environment that is soothing for both mind and body.
Yunohana Hot Springs
http://yunohana-onsen.com/english
Syoenso
Hozugawatei
Keizankaku
https://www.keizankaku.com/en/
Sumiya Kiho-an
http://www.sumiya.ne.jp/en/
KYO YUNOHANA
RESORT Suisen
Satoyama no
Kyujitsu
Kyoto-Keburikawa
A carpet of flowers spread out in bloom at the biggest cosmos park in the Kansai region.
The sprawling grounds are covered in about 8 million cosmos of 20 varieties, some of them rare.
The garden also hosts a variety of events.
A grand, fall festival hosted by Kuwayama Shrine that takes places annually for 3 days from October 23rd ‒ 25th. Also referred to as “Tamba’s Gion Festival”, 11 floats are paraded around the castle town as festival style hayashi music resounds throughout the town. It is an intangible folk cultural asset designated by Kyoto Prefecture.
This festival takes places annually on April 18th at Izumo Daijingu Shrine and was originally held to appease the gods and keep the plague away. 12 dancers in their hanagasa (a traditional hat decorated with seasonal flowers) hats perform the “Izumo Fūryū Flower Dance” as well. This dance is an intangible folk cultural asset designated by Kyoto Prefecture.
A garden of bellflowers located before the entrance to Kokushōji Temple and blooms from late June to late July. The garden boasts up to 50,000 flowers in bloom. The garden’s opening hours is from 9am to 5pm. The admission fee for middle school students and above is ￥600.
Held annually on May 3rd. The highlight of this festival is the costume parade at the castle town where over 500 people dress up as samurai warriors. The “Kamemaru Festa” is held as well on the same day, at Nango Park near JR Kameoka station.