Hozukyo

Hōzugawa Gorge (Hōzukyō) is a spectacular river gorge west of Kyoto, famous for traditional wooden boat rides down the rapids of the Hozu River through a dramatic canyon of steep forested cliffs and granite boulders. The 16-km scenic river journey takes approximately 2 hours and is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the Japanese countryside in any season. In autumn the gorge's maple trees turn brilliant red, creating one of Kansai's most beautiful seasonal spectacles.