If you take the boat in winter, make sure to bundle up like a sushi roll so you don’t freeze. And if there’s a light rain, sitting under the boat canopy has its own kind of romance.
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Arashiyama Yakatabune River Boat
Enjoy scenic Arashiyama from the river.
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A graceful way to explore the upper Oi River flowing beneath Togetsukyo Bridge is by yakatabune river boat. Beginning around 805 AD in the early Heian period as one of the leisure activities of the aristocracy, it gradually became beloved by the general public as well. Today, shared boats can be enjoyed casually without a reservation, making them a classic attraction for sightseeing in Arashiyama.
Shared boats depart Approx. every 20 to 40 minutes, and take a leisurely 30-minute trip covering 1 km upstream from the pier. The view of Arashiyama looking up from the water is exceptional. In spring, cherry blossoms, in summer, fresh greenery, in autumn, colorful leaves, and in winter, snowy scenery, the landscape changes with each season and offers a fresh impression no matter when you visit. The "Arashiyama Ukai Sightseeing Boat," where you can closely watch ukai, a traditional cormorant fishing method that has continued since the Heian period, is also highly popular. As the cormorant fishing boat, lit by flaming torches, comes close, you can see the cormorants catching fish and the skillful handling of the reins by the ukai master up close.
The boat-handling technique of skillfully controlling a yakatabune with a single bamboo pole and no engine has been passed down through generations of boatmen and continues to this day. When you board, be sure to watch the boatman's skilled pole work as well.
Highlights
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It began around 805 AD as one of the leisure activities of aristocrats and is still enjoyed today.
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You can fully enjoy Arashiyama from the water, with a different charm in every season.
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When you board, be sure to watch the boatman's skillful pole handling.
Photos
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A leisurely Approx. 30-minute cruise upstream of Togetsukyo Bridge
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Cherry blossoms in spring, deep greenery in summer, each season has its own charm
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Arashiyama's summer tradition, ukai cormorant fishing, is also a must-see
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do I need a reservation to board?
A
Group reservations and dining boats require advance reservations.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Q
Why can boats not depart or be boarded even when the weather is sunny?
A
Operations may be suspended due to strong winds or high water levels.
Q
What about shoes?
A
Please remove your shoes before boarding. You will be seated on woven mats and felt coverings.
Q
Is it OK to swim?
A
No. Swimming is prohibited.
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 嵐山の屋形船
- Postal Code
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Arashiyama Tsusen North Boarding Pier: 616-8385
Arashiyama Tsusen South Boarding Pier: 616-0004 - Address
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Arashiyama Tsusen North Boarding Pier: Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Arashiyama Tsusen South Boarding Pier: Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture - Phone
- 075-861-0302
- Closed on
- Open daily *Service may be suspended in bad weather
- Hours
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Second Tuesday of March to June 30: 9:00am–4:00pm
July 1 to September 23 (during the Arashiyama Ukai season): 12:00pm–5:00pm
September 24 to the third Tuesday of December: 9:00am–4:00pm
Third Wednesday of December to the second Monday of March (during the heated boat season): 10:00am–4:00pm - Admission
- Shared boat: Junior high school students and older 1,500 yen, ages 4 to elementary school students 1,000 yen, free for children under 4
- Access
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Arashiyama Tsusen North Boarding Pier: 2-minute walk from Keifuku Railway's Arashiyama Station
Arashiyama Tsusen South Boarding Pier: 4-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station - Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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