Bamboo Forrest | Hozugawa River Cruises | Sagano Scenic Railway | Japan Our Way

Another train but only a short distance from Kyoto for a white water raft, a visit to the bamboo forest and then head up hill on a very very old train. Hozugawa River Cruises (保津川下り, Hozugawa Kudari) are sightseeing boat rides down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The cruises utilize traditional style, flat-bottomed boats piloted by boatmen with oars and bamboo poles. The boats take about two hours to leisurely make their way down the river and are a relaxing way to see the natural scenery of the largely undeveloped ravine. Cruises are offered year round, but are particularly popular from mid November to early December when the leaves change color. The boats are heated in winter and operate during light rain (they will be covered in a plastic tent), but service is canceled in case of heavy rain or large changes in the water level. The Hozugawa River was originally employed to transport logs that were used to build many of Kyoto and Osaka's famous temples and castles. During the Edo Period the river was cleared of obstructions so that boats carrying grain, firewood and other cargo could safely navigate it. Trains and trucks eventually made river transport obsolete, and operations ceased after several hundred years of use. However, the boats were brought back and eventually became popular as a sightseeing attraction. The above compliments (credit to) Japan-Guide.com https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3966.html The Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or Sagano Bamboo Forest, is a natural bamboo forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. It consists mostly of mōsō bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) and has several pathways for tourists and visitors. The Ministry of the Environment considers it a part of the soundscape of Japan. Located in the village of Sagano on the west side of the city, the path through the Arashiyama bamboo grove is short yet immersive. There's something almost magical about the light dappling on the forest floor. For maximum effect, approach the grove from the side gate of Tenryu-ji Temple. The above. implements (credit to) Wikipedia and Japan Travel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo_Forest_(Kyoto,_Japan) https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1141/ The Sagano Scenic Railway, also known as the Sagano Romantic Train, is located in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. This charming, old-fashioned train offers a 25-minute scenic journey through the Hosukyo Gorge alongside the Katsura River, providing beautiful views, especially during the Sakura and autumn seasons. The Torokko Arashiyama Station is the closest to the bamboo forest itself. You can purchase a single fare (one way) or return. In our situation we purchased the one way fare and bought that prior to the day (to avoid disappointment). Tomorrow we leave Kyoto, but that's another adventure in Japan. #kennymepicadventures #travel #Japan #japanesefood #japantravel #japanese #japaneseculture #japanvlog #japanlife #kyoto #kyototrip #kyotosightseeing #kyotolife #kyotovlog #bamboo #bambooforest #hozugawarivercruise #hozugawakudari #whiteriverraft #arashiyama #hozugawariverboatride #bambooforestjapan #saganoscenicrailway #saganoromantictrain