保津橋

Gazing at Hozu Bridge, one can’t help but wonder about its story. This modern marvel, spanning 368 meters across the Hozugawa River, wasn’t always here. Completed in 2001, Hozu Bridge provides access to the Hozugawa River boat tours, seamlessly blending into the landscape as a landmark of Kameoka. The Hozugawa River itself is a vital part of the Hozukyo Natural Park. It carves a dramatic path through the mountains, a 16-kilometer stretch of swirling currents and deep pools. The surrounding mountains, cloaked in forests of Japanese red pine, cedar, and cypress, offer breathtaking views that change with the seasons. Long ago, the Hozugawa, also known as the Katsura River, was an untamed waterway. Its rapids and massive rocks made boat travel nearly impossible. Goods were transported overland by horse, a slow and arduous journey. In 1606, Suminokura Ryōi, a wealthy merchant, undertook a daring project. He envisioned using the river for transporting goods between Tamba and Kyoto. With the shogun’s permission, Ryōi and his workers toiled for five months. They blasted and hauled boulders, dredged the shallows, and carved a navigable path through the treacherous waters. The Hozugawa River boat ride was born. For centuries, boatmen skillfully navigated the river’s currents. They transported goods and passengers, their boats hauled upstream by teams of men on the towpath. The river’s beauty inspired countless works of literature and art, capturing the imaginations of emperors and commoners alike. Today, the tradition continues with modernized boats offering a thrilling and scenic journey through the Hozukyo ravine. As you stand on Hozu Bridge, remember the tireless efforts of those who tamed this wild river. Their legacy lives on in the tranquil beauty and exciting adventures that await along the Hozugawa River.