All About the Fushimi Canal Boat Ride in Kyoto (With Ticket Info)

The Canal Boats of Fushimi, Kyoto

Fushimi is blessed with pure water and currently known as the nation’s second-leading sake producing area. In the past, Fushimi was a castle town developed by Hideyoshi Toyotomi. And in the Edo era Fushimi flourished as a center of Yodogawa ship transportation.
Because of this ship transport, people used many canal boats to transport goods such as rice and sake. Also people used this ship transport to travel around too.

When the Meiji era started, steam boats began to run on the Yodo river.  Since Fushimi’s canal boats were operated by human power, people stopped using them and steam boats became more common for daily use. So demand for the canal boats decreased and this form of ship transport disappeared at the end of the Meiji era.

Canal Boats are Now Back

In 1991, Fushimi’s canal boats were revived as a tourist attraction.
These canal boats are called “Sanjukkoku-bune”(Sanjukkoku boat) and “Jukkoku-bune”(Jukkoku boat). They named the river boat “Sanjukkoku” because the river boat used to carry thirty-koku. So “Sanjukkoku” means 30 koku(=4.5tons). And “Jukkoku-bune” was named because it is smaller than Sanjukkoku-bune. (“Jukkoku” means 10 koku (=1.5 tons))

The capacity of Jukkoku-bune is 20 people.  The boarding point is just south of the Gekkeikan Okura Museum.  There are some wooden seats where you can sit.

Sanjukkoku-bune is for groups, and the capacity is 30 people. The boarding point is near Terada-ya. (Terada-ya is an old inn where the famous samurai Ryoma Sakamoto stayed)
*There is currently no public operation of Sanjukkoku-bune. Please check the official website for the latest information.https://kyoto-fushimi.or.jp/fune/unkou/ (Japanese)

You can ride along the Uji-gawa river and Gou-gawa river (outer moat of Fushimi Castle), and there are sake breweries lined up on both sides surrounded by willow trees.  You will feel like you have travelled back in time as you enjoy the historic cityscape. There is a voice guide, but also the boatman himself will guide you when points of interest approach.

Both boats go to the Misukoumon water gate. You can get off the boat and visit the Misukoumon museum which is the turning point of the tour before going back to the boarding point. 

A tour on Jukkoku-bune takes about 55 min, and Sanjukkoku-bune takes about 40 min.  Why don’t you visit Fushimi and ride this canal boat and feel the local nostalgic scenery.

Jukkoku-Bune Boat Tour【十石舟】

Canal Boat Ride & Booking Information

Period of Operation	Thursday 20 March – Sunday 7 December 2025. However, August operations are available from 1-11 August (except Mondays).
Not in Operation	Every Monday (except public holidays). However, in April, May, October and November, they operate on Mondays).
Fare	Adults ¥1,900 (junior high school students and above) children ¥900 (primary schools students and below) Fees are subject to change.
Capacity	20 persons
Duration	55 minutes
Leaving Time & Boarding Spot	10:00 10:20 10:40 11:00 11:20 13:00 13:20 13:40 14:00 14:20 14:40 15:00 15:20 15:40 (16:00) (16:20) ( ) → No operation between 25th November and 7th December Boarding Spot / Google Map

Same-Day Tickets Info

Tickets for the Fushimi Jikkokubune boat can be bought on-site. Same-day tickets are available even without a reservation.

Same-Day Tickets

• Start Time: Sales begin at 9:30 AM. In busy seasons, people line up from around 8:00 AM.
• Method: First-come, first-served. Sales end once tickets run out. Payment is cash only.

Where to Buy
Tickets are sold at the boarding reception, located in a small hut down the stairs.

Notes
Only tickets for the same day are sold. You can’t buy tickets for the next day.

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• Please check the official website for the latest updates. (Japanese)
• Arrive and check in at least 15 minutes before departure.
• The ride takes about 50 minutes, including a visit to a small museum.
• Departure times may change for safety reasons, sometimes on short notice.
• Reservations close at midnight, two days before your desired date.
• Double-check your boarding time in advance.
• Online reservations are only available for the Jukkoku-Bune.
• For private charters, book as a group of 20 (price is for 20 people).
• Children’s fare is half the adult price. Please ask at reception, as only adult prices appear online.

Indulge & Unwind – Discover Fushimi’s Flavorful Hideaways

As you discover the many wonders of Kyoto, consider spending a relaxing day in the southern Fushimi area. Unwind in a district known for its picturesque landscapes, renowned sake breweries, and rich ties to Japan’s modern history.