【Activity in Kyoto】Get on Canal Boat in Fushimi!

Fushimi Kyoto, an Old Castle Town

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

• Please check the official website for the latest information
• Please be sure to check in and assemble at least 15 minutes before departure.
• The time required is approximately 50 minutes (including the time to visit the small museum).
• Departure times may be subject to change due to safety measures for the boat.
• The sailing time is subject to change at short notice due to safety reasons.
• Payment is due on the day only in cash. Please pay at the reception desk at the embarkation area.
• Reservations are accepted until 00:00 two days before the desired boarding date.
• Please make sure you have the correct boarding time.
• Online reservations can only be made for the Jukkoku-Bune.
• If you wish to charter a boat, please make your booking as a group of 20 people (the price is for 20 people).
• Children’s rates are half the price of adults (Please ask at ‘reception’ on the day as the reservation screen only shows adult rates).

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.