新宮観光協会

Kumano River Boat Tour

Experience the river pilgrimage route traveled by former emperors and the aristocracy

Long ago, Japan's imperial family and aristocracy sailed down the Kumano-gawa River, from Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine to Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, when making their pilgrimages. Today, the Kumano-gawa River Boat Tour lets visitors make this same trip.
After boarding at the Dorokyokaido Kumano-gawa River roadside station, you can enjoy a 90-minute ride down to the riverbank of Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine. As you ride along and enjoy the scenery, a tour guide will tell you about the area's history and the things you can see on the way.

For inquiries or to make a reservation, please contact the River Boat Centre.

Aoi Falls

Famous waterfalls that run fiercely down the steep cliff faces into the river, such as Aoi Falls, appear one after another on the boat ride down.

The Bell-Shaped Tsurigane-ishi Rock

Surrounded by fissures, this bell-shaped rock seems as if it could fall into the river any minute. It is said that when the rock falls this world will come to an end.

Shinobue Flute Performances

The tour guide may even give a performance on the boat, like playing the traditional Japanese shinobue flute.

URL https://www.kumano-travel.com/en/tours-activities/traditional-boat-tour
http://kawabune.info/ (in Japanese)
Add Tanago 54-8, Kumanogawa-cho, Shingu [Google Maps]
Tel 0735-44-0987(FAX: 0735-44-0820)
Open Reservation reception: 9:00 -17:00
Regular holiday Open 365 days/year
(From December to February, reservations are only available for groups of 6 or more.)
Parking Lot Available; free
Price Adults: 4950 yen
Children (4-12 years old): 2200 yen
Group discount (15 or more): 4400 yen/person
Credit Card N/A
Duty free N/A
Free Wi-Fi Available
Toilet Available (at the River Boat Center)
Lounge Available
Souvenir Shop Available
Notes All tours by reservation only. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
Morning Tour 10:00; Afternoon Tour 14:30
Minimum group size of 3 adults (from March to November)
Tour guide included
Access 29 minutes from JR Shingu Station by Kumano Kotsu Bus towards Hongu, get off at Michinoeki Kumanogawa Bus stop, 1 minute on foot.
Pickup: If you are coming to Kumano-gawa River Boat Center by public transport (e.g. bus), we will pick you up.