Located in the mid-west section of Kyoto Prefecture, Kameoka is known as a satellite city for Kyoto and Osaka. It takes only 20 minutes by rapid train from Kameoka to Kyoto station and 60 minutes to Osaka. It has a population of about 89,000 (as of September 2018), covering an area of 224.8 square kilometers.
As a city that boasts a harmony of nature and history, Kameoka is rich in tourism resources. Traditionally, there are 3 famous sightseeing attractions in Kameoka, including the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, the Sagano Romantic Train and Yunohana Hot Springs. Boasting 400 years of history, Hozugawa River Boat Ride is Japan’s oldest river boat ride. The thrilling boat ride stretches over 16 kilometers from Kameoka to Arashiyama, promising an enthralling experience of the beautiful valley. The Sagano Romantic train travels a leisurely, 25-minute route from Saga torokko station to Kameoka torokko Station, following the scenic beauty of the Hozukyo Ravine on its route. As Kyoto’s Mountain Retreat, Yunohana Hot Springs is nestled among the mountains about 7 kilometers west of the center of Kameoka. Legend has it that soaking in these hot springs will cure ailments, and during Japan’s turbulent feudal era, many wounded soldiers sought to heal their injuries here. In addition, the “sea of clouds” phenomenon that appears from late autumn to the beginning of spring is also gaining considerable attention as one of Kameoka’s famous sightseeing attractions.
Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Since 1981, Suzhou and Kameoka have carried out friendly exchange activities. In December 1996, the two cities officially became friendly cooperative city. Over the past 40 years, Suzhou and Kameoka have successfully conducted a series of friendly exchanges in politics, economy, agriculture, education, sports and other fields.
Kameoka Tourist Association official website:
https://www.kameoka.info/foreign/en/
