What to know
The Kinugawa Line Kudari River Cruise (鬼怒川ライン下り) takes you down the Kinugawa River in flat-bottomed wooden boats. The 40-minute journey glides through mostly untouched river scenery, passing rock formations that resemble animals and objects. Boatmen provide humorous commentary in Japanese. You'll need to remove your shoes before boarding.
Although the river is generally calm with only small rapids, cruises may be canceled due to heavy rain, strong winds, or sudden water level changes. The wooden boats are iconic to the Kinugawa Onsen area; some have even been turned into outdoor baths at local ryokan and public bathhouses.
The departure point is a five-minute walk from Kinugawa Onsen Station, just behind the Kanaya Hotel. The cruise ends at the Otoro bus stop, where a free shuttle bus takes you back to Kinugawa Onsen Station.
How to get to and around Kinugawa Onsen
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 15:45 (departures every 35 minutes, reception ends 20 minutes before departure)
- Closed
- Late November to mid April
- Admission
- 3500 yen (~$22.4) (reservations recommended, includes shuttle bus to Kinugawa Onsen Station)
- English name
- Original name
- Kinugawa River Cruise
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.