Kyoto
Kazuya Sato
Shinobue Heard from a Boat in Arashiyama
篠笛奏者 佐藤和哉 笛の音ひびく〜舟遊び〜
A shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute) player performs from the bank as a covered boat takes you up the Oi River in Arashiyama and back, an hour in all. It runs twice a year, in May and October.
Boat ride conducted in Japanese, with materials in English
About the boat ride
This stretch of the river is said to be where Heian nobles once floated their boats and held their gatherings of music and verse. As the boat slips quietly out onto the water, birdsong echoes across the valley and a clear flute sounds from somewhere ahead. The sound draws closer as the boat moves upstream, and the listener’s awareness widens to take in the whole gorge, creating a gentle connection with nature and a feeling of being outside time.
For one hour, you listen to the flute amid the quiet and the scenery, much as people did here a thousand years ago. The ride brings together the nature, history, and culture of Japan on one stretch of river.
How the hour goes
01
Check-in
Check-in opens at the north boarding area 30 minutes before departure. You board as you arrive; please be there at least ten minutes before the boat leaves.
02
Setting off(about 20 minutes)
The boat heads upstream.
03
Flute performance(about 20 minutes)
The boat stops while Kazuya Sato performs from the riverbank.
04
Drifting back(about 20 minutes)
It turns and drifts back down, the flute carrying from farther off.
05
Landing
The boat lands at the north boarding area.
The boats work upstream, turn at the playing point, and drift back down.
Who plays
Kazuya Sato
Shinobue player
Kazuya Sato was born in 1981. He began his career as a shinobue player after performing in 2012 at a ceremony held as Yakushiji Temple began dismantling its East Pagoda, a national treasure, for restoration.
In 2013, his composition “Sakura-iro no Waltz” became the motif for “Ame Nochi Hareruya” by the duo Yuzu, the theme song of Gochisousan, a morning drama series on NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster. The song won an Award for Excellence at the Japan Record Awards in 2014.
He is based in Arashiyama, Kyoto, and performs across Japan.
Before you book
- Language
- The boat ride is hosted in Japanese. You will receive an English handout that explains the gorge and the concept behind the boat ride.
- Length
- 1 hour on the water (departures at 9:00 and 13:30)Check-in opens 30 minutes before departure; arrive at least 10 minutes before the boat leaves.
- Price
- ¥7,000 per person, tax includedIncludes the boat fare.
- Group size
- Up to 20 people per boat, and up to five boats
- What to bring
- Nothing. Food and drink cannot be brought on board.
- Age
- If you would like to bring children, please email the organizer before you book.
- Where
- Arashiyama Tsusen North Boarding Area, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8385There is also a south boarding area; this ride leaves from the north one.
North Boarding Area on Google Maps → - Cancellation
- Full refund up to the day before.If the boat cannot sail because of heavy rain, strong wind, or high water, the organizer and the boat operator decide at 15:00 the day before, and you are notified by email. You then choose between a refund and a special performance at Rokuoin Temple at the same hour.
Rokuoin Temple on Google Maps → - Contact
- Write to the organizer if you need to cancel or have a question.Email: info@kazuyasato.com
Book a slot
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