Photo= Hozu-gawa River Boat splendidly splashing downstream through the rapids (March 10, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture)

The Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride, which connects the Tamba region and Kyoto, began its spring operation on March 10. "Opun-sen," or boats on which the cold-proof covers and heaters have been removed, departed from the boarding site in Hozu-cho, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, and traveled smoothly down the rapid stream in the pleasant sunlight that heralded the advent of spring.

Decorated with flowers for spring arrangement, the first boat cast off around 10:40 a.m. with tourists and other people aboard. In the still cold wind, the boat splashed down the river amid the torrent and between the rocks. With the boatmen's skillful oar handling, it made for Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, about 16 kilometers downstream.

Prior to departure, a ceremony was held at the boarding pier. Tomoya Toyoda, the representative of the Hozugawa Yusen Sightseeing Boat Association, made an address, saying, "We hope that passengers will enjoy the river boat ride boasting 411 years of history, while feeling the changes of the four seasons and the beauty of the gorge." A drum performance by local nursery school pupils and dance by young boatmen enlivened the coming of full-fledged tourist season.