Hozugawa boat ride cancellations and refunds
When the river closes
Rain by itself rarely stops anything. Water level does. After heavy rain upstream the run can be suspended outright, and the same happens if the river drops too low to work a loaded boat through safely. There are also fixed closures: 29 December to 4 January, and a handful of days in February and September for safety inspections. Those are on the calendar in advance and are worth checking against your dates on the timetable page.
Getting your money back
An online booking cancelled by the operator is refunded in full without you chasing it. That is the part people worry about unnecessarily. What is genuinely worth thinking about is the other direction: you change your plans, or the forecast turns, and you want out. That is what free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure is for, and it covers most of the tours listed on the tours hub.
Book something cancellable rather than trying to guess the water level a fortnight out. Nobody can predict it, including me, and a 24-hour window costs nothing to hold. Prices for each package are on the cost page.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the Hozugawa boat is cancelled?
Online bookings are refunded in full automatically, and booked passengers are notified by email the day before or on the day itself.
Does the boat run in the rain?
Usually, yes. Service is suspended for severe weather or when the water is too high or too low, which is not the same as ordinary rain. See the season page.
Can I cancel a tour booking?
Most of the tours listed here carry free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Check the individual listing on the tours hub before you book.