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Yanagawa River Cruise

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Yanagawa River Cruise

Take a leisurely tour of the canals in this city of waterways while gently gliding along aboard a donko-bune punt.

3.51 11

Last update :
Supervised by :  Yanagawa City Tourism Association

Located in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, Yanagawa is known as a city of waterways, with a network of canals dating back to the Edo period. Its main attraction is a river cruise through the city aboard a donko-bune punt. Listen to the boatman's commentary and songs while taking in the seasonal scenery and enjoying a leisurely journey.

Four companies currently operate river cruises. Each has a boarding point within walking distance of Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, with boats traveling from there to the main sightseeing area. The journey takes about 70 minutes. Along the way, you will pass a floating shop, the red-brick Namikura warehouses, distinctive black-and-white namako walls, and private homes, surrounded by green weeping willows and flowers blooming along the waterways.

As you watch the boatman's skillful handling of the pole and enjoy the lively conversation, you will arrive at the disembarkation point before you know it. Nearby are several restaurants serving Yanagawa's specialty, steamed eel over rice in a bamboo steamer. Other attractions within walking distance include Ohana, the former residence of the feudal lords of the Yanagawa Domain, and the Kitahara Hakushu Birthplace and Memorial Museum. Take a leisurely stroll while soaking up the area's history.

Highlights

  • Travel down the waterways from near the station aboard a donko-bune punt.
  • Restaurants serving the local specialty, steamed eel over rice in a bamboo steamer, are found throughout the city.
  • Yanagawa is also known as the hometown of poet Kitahara Hakushu and is home to the Kitahara Hakushu Birthplace and Memorial Museum.

Photos

  • Seasonal scenery throughout the year

    Seasonal scenery throughout the year

  • The boat even passes under narrow bridges like this one!

    The boat even passes under narrow bridges like this one!

  • Flowers blooming along the waterways create a soothing view

    Flowers blooming along the waterways create a soothing view

  • Steamed eel over rice in a bamboo steamer

    Steamed eel over rice in a bamboo steamer

  • Kitahara Hakushu Birthplace and Memorial Museum

    Kitahara Hakushu Birthplace and Memorial Museum

Reviews

11

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 謝美芳
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    On a slow-paced trip through Kyushu, the most moving experiences are often not the glamorous sights, but the warm moments that span the years and connect the memories of three generations.
    Yanagawa’s “donko boats” are truly one of Kyushu’s most iconic heartwarming experiences across generations.
    The elderly boatman steered through the waterways with an oar, cheerfully humming the children’s song “Momotaro.” This warmhearted tour, with the boatman “giving it his all,” brought a great sense of comfort and emotion, whether accompanying an elderly family member who was 88 at the time or taking elementary school-aged children.
    Even now, my 91-year-old mother still fondly remembers the fun of the boat ride. Pairing it with steamed eel rice (seiro-mushi) makes for the perfect combination at this sightseeing spot.

  • yunyun
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    Yanagawa is known as the “City of Water,” with its crisscrossing waterways and the historic atmosphere of an old castle town still preserved throughout the city. The one thing you shouldn’t miss here is a ride on a traditional riverboat. Sitting in a small boat, you slowly make your way through the waterways with the boatman while taking in the scenery along the banks and the historic streets. As the boat gently moves along, a light breeze blows across the water and through the trees. The entire ride is very leisurely and relaxing, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique natural charm of this historic town.

  • Ming Yu
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    We came to Yanagawa in Fukuoka, Kyushu, to ride the famous wooden boat on the “kawakudari” river cruise! Sitting in the boat as it drifted along the old moat, we enjoyed the shade of the lush trees on both sides and the very peaceful, pleasant scenery.

  • BobbyJenny
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    You definitely have to experience a boat ride in Yanagawa. Once you get on the small boat, you slowly make your way along the waterways, and it feels completely different from exploring the sights on foot.

    Along the way, you can enjoy the waterways and streetscapes on both sides. The boatman rows while introducing the scenery, with some fun interactions from time to time. The whole trip has a very relaxed atmosphere. Sitting on the boat with the breeze blowing and watching the scenery slowly pass by feels very leisurely.

  • Eddie
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    I came to Yanagawa in December, originally thinking the winter scenery might be a little plain. But as I walked along the river, I was surprised to see how beautifully red the willows on both sides were. It felt a little different from the Yanagawa I had imagined. After boarding the riverboat, it slowly made its way along the waterway. We could see many traditional houses and streetscapes on both sides, and occasionally people walking by would wave at the boat.

    Although the weather in December was a little cold, sitting on the boat with the breeze and looking at the red willows on both sides actually felt very comfortable. I wasn't rushing to follow a schedule, so I just sat there, took my time, and enjoyed the scenery. It felt like a very fitting way to experience Yanagawa.

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Details

Name in Japanese
柳川川下り
Postal Code
832-0065
Address
Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture
Phone
0944-74-0891 (Yanagawa Tourist Information Center)
Closed on
During bad weather (inquire in advance)
Hours
9:00 AM–evening (varies by cruise operator)
Admission
Junior high school students and older: ¥1,800–¥2,000; children: ¥900–¥1,000 (varies by cruise operator)
Access
5–10 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station (boarding points)
Credit Cards
Varies by cruise operator
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa