Enjoy A Yanagawa River Cruise In Fukuoka; Japan’s Venice

content: Yanagawa, in Fukuoka in the south of Japan, is a peaceful city on the water. Come and enjoy a river cruise through the Venice of Japan. Definitely one of the best things to do in Japan.

Summary

Yanagawa, in Fukuoka in the south of Japan, is a peaceful city on the water. Come and enjoy a river cruise through the Venice of Japan. Definitely one of the best things to do in Japan. Definitely one of the best things to do in Japan. You can enjoy a boat ride on the gondola like “donko boat”, enjoy the famous local food and learn about Hakushu Kitahara, one of the most popular poets in modern Japanese literature.

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Enjoy A River Cruise Along The Canals Of Japanese Venice

Water Town Yanagawa

river_cruising_fukuoka via www.photo-ac.comYanagawa City is located about an hour drive away from Fukuoka City in Fukuoka Prefecture. The city is often called the town on the water or the Venice of Japan, with over 292 miles (470 km) of canals and waterways; it is not hard to see why! Originally dug as the moat of the Yanagawa Castle and as irrigation channels for the castle town, 410 years ago, the waterways now offer scenic boat cruises around this idyllic castle town. The best way to see Yanagawa is definitely riding the “donko boat” that is poled along by incredibly talented and entertaining drivers.

Boat Course And Highlights

The boat course stretches about 2.5 miles (4 km) and you can enjoy around an hour of cruising along this beautiful castle town. There are over 200 donko boats operating on the waterways offering relaxing cruises to more than 300,000 visitors annually.

Here are some of the highlights you can see during the cruise:Red Brick Storehouses
Built around late Meiji period (1868 - 1912), these red brick storehouses are registered as a tangible cultural property by the government. They are still used as storehouse for miso (soy bean paste). This is one of the most iconic locations in Yanagawa and is often featured in movies. river_cruising_fukuoka via www.photo-ac.comNamako Walls
The black and white walls are reminiscent of Yanagawa as a castle town. Today, there are many buildings that are still built with this wall theme, which you will notice during the cruise. The name “namako” comes from the borders of walls resembling sea cucumbers (namako in Japanese). Enjoy the beautiful reflection of these monochrome walls on the water.Yaemon Bridge
Yaemon Bridge is the oldest and narrowest bridge where the Yanagawa Castle used to stand. Due to its narrow gate, it also functions as a water gate to increase the speed of water flow. The driver will have to duck down to pass under the bridge!

On-Board Entertainment And Floating Shops

Skillful Captains

The donko boats captains in Yanagawa are of all age ranges, from young captains in their 20s to experienced professionals in their 80s! The captain on your boat will entertain you by talking about the sights, singing and even jumping over a bridge or obstacle and landing on the boat again. The performances are completely up to the captain, thus your experiences will always be different and interesting!

Eat & Drink On The Water

Passengers are allowed to bring food and drinks on the boat. If a large group needs hire the whole boat, make a reservation in advance, they can set a table and BBQ set as well. Why not experience this Japanese style boat party, enjoying the peaceful views of this historical town and your own floating BBQ or Picnic.

Floating Shops

If you don’t have any drinks or snack, there are stalls on the canals. Along the cruise you will see shops floating on the water selling various foods and drinks such as beer, local Japanese sake, coffee ice cream and deep fried mochi (rice cake). Your captain will pull up to the shops so you can have a look and buy anything that takes your fancy!

The Various Charms Of Donko Boats Throughout The Year

Spring

river_cruising_fukuoka via www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jp

Hina Matsuri Boat Parade

river_cruising_fukuoka via www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jpEvery year on a Sunday in mid-March, around 200 children dressed as Hina Matsuri (Japanese girls’ festival) princes and princesses parade through the waterway on the donko boats.

Summer

river_cruising_fukuoka via www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jp

Akari Boat

river_cruising_fukuoka via www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jpFrom mid-July to early September, reserved-only donko boats with small lanterns and lights operate. You can enjoy the summer evenings by holding a party or watching the stars and the moon from the boat.

Autumn

Hakushu Kitahara, A Great Poet FromYanagawa

river_cruising_fukuoka After the canals Yanagawa is also famous for the poet Hakushu Kitahara (1885-1942). Hakushu Kitahara grew up and spent his life in Yanagawa and his work was inspired by its natural beauty. Hakushu Kitahara is regarded as one of the most important and popular poets in modern Japanese literature with over 200 published works. He also wrote many famous children’s songs that are still just as popular today.

Night Boat Parade To Hakushu Kitahara

river_cruising_fukuoka via www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jpIn early November, a beautiful night parade of the donko boats is held to commemorate the death of Hakushu Kitahara, a great poet from Yanagawa. 60 donko boats will depart for the parade in the evening, lighting the water brilliantly with lanterns and illuminations.

Winter

Kotatsu Boat

From December to February, unique donko boats equipped with “kotatsu” (a Japanese style heated table) will warmly invite you on the water. You can enjoy a pleasant cruise while indulging yourself in the kotatsu with warm sake and snacks!

Other Things To Do In Yanagawa

After enjoying the cruise, take a stroll in the historical town and try the local delicacy!

House of Hakushu Kitahara

river_cruising_fukuoka via www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jpLearn about Hakushu Kitahara. You can see his love for Yanagawa in the house he grew up.

Shogetsu Literati Museum

Originally a traditional Japanese restaurant, many great literati visited this place including Hakushu Kitahara. It is now operated as a literati museum displaying precious documents and records.

Try Famous Local River Eel

river_cruising_fukuoka via www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jpvia www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jpGanso Motoyoshiya, a traditional restaurant in Yanagawa, is the founder of “unagi seiro mushi” (steamed eels) and has served this specialty for over 300 years. Broiled eels are served on top of rice with flavorful sauce from their secret recipe. This is the perfect place to try the local’s favorite!

Information

From Tokyo To Fukuoka

It takes around 75 – 120 minutes by plane from Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Fukuoka Airport.

Access To Shogetsu Punting Station (From Where The Cruise Departs)

From Fukuoka From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, take a Nishitetsu-Tenjin-Omuta Line express train bound for Omuta. After 7 stops (49 minutes), get off at Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station. The Shogetsu punting station is around a 5-minute away from the station. ### Shogetsu Punting Station

c/o Yanagawa Kanko Kaihatsu K.K. (Cruise Operator)
Address: 329 Mitsuhashimachi Takahatake, Yanagawa, Fukuoka 832-0826
Tel: +81-944-72-6177
Business Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Cruising Tour Plans and Price: Please see the operator’s website for details.
Website: http://www.yanagawakk.co.jp/index_e.html