3 tours available
Yanagawa is a castle town built on water. Located in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, its network of canals — originally constructed as castle moats over 400 years ago — now forms the backdrop for one of Japan's most charming boat experiences. Flat-bottomed donko boats glide along willow-lined waterways while boatmen sing traditional songs and punt with long bamboo poles.
The town is also the birthplace of the poet Kitahara Hakushu, and his former residence sits beside one of the prettiest canal stretches. Yanagawa's signature dish, unagi no seiro-mushi (steamed eel over rice in lacquer boxes), is considered among the finest eel preparations in Japan. A half-day here offers a pace of life that feels wonderfully removed from Fukuoka's urban energy just 50 minutes away by train.
Spring (March – April) — The Yanagawa Sagemon Festival displays thousands of colourful hanging decorations for the Hina Matsuri doll festival. Cherry blossoms line the canals and castle ruins.
Autumn (October – November) — The Hakushu Festival celebrates the local poet with boat parades and literary events. Comfortable weather for canal cruises.
Summer (July – August) — Boat rides beneath shady willow canopies offer a cooling escape. The Yanagawa Suijin Fire Festival lights up the canals with floating flames.
Kyushu: Southern Japan
9-day culinary adventure: Fukuoka, Ureshino, Huis Ten Bosch. Local cuisine, food markets, with premium hotels and trains included.
Kyushu: Southern Japan
13-day onsen journey through Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Unzen. Traditional ryokan, natural hot springs, with all hotels and trains included.
Kyushu: Southern Japan
12-day onsen journey through Yanagawa, Ibusuki, Kagoshima. Traditional ryokan, natural hot springs, with all hotels and trains included.
Region
Kyushu
Location
Available Tours
3 tours
