Yanagawa: the HIDDEN City of Water in Fukuoka
Cruise around the riverside district Yanagawa City, Fukuoka
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Yanagawa (柳川) is a small town in southwestern Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu region, which is located approx 1 hour away from Hakata City. The town is known as “the City of Water” such as Venice in Italy, and the river cruising is the best attraction.
The whole town is surrounded by the small river since the town used to be a Castle Town in Sengoku period and the river was used as water filled moats to protect the castle from enemies. Although the castle was burnt out in 1872, the nostalgic streetscape of the old town has remained till today and the town has been attracting tourists.
The main attraction of Yanagawa is river cruising around the town. Local boatman with a long pole pushes small sightseeing boats called “Donko” and entertains passengers by singing songs or showing their rowing skills. The cruise goes through the beautiful surrounding nature and the town by willow trees for about 4 km.
River cruise is run by several operators in the town and they offer prices around 1,000~1,500 yen for 40–60 mins cruising.
Another biggest attraction of Yanagawa City is their local signature food, Japanese eel. The most significant dish is Seiromushi, which is broiled eel covering seasoned steamed rice, topped by sliced omelette comes in a traditional wooden box, then steamed all together to give more falvour. The dish are served at many local restaurants in every corner of the town, and costs around 2,000 to 3,000 yen regularly.
Yanagawa is a small town but it’s very much worth taking a day trip if you are around Hakata City or Dazaifu Shrine in Fukuoka, since the town is very pretty and full of history and old culture, and most importantly the town welcomes tourists with warm hearts.
-Yanagawa City (柳川市)
Access: Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station (Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line from Fukuoka Tenjin Station or Dazaifu Station)
Official website: http://www.yanagawa-net.com/eng/index.html
Did you enjoy the story?? Yanagawa is a lesser known spot in Japan, but it’s a great destination if you want to explore off the major tourist route! If you are looking for more hideaways in Japan, you may wanna check out these articles below, too!
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"The world is my oyster." As a dedicated globetrotter and hammock enthusiast, I’ve spent years chasing new experiences, collecting stories, and discovering the world’s most incredible destinations. Born and raised in Japan, I’ve always had a deep connection to my roots, but my love for adventure has led me to spend over a decade exploring countries across the globe—from culture-rich cities to remote hideaways.
Travel isn't just a hobby for me; it's a lifestyle. I'm constantly searching for new ways to fuel my wanderlust. Over the years, I’ve developed a wealth of knowledge and a treasure trove of tips that make traveling more enjoyable, practical, and meaningful.
Through my experiences, I've come to appreciate not only the beauty of travel but also the importance of understanding diverse cultures, embracing the unfamiliar, and stepping out of my comfort zone. My travels have shaped who I am today, and I’m excited to share those lessons with others.
With Japan Web Magazine, I aim to offer practical advice, insider tips, and firsthand stories that help travelers navigate their journeys to Japan or setting off on a global adventure. From hidden gems in Japan to travel hacks that make any trip smoother, I hope my insights inspire you to embark on your own adventures and make the most of every moment. Let’s explore the world together!
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