Yanagawa is a canal town in the south of Fukuoka Prefecture. Its old waterways are lined with willow trees, and the best way to see the town is from a flat-bottomed boat, moved slowly along the water. A day from Fukuoka gives you the boat ride, a walk through the old streets and a meal of local eel.
Getting there
Trains run from Tenjin, the central district of Fukuoka, on a private line that goes to Yanagawa. The journey is comfortable, and the stations are close to the boat landings. Check the timetable before you go, and keep a margin for the return.
Check first: Train times, the route and the fare. Use the operator's timetable for the private line. Do not use a fare from a blog.
For the city side of the trip, read the Fukuoka guide. The train starts from the Tenjin area.
The canal boat
The boats are flat and low, and a boatman moves them along the canals with a long pole. You sit close to the water and see the town from a new angle. The canals pass under small bridges, between stone walls and past old houses with white walls. The ride is slow, which is the point.
Check first: Boat times, the departure points, the booking rules and whether boats run in rain or strong wind. Use the boat operator's own page on the day. Water levels and weather can change the schedule.
The willows and the old houses
The willow trees line many of the canals, and in spring their new leaves are bright green. The old houses are a mix of merchant homes and small gardens. Some are open to visit, and their rules and hours differ. Walk the streets after the boat ride, and take time to look at the details.
Food: eel and local dishes
Yanagawa is known for eel. A common local dish is steamed eel on rice, served in a lidded box. Look for eel dishes on the menu, and try a small portion first if you are not sure. Some shops also serve other local dishes from the region.
For lunch, use Tabelog to find a place with good reviews. Check the opening hours, because many small shops close on some days or in the afternoon.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for a boat ride. The willows are green in spring, and the air is cool. Summer is hot, so bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Winter is cooler, and the wind on the water can feel cold, so bring a warm layer.
Who it suits
Couples often enjoy a slow boat ride, a lunch of eel and a walk through the old streets. Families like the boats, the willow trees and the open space. Children may enjoy the pole and the calm water. Keep them seated during the ride, and follow the boatman's instructions.
Mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is planning the boat for a windy or rainy hour. Check the forecast and the boat schedule before you set off.
The second mistake is coming too late. The boats and the shops finish earlier than the city does, so plan the boat ride in the middle of the day.
The third mistake is missing the return train. Check the last train before you leave for the boat.
After the boat
When the boat ride ends, walk the riverside path for a short time. It takes you past the old streets, small gates and bridges. Small shops along the way sell local goods and sweets, which make good gifts for people at home.
Take a short rest in a cafe near the water, or sit on a bench by the river. The light on the water changes through the afternoon, and the willows look different in each hour. Plan the walk so that you finish it before the last train.
What to do next
Yanagawa works well as a day from Fukuoka, with a boat ride and a meal of eel. Read the Fukuoka guide to plan your base, and open the planner to see how the canals fit with the rest of your trip.
