Cruise the canals of Kyushu's Venice
A city in southern Fukuoka Prefecture , Yanagawa is often called "the city of water" and "the Venice of Kyushu" because of its 470 kilometers of canals, which were originally built as irrigation channels using the waters of the Chikugo River. Yanagawa now offers slow, scenic cruises down the waterways in flatboats known as donkobune, poled along by boatmen in traditional wear.
While you're in Yanagawa, tour the former home of Yanagawa's dominant clan, the Tachibanas, who ruled during the country's feudal era. The huge residence covers 23,000 square meters and is surrounded on three sides by canals. Also be sure to sample its signature food, unagi—locally caught eel that's got a rich taste and plenty of protein. Unagi is especially good during the hot summer months.
Yanagawa's canals were fortified when Yanagawa was transformed into a castle town shortly before the start of the Edo period at the beginning of the 17th century. Now they are relaxing waterways you can explore on a cruise. Oarsmen with long poles push the narrow boats through the canals, telling you about the city's long and impressive history and singing nursery rhymes penned by Yanagawa's famous poet, Hakushu Kitahara.
While you're in Yanagawa, tour the former home of Yanagawa's dominant clan, the Tachibanas, who ruled during the country's feudal era. The huge residence covers 23,000 square meters and is surrounded on three sides by canals. Also be sure to sample its signature food, unagi—locally caught eel that's got a rich taste and plenty of protein. Unagi is especially good during the hot summer months.
Yanagawa's canals were fortified when Yanagawa was transformed into a castle town shortly before the start of the Edo period at the beginning of the 17th century. Now they are relaxing waterways you can explore on a cruise. Oarsmen with long poles push the narrow boats through the canals, telling you about the city's long and impressive history and singing nursery rhymes penned by Yanagawa's famous poet, Hakushu Kitahara.
