Yanagawa River Boating
Yanagawa, also known as the city of water, is located in the south of Fukuoka Prefecture. Here you’ll find old-world streetscapes that still keep the lattice-like waterways from the Edo period. When you’re here, the absolute must-see is the inter-city river boating experience. No matter what season, you’re guaranteed for a fun and relaxing time as the boat captain serenades and shares stories around the area.
On a slow-paced journey through Kyushu, the most moving experiences are often not the flashy attractions, but those warm moments that span the years and connect the memories of three generations.
Yanagawa's “donko boats” (どんこ舟) truly create one of Kyushu's most iconic heartwarming memories across generations.
An elderly boatman rows through the waterways, cheerfully humming the children's song Momotaro. This warmhearted guided tour, with the boatman “giving it his all,” can bring a deep sense of comfort and emotion, whether you're accompanying an elderly family member who was 88 at the time or bringing an elementary school-aged child.
Even now, my 91-year-old mother still fondly remembers how much fun the boat ride was. Pairing it with steamed eel rice (せいろ蒸し) makes for the perfect combination at this tourist spot.
