The castle town from the water
Cruise along the canals and enjoy Yanagawa’s scenery from a low vantage point you don’t get on foot.
Yanagawa River Boat Tours
AI Summary
What kind of place is the Yanagawa River Cruise?
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A classic Yanagawa experience, this boat ride offers a quick taste of the town’s waterways and historic charm.
Cruise through the canals of this former castle town aboard a donko boat. Highlights include the boatman’s commentary and songs, along with views of willow trees and white-walled buildings that change with the seasons. The departure point is close to the station, making it easy to fit into your sightseeing plans; check the weather and service status in advance.
Recommended for
Top 3 Highlights
Boatman’s stories and songs
Hear about local history and daily life as you relax on the boat.
Seasonal scenery and traditions
The experience changes with the season, from spring flowers to winter kotatsu boats.
Before You Go
- Many routes are one-way, so plan how you’ll get back after disembarking.
- During busy periods and seasonal programs, check reservations and service status ahead of time.
- After the cruise, it’s easy to enjoy local specialties or take a walk around the area.
Suggested Route
Take a river cruise from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, then walk around the Okinohata area after disembarking before heading back.
Yanagawa is known as a castle town and the hometown of the poet Hakushu Kitahara, and its "river cruising" has become a local specialty. The city is crisscrossed by canals, and visitors can explore these waterways in traditional "donko" boats. In the cold winter months, these boats can be enjoyed as kotatsu boats. The river cruise covers about 4 kilometers in one hour, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons while listening to the boatman’s guidance and folk songs. Yanagawa is located about one hour from Fukuoka city, and it takes approximately 50 minutes by limited express train from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station. The boarding area is easily accessible on foot from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, and there is a variety of courses available. For example, you can choose to explore the inner moat, take a tour of the outer moat, or even join a course that includes eating eel steamed in a wooden box, providing various options tailored to your needs. The scenery of Yanagawa, adorned with seasonal flowers and white-walled streets, is beautiful and will surely soothe your heart once you visit.
Yanagawa River Boat Tours Movies
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Yanagawa River Boat Tours
- Location
- 〒832-0065 35 Okihata-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Access
- Approximately a 3-minute walk from Nishitetsu "Yanagawa Station."
- Parking
- There is a free parking lot on the north side of "Shimohyaku-cho Boarding Area" *Availability is limited, and parking is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Business Hours
- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Reservation required after 5:00 PM)
- Regular Holiday
- Open year-round.
- Fees
- Ferry: Adults 1,700 yen (middle school students and older), Children 850 yen (ages 5 to elementary school), Infants under 5 years old occupying a seat will incur a seat fee of 500 yen.
- Contact Information
- Phone Number：0944-73-2145
- Official Website
Map
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