Among the destinations good for a day trip from Fukuoka‘s city center, Yanagawa is one of our favorites. The city, which flourished as a castle town during the Edo period, retains the atmosphere of old Japan. It is crisscrossed with a network of canals and is known as the Town of Water (Mizu no Machi, 水郷). Taking a traditional boat and traveling down the 930-km canal while listening to the boatman sing is the best charm of this old castle town.
Things to Do in Yanagawa
- Yanagawa’s Profile
- The Four Seasons in Yanagawa
- Yanagawa City Tourist Information Center (柳川市観光情報センター)
- Yanagawa River Boat (どんこ船で川下り)
- Mutō Shop (ムトー商店)
- Dongurinoki Yanagawa Store (どんぐりの樹 柳川店)
- Yanagawa Castle Ruins (柳川城址)
- Mihashira Shrine (三柱神社)
- Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana (柳川藩主立花邸 御花)
- soil select farm
- Kabashima Ice Candy (椛島氷菓)
- Tea Shop River Flow (紅茶の店 リバーフロウ)
- Former Residence of the Toshima Family (旧戸島家住宅)
- Okinohata Suitengū Shrine (沖端水天宮)
- Karatachi Bunjin Footbath (からたち文人の足湯)
- Yanagawa Onsen Haenkaze (柳川温泉 南風)
Tips:
☛ You can make roasted seaweed at Takahashi Sōhōnpo (高橋總本舗). The shop is only a 7-minute walk from Nishitetsu Tokumasu Station (徳益駅), which is a station away from Yanagawa Station.
☛ If you want to get some traditional Japanese confectionery, head to Baikadō Kossan (梅花堂越山) for its Kossan Mochi (越山もち). The confectionery maker was founded at the end of the Edo period as a confectionery supplier to the Tachibana clan, who ruled Yanagawa Domain.
Yanagawa’s Profile
Yanagawa is situated in the southwest of Fukuoka Prefecture. Taking Nishitetsu’s express train from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station (西鉄福岡(天神)駅), you will get to Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station (西鉄柳川駅) in 50 minutes.
The waterway in Yanagawa was once an important infrastructure used to secure water for agriculture, fire prevention, and daily life. Between the late 15th and late 16th centuries, when feudal lords fought for power all over Japan, the water network was further expanded for defensive purposes.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated to Yanagawa?
To enjoy the attractions in Yanagawa at a relaxing pace, you will need at least six hours.
What to Do in Yanagawa on a Rainy Day?
River boating is especially appealing on rainy days. Poncho is provided, so you can enjoy the cruise without worrying about getting wet. The rain-soaked water and the quiet atmosphere offer a different and more charming view than you would see on a sunny day.
After getting off the boat, the shops and cafes are good spots that will shelter you from the rain. You can also head to Karatachi Bunjin Footbath (からたち文人の足湯) for a foot spa using natural onsen!
The Four Seasons and Seasonal Flowers in Yanagawa
- Spring (March to May):
- The rape blossoms season is usually from late February to late March.
- The cherry blossoms typically reach full bloom from late March to early April.
- The Yanagawa Doll Festival and Sagemon Meguri (柳川雛祭り さげもんめぐり) period is from February 11 to April 3 each year. During this time, several events take place on public holidays and some weekends. The Hina Doll Water Parade (おひな様水上パレード) is one of the highlights of the festival.
- Refer to HERE for the 2025 event schedule.
- Summer (June to August):
- The iris season usually starts from late May and ends in mid-June.
- Yanagawa Akari-bune (柳川灯り舟) operates from mid-July to early September. The route of the river cruise is illuminated to create a fantastic experience.
- Autumn (September to November):
- The fall foliage season in Yanagawa is from late November to early December.
- Hakushū-sai Water Parade (白秋祭水上パレード) is held in early November.
- Winter (December to February):
- When the kotatsu (heated table) is installed on the traditional boats used for the Yanagawa River Cruise.
In addition to the cherry blossoms in late March/early April, the city amazes its visitors with a couple more stunning views created by different flowers throughout the year. In particular, the Great Wisteria in Kumano Shrine’s precinct and the sunflowers in Yanagawa Sunflower Park will definitely astound you.
For more information, refer to our article on The Spots to Enjoy Seasonal Flowers in Yanagawa!
How to Get to Yanagawa
- It is easy to travel from Fukuoka to Yanagawa. Take a train from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station (西鉄福岡(天神)駅) to get from Hakata to Yanagawa. You will get to Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station (西鉄柳川駅) in 50 minutes.
- If you want to travel from other big cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, directly to Yanagawa, it is best to fly to Fukuoka Airport (福岡空港) or Saga International Airport (佐賀空港).
- From Fukuoka Airport, take the Fukuoka City Subway (福岡市地下鉄) to Tenjin Station. From Tenjin Station (天神駅), walk to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station and take a train to Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station.
- If you fly into Saga International Airport, you can take the airport limousine bus to Saga Bus Terminal (佐賀駅バスセンター) before changing for a bus or train.
- Use one of Japan’s Transportation Apps to plan your visit.
- You can also refer to the Yanagawa Tourism Bureau’s Website and use your browser’s translation function for more information on how to get to Yanagawa.
Yanagawa City Tourist Information Center (柳川市観光情報センター)
Upon arriving at Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, head to the Yanagawa City Tourist Information Center for the useful tourist information it offers. It also has a resting space. In addition, Yanagawa’s specialty, Yanagawa Sagemon (柳川さげもん) is displayed throughout the information center all year round. You can learn about the meaning of the decorative motifs before exploring Yanagawa!
If you don’t plan to take the Yanagawa River Cruise straightaway, you can rent a bicycle from the tourist information center. You can cycle along the Okinohata River (沖端川) embankment to the Ariake Sea (有明海). Another option is to take the The Normal Yanagawa River Cruise Course to Yanagawa’s main tourist area first, sightsee, then rent the bicycle from Yanagawa City Tourist Information Center in the Okinohata area.
A special thing at Yanagawa City Tourist Information Center in the Okinohata area is its vending machines which you can make yourself a cup of coffee from roasted coffee beans! Several types of coffee beans are available for you to purchase and grind before the machine brews the coffee for you.
English instruction is available. If you are still unsure, the friendly staff will assist you.
Renting a Bicycle from Yanagawa City Tourist Information Center
- Bicycles can be rented from Yanagawa City Tourist Information Center from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
- The cost for a one-day rental is
- 500 yen for normal bicycle
- 800 yen for an electric-assisted bicycle
- A photo ID is required to rent a bicycle.
Tip: You can return the bicycle at Yanagawa City Tourist Information Center in the Okinohata area. It is where many of the city’s attractions are located.
The below map shows the location of Yanagawa City Tourist Information Center in the Okinohata Area.
Yanagawa River Cruise (どんこ船で川下り)
Yanagawa River Boat is a must-do in the city. Sitting on the traditional boat, you can spend a relaxing time gazing the traditional, white-walled townscape from the river. The highlight is the boatmen. Besides singing, they will disappear from your boat and jump back on during the boat ride!
For more information, refer to our Yanagawa River Boat article!
Mutō Shop (ムトー商店)
While waiting for the boarding time of the Yanagawa River Cruise, how about heading to Mutō Shop for some souvenirs while admiring the riverside scenery? The long-established store stocks a wide variety of goods, local specialties and snacks of Yanagawa.
You will find Yanagawa-themed postcards, clear files, hand towels, masking tape, and other items here, all of which make good choices for souvenirs that will remind you of your visit to Fukuoka’s town of water. Mutō Shop was opened by Mutō-san (武藤さん) in 2011 to convey the charms of Yanagawa to tourists. Among the many merchandise and foods packed into the store, the Yanagawa Yukari (柳川ゆかり) hand towel series, designed by Mutō-san, is especially popular.
Furthermore, you can relax and enjoy authentic coffee in the cafe space inside the store, making it a popular spot among tourists and locals. Mutō Shop sourced the coffee beans from Achida Coffee (あだち珈琲), a well-known Fukuoka-based specialty coffee chain. If you like the coffee brewed here, roasted coffee beans are available for purchase!
Mutō Shop’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Mutō Shop is open from 10 am to 7 pm.
- The last order is taken at 6:45 pm.
- The shop is a 15-minute walk from Nishitetsu Yanagwa Station.
Dongurinoki Yanagawa Store (どんぐりの樹 柳川店)
The popular bakery is Dongurinoki’s third store in Kyūshū. It offers a good selection of both savory and sweet pastries. The fluffy bread here is sold at a reasonable price, making it a great spot to stop by for a quick bite. It has a homey atmosphere, and the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air. If you aren’t in a hurry, you can enjoy the bread at the small eating area outside the bakery or by the canal.
If you eat eggs, the Danish pastries made with seasonal fruits are especially recommended. Seasonal pastries are also available for you to fully enjoy what each season has to offer.
Dongurinoki Yanagawa Store’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Dongurinoki Yanagawa Store is open from
- 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays
- 8 am to 6 pm on weekends and public holidays
- The bakery is a 20-minute walk from Nishitetsu Yanagwa Station.
- If you plan to take a bus, get off at Emagari (江曲).
Yanagawa Castle Ruins (柳川城址)
Yanagawa Castle was renowned as an impregnable castle in the Edo period and served as the base for the Tachibana clan, which ruled Yanagawa. Unfortunately, the castle was destroyed in a fire in 1872, and the stone walls were later dismantled and used to repair a coastal embankment that had collapsed during a typhoon. Furthermore, Yanagawa Castle’s inner moat was filled as part of the city development project. As a result, a large portion of the castle’s grounds was converted into Yanagawa Junior High, Yanagawa Senior High School, and Yanagawa Park.
Nowadays, only the stone monuments and parts of the stone walls at the four corners of the castle moat remain to remind us of the beautiful 5-story castle, nicknamed Maizuru Castle (舞鶴城). In the spring, the small hill where the Yanagawa Castle Ruins are located is beautifully decorated with cherry blossoms, making it a little-known yet charming tourist spot in Yanagawa.
- Yanagawa Onsen Haenkaze is an 8-minute walk from Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana.
- If you plan to take a bus, get off at Yanagawa Kōkōmae (柳川高校前).
Mihashira Shrine (三柱神社)
If you want to visit a shrine in Yanagawa, Mihashira Shrine is a good choice. Not only is the shrine a religious and historical spot, but a large part of its precinct has been turned into Takahatake Park. It is now a popular destination for viewing cherry blossoms in Yanagawa. Moreover, it is one of Japan’s National Places of Scenery Beauty! Thus, even if you aren’t interested in praying, you can still visit Mihashira Shrine for a rest or a picnic.
For more information, refer to our Mihashira Shrine article!
Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana (柳川藩主立花邸 御花)
If you take the Normal Yanagawa River Cruise Course, the cruise finishes near Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana (some also refers to it as Ohana Yanagawa). The spot where over 400 years of history and nature blend together is the must-visit in Yanagawa. The entire grounds, covering 23,000m2, have been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. In fact, it is the only National Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan where you can spend overnight in Japan.
For more information, refer to our Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana article!
soil select farm
The strawberry is at the top of most people’s favorite fruit list. If you also like strawberries, consider visiting soil select farm for strawberry picking. You will find different strawberry varieties there. The good news is that their strawberry farms are located just a block south of Karatachi Bunjin Footbath. Thus, there is no need to travel out of the city center to pick fresh strawberries! Apart from strawberries, soil select farm grows other fruits and vegetables.
Soil Select Farm also has a cafe, located a block north of Ohana Yanagawa, for those who want to enjoy freshly picked fruits and desserts, as well as drinks made with fresh fruits. Depending on which season you visit Yanagawa, the fruits available differ. Strawberry-inspired products are also on offer. You can enjoy your order at the cafe, or take it out and have it by the canal.
Refer to soil select farm’s Official Website for the strawberry picking cost and to make a reservation.
soil select farm’s Business Hours and Access Information
- soil select farm is open from 9:30 am to 2 pm.
- soil select farm’s cafe and shop (いちごshop & cafe) is open from 11 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Monday.
Kabashima Ice Candy (椛島氷菓)
If you take the Yanagawa River Boat on a hot sunny day, you will crave some ice treats. The best spot for popsicles and ice cream in the Okihata area is Kabashima Ice Candy. Operated by Anri Farm (杏里ファーム), fresh fruits are used to make the ice cream and popsicles. The shop, converted from an old house, offers the perfect setting to enjoy ice treats made using the traditional method. When the weather is nice, sit at the tables on the veranda so you can overlook the garden.
While the shop only opened in 2011, Kabashima Ice Candy’s popsicles soon became Yanagawa’s specialty and are well-known nationwide, making its online business very successful. The popsicle lineup has several basic flavors, mainly fruit flavors such as mango. Apart from the soda flavor, no flavorings or colorings are used. Besides the fruity flavors, there are also matcha and Hokkaidō red beans if you prefer something rich.
Moreover, popsicles that contain yokan from Saga Prefecture’s renowned traditional confectionery shop, Muraoka Sōhonpo (村岡総本舗), are also on offer!
Apart from ice treats, Kabashima Ice Candy also sells Taiyaki. But instead of the usual fish shape, the street food has the shape of a hippopotamus. So, instead of Taiyaki, it is called Kabachan-yaki (かばちゃん焼き). Why hippopotamus? Because Kabashima’s Kaba can mean hippopotamus. Thus, the hippopotamus is in Kabashima Ice Candy’s trademark! The hippopotamus is also featured on Popsicle’s packaging.
The wheat used to make Kabashima Ice Candy’s taiyaki is also from Anri Farm. The red bean paste recipe is a special one developed in collaboration with Muraoka Sōhonpo.
Kabashima Ice Candy’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Kabashima Ice Candy is open from 11 am to 4 pm from Thursday to Tuesday.
- The shop is a 2-minute walk from Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana.
Tea Shop River Flow (紅茶の店 リバーフロウ)
Tea Shop River Flow is a spot that reminds us of TWG Tea Jiyugaoka in Tokyo. While the furnishing isn’t as fancy as the tea shop in Jiyūgaoka, the view from the cafe is better at Tea Shop River Flow.
The interior of Tea Shop River Flow is furnished with antique furniture from England. The owner’s passion for tea was developed during his time in England when he was in his 20s. After returning to Japan, he began exploring the world of tea and opened Tea Shop River Flow in 2004. Nowadays, the shop stocks over 50 types of tea, including those from famous producing regions such as India and Sri Lanka.
The cafe space, which opens from 12 pm to 4 pm, is on the second floor. As it is located next to the canal, you can enjoy the river view dotted with Yanagawa River Cruise from the window seats. On weekends and public holidays, lunch is also served in addition to the afternoon tea menu.
If you prefer to be seated at the window seats, let the shop know when you make the reservation. To reserve, please fill out the Online Form at the end of their English webpage. If you speak Japanese, you can also call them at +81-944-74-0211.
Tip: Tea Shop River Flow also offers afternoon tea on the Yanagawa River Cruise from October to early June. It is your chance to enjoy desserts on Yanagawa River Boat! Please note that a reservation is required 3 days in advance and costs 10,000 yen per person for this experience.
Tea Shop River Flow’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Tea Shop River Flow is open from 10 am to 6 pm Friday to Tuesday.
- The last order is taken at 5 pm.
- If Wednesday or Thursday is a public holiday, the shop will open.
- The shop is a 5-minute walk from Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana.
Important: A reservation is required to have afternoon tea at Tea Shop River Flow on weekdays.
Former Residence of the Toshima Family (旧戸島家住宅)
The Former Toshima Family Residence, located on the western outskirts of the Yanagawa Castle, was a samurai residence built in 1828. However, don’t confuse it with the rugged samurai mansion. The sukiya-tsukuri style (数寄屋造り) structure was built as a retirement home by Yoshida Kanetomo (吉田兼儔). As a senior councilor of the Yanagawa Domain, his residence was elegant. The residence garden was even designated as a National Scenic Spot in 1978!
The thatched roof gives the building a sense of Wabi, and it was later used as a tea room for the Tachibana clan, lords of Yanagawa.
Tip: Remember to check out the top cabinet in the tea room. It is a small shrine in a cabinet!
Former Residence of the Toshima Family’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- The Former Residence of the Toshima Family is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Wednesday to Monday.
- The last admission is at 4:30 pm.
- If Tuesday is a public holiday, it will close the next business day.
- The residence is closed from December 29 to January 3.
- The admission fee is 100 yen for elementary school students and above.
- The residence is a 5-minute walk from Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana.
- The closest bus stop to the Former Residence of the Toshima Family is Suitengu-iriguchi (水天宮入口).
Okinohata Suitengū Shrine (沖端水天宮)
If you your family or friends are expecting to deliver a child, remember to stop by the corner of the western moat of Ohana Yanagawa. Okinohata Suitengū is a shrine where the locals visit to pray for safe childbirth. Moreover, the gods enshrined at Okinohata Suitengū also protect their pilgrims from water disasters and bless them for safe sailing and good haul.
The top event held by Okinohata Suitengū is the Suitengū Festival (水天宮祭), held from the 3rd to 5th of May each year.
A large boat stage called Sanshinmaru (三神丸), supported by six boats, is set afloat on the moat during the festival. Various traditional musical performances take place on the stage as offerings to the gods. Gourd-shaped amulets to ward off water disasters are also sold exclusively at this time. Many stalls are also set up alongside the canal during the three-day festival.
So, if your travel dates run into the Golden Week, consider adding Okinohata Suitengū to your itinerary!
Okinohata Suitengū is a 3-minute walk from the bus stop, Suitengū-mae (水天宮前).
Karatachi Bunjin Footbath (からたち文人の足湯)
Except for the hot summer, having a foot bath is always pleasant on a trip. It is the best way to relax your tired legs. The good news is there is a free foot bath in Yanagawa that can accommodate around 70 people! So, you will always get a spot at Karatachi Bunjin Footbath. Plus, you might have the boatmen’s singing as the background music ヾ(≧▽≦)ﾉ.
Bunjin means literati in Japanese. The Karatachi Bunjin Footbath is a unique tourist spot where you can experience Yanagawa’s literary heritage while soaking your feet in onsen. Panels introducing the seven writers with ties to Yanagawa decorate the wall of the facility. Even if you don’t understand Japanese, you can still check out their photos.
As Yanagawa’s natural onsen is used, you can expect neuralgia, poor blood circulation, and fatigue to be alleviated.
While the facility isn’t enclosed, the footpath has a roof. Thus, you can still enjoy it if it rains a little. Moreover, the water temperatures range from hot to lukewarm depending on where you sit. You will definitely find a spot where the water temperature is perfect for you!
There is also a toilet at Karatachi Bunjin Footbath.
- Karatachi Bunjin Footbath is open from 11 am to 3 pm.
Important: Please follow the rules written on the board, including not washing your body in the footbath. Smoking, eating and drinking are also prohibited.
Yanagawa Onsen Haenkaze (柳川温泉 南風)
Not far from Yanagawa’s tourist central area, there is a spot where you can enjoy natural onsen. Yanagawa Onsen Haenkaze is one of the facilities located within the Yanagawa General Welfare Center Mizu-no-Sato. The facility features two large public bathing areas, consisting of an open-air bath and a sauna. The two bathing areas are designated for different genders each week, allowing locals to fully enjoy the hot spring facility.
A private family bath and private Japanese-style rooms are also available for you to reserve.
- Reservations for the private bath are available one day in advance.
- It will cost 520 yen plus the normal admission fee to use the private bath for 50 minutes.
- Reservations for the Japanese-style rooms are available one week in advance.
- It will cost 520 yen plus the normal admission fee to use a private room for 60 minutes.
After the bath, you can relax in the large tatami-floored hall. There are also table sets available for those who prefer not to sit on the floor. If you are hungry, food and drinks are sold at the shop in the Welfare Center.
Yanagawa Onsen Haenkaze’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Yanagawa Onsen Haenkaze is open from 10 am to 8:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
- The last admission is at 8 pm.
- If Monday is a public holiday, the facility closes on the next business day.
- The admission fee is
- 410 yen for adults
- 360 yen for 65 years old and above
- 200 yen for children from 4 years old to elementary school studnets
- Yanagawa Onsen Haenkaze is a 10-minute walk from Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana.
- If you plan to take a bus, get off at Mizunosato (福祉センター水の郷).
Explore Fukuoka, The Biggest City in Kyūshū
Fukuoka, the capital of Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of the best cities in Japan to experience unique Japanese culture and enjoy a wide range of recreational activities. The city also has abundant historical attractions and destinations with breathtaking scenery for you to discover!
For more information, refer to our article on Fukuoka City!
Visit Dazaifu Tenman-gū, The Must Visit Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture
Dazaifu Tenman-gū near Fukuoka City usually goes hand-in-hand when people visit Fukuoka. It is the biggest shrine in the Kyūshū region and shouldn’t be overlooked. Together with the Kitano Temman-gū (北野天満宮) in Kyoto, they are the headquarters of the 12,000 Tenman-gū shrines in Japan! The god enshrined in Dazaifu Tenman-gū is the namesake of Tenjin!
For more information, refer to our Dazaifu Tenman-gū article.
