Yanagawa, on the outskirts of Fukuoka, is a world-famous water capital. The urban rivers crisscross, with a total distance of 930 kilometers. The waterways available for cruises surround the ancient city of Yanagawa. When it was built, it was not only focused on the function of guarding the city. It can also be used as a flood prevention dredging, as well as for agricultural irrigation and fire-fighting water storage purposes. When arranging a small trip to Fukuoka, a full-day trip to Yanagawa and Dazaifu Tenmangu was specially arranged. This is also the official recommended one-day tour route.
There are currently five rafting companies in Yanagawa, each with its own boat docks, all located in the northeastern corner of Yanagawa’s ancient city, scattered on the waterway in front of the water gate of the city.The most well-known boatman is the Yanagawa Kaiko Development Co., Ltd., which provides discount tickets with Nishitetsu Tram. It was founded in Showa 36 (1961). The ship's dock is Matsuetsu Ferry Yard, and it can be boarded from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station. Free shuttle bus to go.
How do I get to the Matsuetsu Ferry Terminal for boating in Yanagawa?Supplementary explanation of ticket purchase and shuttle bus information
Take the Omuta Line from Nishitetsu Tenjin Station in Fukuoka, and you can choose direct flights. The one-way fare is 850 yen. It takes 48 minutes to reach Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station. Next to the bus stop in front of Nishitetsu Station, there is the service counter of the Rafting Company. After buying the ticket, you can take the free shuttle bus at the gate to Songyue Wharf.
The Yanagawa cruise fee is 1,600 yen per person, half price for children under 11 years old, and free for children under 5 years old. The ticket includes a free shuttle bus to and from the station. When purchasing the ticket, the service staff will provide a Chinese description and a shuttle bus schedule.Remember to pay attention to the departure time of the return shuttle bus. If you miss it, you have to take a taxi, bus or walk back to the station!
▲ From Tenjin Station in Fukuoka, take the Nishitetsu train and go directly to Yanagawa Station without changing trains.
▲ The rafting route in Yanagawa is about 4.5 kilometers in length, and the cruise takes about 70 minutes.
▲ Yanagawa cruises can be divided into two types: co-ship (shared) and loan-cut (exclusive). Unless there are enough people, general tourists can take a co-ship.Unless the weather is bad, it will operate every day, and the shared boat will depart when it is fully loaded, so there is no need to worry about the schedule.
▲ The boat fare per person is 1,600 yen, including a free shuttle bus to and from the boat terminal.
▲ After purchasing the ticket, the counter will provide a simple card indicating the number and date of the boarding. This is the proof of boarding. At the same time, it will provide Chinese instructions, mainly the cruise route and shuttle bus boarding instructions to and from the station.
▲ Next to the ticket counter entrance is the shuttle bus boarding point, and the bus stop in front of Yanagawa Station is on the left front.
▲ After crossing the bridge from the parking lot, you will see the way of worship at Sanju Shrine in front, and Matsuetsu Ferry Yard on the left.
Rafting experience around Yanagawa
After starting from Matsuetsu Wharf, the Yanagawa Cruise will first pass through the Johori Water Gate, and then it will depart for about 70 minutes. It is mainly a rafting route around the Yanagawa Ancient City.The artificial rivers surrounding the ancient city had the function of defending the city. Therefore, the watercourses were wide enough to allow cruise ships to pass. Most of the cruise ship waterways overlapped with the walking route, but the atmosphere and scenery of the boats had a different flavor.
The official website stated that the cruise route is 4.5 kilometers in length and the whole journey time is about 70 minutes. In fact, we stayed on the boat for 2 hours. We went to Songyue Wharf at 10 o'clock and arrived at Chongduan Wharf at 12 noon. The boat went very smoothly. After all, It's not the rafting on the river. The most "thrilling" part of the whole journey is probably the low bridge piers. Remember to lower your head and body.
Big Brother Rocking Boat is very hardworking and conscientious in explaining in Japanese. He will sing a few songs on the way and stop at the "water" side stall selling dim sum. The expression of the boatman's operation is not very exaggerated, but he can see his sincere service mood, but The time may be too long, and the final stage is a bit poor and cold, but at this time, let's take a quiet look at the scenery of the waterfront.
▲ The cruise route goes around the ancient city of Yanagawa, and it is also possible to walk.
▲ The pier provides sun-shading hats for rent, 100 yen each. If the sun is hot, you may consider borrowing them before boarding the boat. You can pick them up after you deposit the coins on the desk and put them in the cash box.
▲ Although the sun was not too hot that day, it was more interesting to wear a hat like a boatman!
▲ In front is the Yanagawa Castle Horizumi Gate, which is listed as a historic site. Most of the Yanagawa rafting routes use this as the starting point and heading to the end of the Okiba Wharf.
▲ Before the departure of the general cruise itinerary, a group photo of the passengers is usually taken on behalf of the passengers. You can buy them on board and then return to the service counter to pay for them.
▲ The midway boatman will stop at the waterside stall, and everyone can buy snacks and ice products according to their needs.
▲ In the final stage of the cruise, the boat passed through the low-bottom tree trunks, everyone bowed their heads, and the boatman jumped over with stunts.
▲ Arrive at the Chongduan Wharf at the terminal.
▲ Okita Wharf is right in front of Wakamatsuya, a well-known eel and rice restaurant. You can take a free shuttle bus here on the return journey, and you can choose to return to Matsuetsu Wharf or Yanagawa Station.
▲ When you come to Yanagawa, you can’t just have a cruise, but it’s also important to eat eel and rice!
Extended reading:Wakamatsuya steamed eel rice, a must-eat after the Yanagawa cruise
◎ Rafting at Yanagawa の川下り
– Address: 〒832-0826 329 Takahata, Mibashicho, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture
– Phone: 0944-72-6177
– Fax: 0944-72-1000
– Official website: http://www.yanagawakk.co.jp/
