Kyushu Yanagawa River Cruise｜Japan
Embark on a Yanagawa River cruise, take in scenic views along the way, and capture the charm of Yanagawa City. Book with KKday and complete your Kyushu trip.
- Enjoy the beautiful sceneries as you listen to pleasant folk tunes from your boatsman
- Admire heritage sites of the political era and its legacy
- Book now for an unforgettable experience in Fukuoka
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise |
| Cruise type | River boating |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
- Every year from mid to late February, there is a water-draining period in which the water is drained from the canal.
This period applies from 4:00 PM on February 16th, 2026 to all day on February 25th.
During the water-removal period, the section of the river course after the water gate will be closed. Therefore, the course will depart from Shimohyakucho boat pier, go to the water gate, and then return to Shimohyakucho boat pier, taking approximately 30 minutes for a round trip.
We will remain open with the same prices, but the course will be significantly shortened, so if that is still acceptable to you, we will accept your reservation.
- July 5th (Sat) to September 21st (Sun) 2025 Summer limited operation course
Summer-only course: "Shimohyakucho - Amebō Center - Shimohyakucho", 40 minutes
For passengers heading towards Onna, we will provide a free shuttle service to Onna after disembarking.
You can also use the return bus from Ohana-mae to Shimohyakucho for free.
*This may vary depending on the actual temperature and weather.
- Spot introduction -
- Yanagawa River Cruise: A Waterside Town Located about an hour's drive from downtown Fukuoka, Yanagawa is a waterside town with a network of canals that stretches 60 kilometers in length and measures 2 kilometers square. The highlight of Yanagawa tourism is the "river boat" ride along the canals. Enjoy a relaxing time listening to the boatman's boat song and the soothing sounds of the water. The river boat ride takes about an hour, traveling along the roughly 3-kilometer canal while listening to the boatman's guide and boat song. There are over 200 donko boats, and you can see them coming and going all over town and the boatmen washing them. During the cold season from December to February, "kotatsu boats" are available, allowing you to enjoy the winter atmosphere while staying warm.
- Route introduction: Please see here for the river cruise course.
- The operating route is the U-turn course: "Shimohyakucho - Namikura - Shimohyakucho" and the one-way course: "Shimohyakucho - Onohana".
- The journey takes approximately 60 minutes. After boarding, there may be a maximum waiting time of 30 minutes before departure.
- Additional fees apply: Adults 200 yen/person, Child 100 yen/person. This option also takes approximately 60 minutes. However, the one-way course to Onohana is only available on the 10:40 AM departure.
- There is a free shuttle bus between Shimohyakucho and Onohana, so whichever course you choose, you can go to Onohana and return to Shimohyakucho. The free shuttle bus operates from 11:30am to 3pm.
Summer Season Course from July 5 (Sat) - September 21 (Sun): "Shimohyaku-cho ~ Amenbo Center ~ Shimohyaku-cho", 40-minute duration.
Embark on a Kyushu Yanagawa River Cruise (approx. 60mins)
Get lost in the idyllic vibe
Return to the original boarding area by the free shuttle bus services
Please exchange the boat ticket at the counter of Shimohyakucho Boarding Area
Purchase Notice
- If you do not arrive at the cruise departure point by the designated time, we will be unable to reschedule or change the date and time of your cruise
Reminders
The cruise will depart within 30 minutes after check-in. After checking in, please remain at the check-in location and follow the instructions of the local staff until departure
Tour departs on rainy days. Free raincoat rentals will be provided
Kotatsu and quilts will be provided for winter departures (Dec-Feb)
Please note: Normally the course goes from upstream to downstream, but in the afternoon the course may be reversed. Thank you for your understanding.
Every year from mid- to late February, there is a water-draining period when the water in the canal is drained. This period applies from 4:00 PM on February 16, 2026, to all day on February 25. During this period, the section of the riverboat course after the floodgate will be closed. Therefore, the course will depart from Shimohyakucho Boat Landing, go to the floodgate, and then return to Shimohyakucho Boat Landing, taking approximately 30 minutes for a round trip. The price will remain the same, but the course will be significantly shortened, so if you are still happy to do so, we are happy to accept reservations.
Please note that the duration of the cruise, while approximately 60 minutes, may be slightly shorter or longer depending on the speed of the water current
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
You can conveniently book tickets for the Yanagawa River Cruise through KKday. Booking in advance on KKday ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing you to secure your spot and receive immediate confirmation for your trip to Yanagawa. This helps streamline your travel plans and avoid potential queues.
Yes, the Yanagawa River Cruise is highly recommended for its unique charm and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy picturesque canal views, listen to the boatman's folk songs and historical anecdotes, and admire the city's rich heritage from a different perspective, making it a memorable part of any Kyushu trip.
The Yanagawa River Cruise offers a serene journey through historic canals, where you can admire beautiful sceneries from the water. A skilled boatman steers your traditional donkobune boat, often serenading passengers with folk songs and sharing stories about Yanagawa's political history and legacy, creating an immersive cultural experience.
The most common way to reach the Yanagawa River Cruise is by train from Fukuoka. Take the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station directly to Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station. From there, the various boarding areas for the river cruises are typically a short walk or a shuttle bus ride away.
Yanagawa City offers more than just the river cruise. You can visit the Shotoen Garden, explore the historic residence of the Tachibana family (Ohana), and stroll through the traditional streets. Yanagawa is also famous for its unagi (eel) dishes, so exploring local restaurants is a popular activity.
The boatman, or 'donkobune-san', is an integral part of the Yanagawa River Cruise experience. They skillfully navigate the traditional flat-bottomed boat using a pole, often singing traditional folk songs and sharing local anecdotes or historical insights about Yanagawa and its heritage, enhancing your journey with cultural richness.
A typical Yanagawa River Cruise usually lasts for about 60 to 70 minutes. This duration allows ample time to relax, soak in the scenic beauty of the canals, listen to the boatman's stories, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere without feeling rushed.
The Yanagawa River Cruise is enjoyable year-round, but spring (March to May) with cherry blossoms and autumn (October to November) for vibrant foliage are particularly popular for their beautiful scenery. Summer offers lush greenery, while winter provides a serene, peaceful experience, sometimes with traditional heated 'kotatsu' boats.
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