[Hakata Departure] Yanagawa Day Trip YokaBus Sightseeing Tour | River Rafting, Steamed Eel, and Miso Making Experience at a Long-Established Shop! Take Home the Finished Miso (Fukuoka, Japan) (Guidance in Japanese only)

The distinctiveness of Yanagawa unagi don lies in its 'grill-then-steam' process. The eel is first grilled until fragrant with a special sauce, then steamed together with rice in a steamer. This method makes the eel exceptionally tender and flavorful, while the rice fully absorbs the sauce and eel aroma, resulting in a mellow texture. It's a traditional delicacy from the Chikugo region of Fukuoka.

Yanagawa's grilled eel over rice is renowned primarily due to its centuries-old cooking techniques and meticulous ingredient selection. Esteemed local restaurants pass down a unique steaming method, paired with a secret sauce and freshly chosen eels, creating a distinctively soft, flavorful, and aromatic dish. This traditional cuisine not only offers an exceptional taste but also embodies Yanagawa's profound culinary culture, cherished by locals and visitors alike.

During aどんko boat ride, you can glide along the winding Yanagawa waterways and admire the reflections of the ancient, white-walled buildings along the banks on the water's surface, as well as the weeping willows swaying in the breeze. The boatman will pole the boat slowly through the small bridges and streams, allowing you to experience the serene and picturesque charm of a Japanese waterside town and enjoy a leisurely, healing time.

The Yanagawa miso-making experience typically takes place in a century-old shop that preserves traditional flavors. Under professional guidance, participants learn how to select high-quality soybeans, koji, and salt, and then mix, mash, and ferment these ingredients according to traditional procedures. This hands-on process allows you to gain a deep understanding of the essence of miso production, and you can even take your homemade miso home, experiencing the joy and sense of accomplishment.

In addition to the classicどんko boat tour, Yanagawa offers a rich tapestry of local culture worth exploring. For instance, you can visit the former residence of the poet Hakushu Kitahara to immerse yourself in literary history, or wander through the historic samurai residences to experience the Edo period's atmosphere. Furthermore, savoring authentic Yanagawa grilled eel over rice and participating in the miso-making experience are also important ways to delve into Yanagawa's culinary culture and lifestyle aesthetics.

Tasting Yanagawa's grilled eel over rice is not just a culinary delight but also carries deep local traditions and cultural significance. This dish is a classic representative of the Chikugo region of Fukuoka, symbolizing the local people's commitment to and inheritance of traditional cooking techniques. Many locals enjoy it on special occasions, and it has become an essential part of the experience for tourists wanting to understand Yanagawa's unique food culture, appreciating its historical and flavorful dual appeal.

Yanagawa'sどんko boat rides offer different charms throughout the four seasons. In spring, you can admire the blooming cherry blossoms along the banks, full of vitality. Summer brings lush greenery, with the weeping willows swaying more gracefully. Autumn is adorned with red maple leaves, creating a picturesque scene. In winter, you might experience heated boats (kotatsu boats), enjoying snowy waterside views in warmth. Each season allows you to experience the unique tranquility and beauty of Yanagawa's waterside, so you can choose your visit time based on your personal preference.

To judge if Yanagawa's grilled eel over rice is authentically traditional, consider a few aspects. Firstly, the unique 'grill-then-steam' cooking method ensures the eel's tenderness and the rice's flavorful absorption. Secondly, the sauce's flavor is key; authentic sauces are typically rich yet not greasy, with a balanced sweet and savory taste. Lastly, pay attention to whether the restaurant is a long-established, family-run business, as they usually adhere more closely to traditional craftsmanship and ingredient selection, guaranteeing the genuine local taste.