Yanagawa

It feels so perfect, you'd wish your own country had a place like that.

The atmosphere was great. We met a handsome captain who could introduce himself in English and even speak a few words of Cantonese and Mandarin. It was a cloudy day, but the weather was perfect; it didn't rain, and there was even some sunshine, making for comfortable temperatures. The hotel offers free parking; just meet in the lobby 10 minutes in advance. There are restrooms in the lobby. We booked the 10:00 AM tour, which took about 30-40 minutes, faster than expected. Afterward, we walked to Wakamatsuya to queue for eel rice. This was perfect timing because the restaurant opens at 11:00 AM, and you can register in advance. We arrived 20 minutes before opening and were among the first to have lunch, avoiding long queues. If you're traveling on a weekend, consider this time for the cruise to coincide with lunch.

Our driver, Xiao Wang, served us for three days, taking us around the city. He was not only a very skilled driver, but also had a great attitude, which made our trip to Fukuoka and Yufuin a safe and enjoyable one!

It was a fantastic trip! You could learn about the various flavors of Yamecha tea, the tea-growing and packaging process, and have a great time interacting with the boatmen on the Yanagawa River. You could also enjoy a delicious and exquisite eel set meal and make a beautiful handmade fan.

The itinerary was well-planned. We picked strawberries and tasted more than five different varieties, all of which were delicious. They also had premium White Snow strawberries available for purchase on-site at incredibly low prices. Since it was the weekend, many locals were picking strawberries and buying large boxes to take home. The Yanagawa cruise was comfortable and very enjoyable, highly recommended. The eel rice at any restaurant was delicious. Our guide, Wang Qi, was very helpful in taking photos at each attraction. The Tosu Outlet Park was huge and great for exploring. This is a highly recommended itinerary.

Our tour leader, Xiao Cai, was very professional, although he admitted to being nervous as it was his first day leading a tour. He was considerate of our needs, adjusting the sightseeing locations to avoid crowds and ensuring we visited all the attractions smoothly and on time. The only slight disappointment was with the Liuchuan River; I expected the riverbanks to be lined with cherry blossoms during cherry blossom season, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I wonder why? I visited the river many years ago, and this revisit gave me a different experience. The boatman, Ken, was relatively young and sang several songs, bringing joy to the passengers and diligently completing the tour. The entire trip was enriching, and the time management was excellent—kudos!

Relaxing, leisurely, with beautiful scenery, and a pleasant mood. Transferring between vehicles was very convenient, the restaurants provided excellent service, the eel rice was delicious, and it was great value for money. The whole family had unforgettable memories and is looking forward to the next family trip.