“Suigou Yanagawa” is a place where water and people intertwine – there are many stories to tell.
Take your time and enjoy the beautiful, somewhat ephemeral scenery.
Yanagawa’s waterways, the “Canals,” are the fruit of the wisdom and hard work of our ancestors, which took more than 2,000 years to build. They dug into land that was once the sea, created waterways, and built houses and rice fields there. Even today, they serve as irrigation water for agriculture and disaster prevention, irrigating the water town of Yanagawa.
The Tachibana family and Yoshimasa Tanaka are indispensable in unraveling the history of Yanagawa. Their military exploits, culture, and deep ties with the local residents have played an important role in shaping the current appearance of Yanagawa.
Yanagawa was once located in the Ariake Sea. The Ariake Sea has the largest daily tide difference in Japan. The agricultural and marine products nurtured by the sea’s breath have enriched the lives of the people of Yanagawa and fostered a deeply rooted food culture.
What has shaped the charming town of Yanagawa is, above all else, the passion of the people. The Yanagawa of today is shaped by the people’s passion to treasure the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation and to pass them on to the future.
Yanagawa, located in the southwest of Fukuoka Prefecture facing the Ariake Sea, is made up of a network of waterways called “canals” that make up 10% of the city’s area, creating a unique Yanagawa atmosphere centered around the canals. During the Edo period, it was developed as a castle town, and the beautiful scenery of “Suigo Yanagawa,” beloved by poet Kitahara Hakushu, has been designated a national place of scenic beauty. A nostalgic space spreads out, evoking the original scenery of Japan.
Yanagawa is roughly divided into three areas: the city area that still retains the appearance of a castle town, the coastal area where you can feel the blessings of the vast ocean, and the northern area where you can enjoy the fusion of tranquil rural scenery and new culture. Come to Yanagawa, where you can discover the charms of Yanagawa.
In Yanagawa, where the crested ibises flow lazily, the colors of the four seasons are reflected on the surface of the canal, creating a fantastical landscape with cherry blossom petals, fresh green willows, autumn leaves, and the clear winter sky. Even today, Yanagawa is home to hundreds of shrines and temples, and its traditional seasonal events and beautiful flowers gently soothe the hearts of visitors.
Enjoy a Relaxing and Luxurious Experience
River Rafting in the Water Town of Yanagawa
