Suigou Yanagawa Water Festival “Swim! Water! Swim!”
Event period: Mid October
Yanagawa in Autumn
Autumn is the season for festivals in Yanagawa. You can enjoy the sounds of drums and flutes and a lively atmosphere every week. A path of light is projected onto the tidal flats of the Ariake Sea, creating a fantastical landscape unique to Yanagawa.
Average maximum temperature: 21.0°C
Average minimum temperature: 12.0°C
Main Events
Mitsuhashira Shrine Autumn Festival – Onigie (Dorotsukudon)
Event period: Early October
This is the autumn festival of Mitsuhashira Shrine. It is called “Onigie” because it is so lively. It was originally a festival to give thanks for a good harvest. Kasai music and “Dorotsukudon” and “dancing floats” inspired by Kyoto’s Gion Yamahoko parade through the town.
Elegant (Don Kyan Kyan, Nijuhei)
Event period: Early October
Held on the second Sunday of October every year, Furyu is a traditional performing art that involves dancing to the beat of drums to give thanks to the gods for the good harvest and to pray for the health and safety of the local people.
Ando Seian Memorial Festival
Event period: Late October
The festival aims to deepen understanding of Ando Seian, known as the “father of learning in Yanagawa,” and to inspire pride among the local citizens, allowing visitors to experience his great achievements.
Hakushu Festival (ceremony and water parade)
Event period: November 1st to November 3rd
The festival is held over three days, on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of November, in memory of the saint poet Kitahara Hakushu, including the anniversary of his death. It begins with a chorus of Hakushu’s “Kikyorai,” which begins with “The mountain gate is my birthplace,” at the Hakushu Poetry Monument. At dusk, boats decorated with Chinese lanterns on the five-colored sparkling waterside invite you into a fantasy world. Local residents welcome you from homes along the moat and from the bridge, and there are over 10 stages where local performing arts and choruses perform. At the climax of the boat trip, a large fireworks display lights up the late autumn night sky.
Sanno Chrysanthemum Exhibition
Event period: Early November
Every year during the Shichi-Go-San season, Hiyoshi Shrine displays many different types of chrysanthemums that you normally can’t see.
Recommended sightseeing spots in autumn
Hakushu Road Promenade
This is the road that the famous poet Kitahara Hakushu took to junior high school, and you can enjoy the poetic scenery along the river. Currently, the road that continues from Hakushu Road has been developed as a promenade along the river boat course. In 1986 it was selected as one of the “100 Best Roads in Japan.” It is a road where you can enjoy the seasonal scenery, including willows, irises, and azaleas.
See & Enjoy
Hakushu Kitahara Birthplace and Memorial Museum
In 1985, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the sainted poet Kitahara Hakushu, the museum was built and opened on the vast former site of the Kitahara family sake brewery, with which Hakushu had the deepest connection. Inside the museum, you can learn about Hakushu’s upbringing and his poetic career, and in the video theater on the second floor, you can watch videos about Hakushu’s life, poetry, travels around the water town of Yanagawa, and festivals in Yanagawa.
See & Enjoy
Karatachi Literary Footbath
Free. Approximately 70 people can take a bath. There are panels on display introducing the photographs and works of Yanagawa writers such as Hakushu Kitahara and Kazuo Dan. It is within walking distance from Onohana and Kanpo no Yado. When using the Karatachi Literary Footbath, please be sure to observe the precautions for use.
See & Enjoy
Ariake Sea tidelands
The tidal flats of the Ariake Sea are a precious natural heritage and a treasure trove of diverse living creatures. We encourage you to visit the tidal flats of the Ariake Sea and experience their charm for yourself.
See & Enjoy
