Yanagawa Canals

Yanagawa's extensive canal system was constructed over 400 years ago during the Edo period under the rule of the Tachibana clan. Originally built for agricultural irrigation, flood control, and transportation, these waterways transformed Yanagawa into a prosperous castle town. The network expanded to an impressive 930 kilometers of canals crisscrossing the city, creating a unique water-based urban landscape that earned Yanagawa the nickname 'Venice of Kyushu.'

The traditional donkobune boat cruises began as practical transportation but evolved into a tourist attraction in the early 20th century when modern roads reduced their functional necessity. Local boatmen, called sendo, developed the distinctive punting technique using a single pole to navigate the narrow canals while entertaining passengers with songs and stories. This tradition has been carefully preserved and passed down through generations.

Today, Yanagawa is recognized as one of Japan's most important historical canal towns, with its waterways designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. The city's canal preservation efforts serve as a model for cultural heritage conservation. The sight of wooden boats gliding past stone bridges, willow-lined banks, and traditional storehouses evokes the atmosphere of feudal Japan. Yanagawa also gained literary fame as the birthplace of poet Hakushu Kitahara, who celebrated the canals in his works.