Yanagawa 柳川市, Fukuoka Prefecture

Yanagawa (Japanese: 柳川市) is a city on the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu, Japan. It covers 77 sq km (30 sq mi) and has a population of 72,000 people (2012 estimate).

Yanagawa was founded by the Kamachi clan during the feudal period of Japanese history. It began as a farming community where canals were carved for irrigation and transportation. The feudal lord Tanaka Yoshimasa built a castle here and had the canals kept in working order.

Today the canals of Yanagawa has made it a popular domestic tourist destination. Riverboats called donkobune now take tourists on pleasure cruises through these waterways.

Local festivals celebrated in Yanagawa include the Hinamatsuri, celebrated on 3 March annually.

Old Toshima House in Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture

Planning your trip to Yanagawa

From Fukuoka, take the Fukuoka Expressway Route 2 heading south, continuing on the Kyushu Expressway (toll road) until Exit 12, then head west on Route 774 followed by Route 443 heading north then west to reach Yanagawa.

One of the shrines at Yadome-daijingu Shinto Shrine, Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture

Places of Interest in Yanagawa

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