Enjoy a Day Trip to Yanagawa and Dazaifu

When visiting Fukuoka, aside from shopping in the city center, exploring the nearby suburbs is also highly recommended. Among these, Yanagawa and Dazaifu are two destinations worth considering. For tourists relying on public transportation, the typical route involves taking a train from Nishitetsu Tenjin Station to Yanagawa, then traveling from Yanagawa to Futsukaichi, and onward to Dazaifu. Finally, you return to Nishitetsu Tenjin Station via Futsukaichi. Purchasing a travel pass is very convenient, as it not only offers a discounted fare for the entire journey but also includes a boat ride ticket for Yanagawa and a famous Umegae Mochi from Dazaifu.

Yanagawa is often described as the "Venice of Kyushu," and many visitors specifically join boat tours to experience the local culture. The Yanagawa moat has a long history, dating back to Japan's Sengoku period (late 15th to late 16th century). It was originally dug to enhance the defenses of Yanagawa Castle and later repurposed for water transportation and rice field irrigation, giving Yanagawa its unique scenic charm today.

The entire boat tour takes about 70 minutes, during which the boatman rows while singing traditional Yanagawa boat songs. Even if you don't understand Japanese, the boatman enthusiastically explains the local history and culture. During the ride, you can enjoy the clear skies and picturesque river views, especially during hydrangea season. A fun anecdote: along the way, you might spot a bird standing still, mistaking it for a decorative fixture of the Yanagawa River. But as the boat moves closer, the bird might suddenly spread its wings and take flight, reminiscent of a falcon's graceful dive. Additionally, there's a common misconception to clarify: online sources often claim that boatmen jump onto bridges during the tour and leap back onto the boat as it passes under. However, not all boatmen perform this stunt. I managed to capture this thrilling moment when another company's boatman did it while I was disembarking at the end of the tour. Besides the boat ride, Yanagawa is also famous for its steamed eel rice. The eel is first steamed, then grilled, and cooked with a special sauce, resulting in a dish where the eel melts in your mouth. The rice absorbs the eel's oils and sauce, creating a rich yet non-greasy flavor.

Next, we move on to Dazaifu. The name "Dazaifu" refers to the ancient administrative headquarters of Kyushu. Upon arriving at Dazaifu Station, you'll immediately notice the bustling crowds. Walking along the Omotesando shopping street, you'll find restaurants, souvenir shops, and general stores on both sides. Among them, the Starbucks designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma stands out with its unique design, blending modernity with the traditional surroundings. At the end of the Omotesando street lies Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Fukuoka's most iconic shrines, attracting students from Japan and around the world to pray for academic success. Inside, several attractions are worth visiting, such as the bronze cow statue at the entrance, the heart-shaped pond crossed by a red bridge, the kirin statue, and the main gate (Romon). Unfortunately, the main hall was under renovation during my visit, so I could only pay respects at the temporary hall. Nearby, the Iris Pond is also worth a visit, especially if you catch the irises in full bloom.

Finally, before heading back to Nishitetsu Tenjin Station, don't forget to redeem the Umegae Mochi included with the travel pass. This sweet treat, made with a glutinous rice and non-glutinous rice shell filled with red bean paste and grilled to perfection, features a plum blossom imprint on its surface and tastes delightful. Exploring Fukuoka's suburbs with such a diverse itinerary is truly a unique experience worth trying.

Post by 龍哥講生活 | Aug 15, 2025