Yanagawa Kanko Kaihatsu K.K. (Shogetsu Punting Station) — Attraction in Yanagawa

First of all, the trip from Hakata to Yanagawa was about 45mins? But the scenes you see are really pretty. I've always liked the countryside and I think, if you do too, you'd appreciate just watching the view during your trip here.

It's a really peaceful town—canals seen everywhere and the residential areas are really clean too. Little story, I had to go to a bank to exchange money ($ to ¥) which is about a 20min walk from the station because the boat ticket costs ¥1,700 and I only had ¥900 🥲. Anyway, it was nearing their closing time which was around 15:30 and so, when I arrived at the Boat Ride ticket station, I successfully got in the last minute batch.

The whole boat ride lasted about 30-60mins. Of course, you would see trees, nature, a park, some houses and all. The boatman was explaining the history but it was in Japanese (let's just say I understood it all) but he also sang some folksongs and we participated by clapping and vibing along which was fun and cool haha. Since I went during the first week of October, Autumn hasn't even fully started— there aren't that much colourful trees. So, I recommend visiting by mid-November just to see the reds and oranges. Spring is wonderful as the boatman said that sakura blossoms would...

The punting station is a short walk from the Yanagawa station & bought tickets upon arrival. Child rates apply to 11 & below. We queued for about 45 mins but line was managed well.

The boatmen don’t speak English but Yamada-san was very enthusiastic and tried to engage with us. Aside from the songs about Yanagawa, he even sang the theme song of Doraemon for our child. ☺️

I have to be honest that the boat itself is quite cramped & a bit uncomfortable. But the whole experience and ride was awesome overall! We enjoyed the 45 minute boat ride while being serenaded & specific interesting areas were pointed out. We even saw lots of birds.

Touristy activity, yes. But still worth trying & experiencing! If I would do it over, I would have booked a private boat ride to make the experience even better & more relaxing. 👍🏻

At the end of the boat ride you will get off at Ohana - an estate of a Samurai family, you can opt to check the museum & restaurant or walk a few mins to the parking lot assigned for the shuttle bus that takes you back to the punting station or directly to Yanagawa station for your...

The boat ride was fine. The boatman sang songs along the way and we even pass by an ice cream shop and pause to purchase some soft serve ice cream cones (strawberry, vanilla or matcha). I read there is approx 6 different boat vendors for such boat trips at Yanagawa. There is also a complimentary shuttle bus that fetches you back to the original boarding station upon alighting at the destination and it’s a scheduled timing. It’s in front of a unagi shop that seems to be famous . You have to be there early if not the bus will be too packed with passengers and you have to wait for the next one which is one hour later. At the drop off destination, there is souvenir shops, tourists office and toilets. Over there, I saw passengers on other boat rides bending even lower when the boat cross the bridge and the boatman have to jump on the bridge and walk over and jumped back to the boat. We didn’t have this opportunity with this boat vendor that we took sadly. For this vendor you can enjoy 10% discount voucher which can be found at their official website. It will be nice if it’s not so hot at 35...