Anytime of the year is a good time to visit Yanagawa, often referred to as “The Venice of Kyushu”. And while punting down its tranquil canals with a singing boatman is a must, consider checking out Unryu no Sato, a museum dedicated to the sport of sumo. There’s an outdoor sumo ring and inside there’s plenty of displays and memorabilia.
Yanagawa river punting
Local oarsmen use a single pole to gently glide the punts along a four and a half kilometer course of canals. From Dec. 1 until Feb. 28 the boats are fitted with kotatsu (a blanket and table with a heater) to keep passengers warm and cozy, and are referred to as kotatsubune.
• Open every day
• 9:00~16:30
• Adult: ¥1,650, 5 y.o. ~ ES: ¥830
• Four boat launches within a 10 min. walk from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Sta.
• 0944-74-0891 (Yanagawa City Tourist Information Center)
The inner garden at Ohana Ryokan
Enjoy sitting on the covered decking and the view of Tachibana Gardens at Ohana
Service in traditional wear and with a smile
Unagi no Seiro-Mushi (eel steamed in a bamboo steamer) – the specialty at Ohana
Unryu no Sato (Sumo Museum and Library)
Off-the-beaten track but what a gem for fans of sumo! Thousands of items and documents related to the sport are on display including life-size models and items worn by and belonging to wrestlers. Yanagawa native and local hero wrestler Kotoshogiku is featured here too! Note: Information and guidance in Japanese only.
• 10:00~18:00
• Closed: Mon. and the last Thu. of the month
• Adults: ¥100, ES & JHS: ¥50
• 151-2 Yamato-machi Takanoo, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka (15 min. drive from central Yanagawa)
• 0944-76-1122
The outdoor dohyo – or wrestling ring
Photos, trophies and much more
