Yanagawa Canal Boat Ride

When you are in Kyushu, Japan, one of the must do activities is to take a punting ride on a traditional wooden boat along Yanagawa canal. As we were there during autumn, there were some trees with yellow leaves. The fallen leaves also make the river have tinges of yellow too. Another best time to visit will be during the sakura season when cherry blossom trees line up along both sides of the canal too. It is a true test of balance for the boatman who had to navigate the huge canal while standing on the boat. They will also sing traditional folk songs for the visitors, and the serenade complements the peaceful scenery on both sides of the river. Some of the bridges we encountered along the way are low and close to the water, hence the boatmen will also do some stunts by scaling up the bridge and then hopping back onto the boat. It is truly amazing to see them getting off and landing with so much ease despite their age, and they still have the energy to steer us all the way to the end. #fallingforfall