Yanagawa, River city in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Yanagawa is a city in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, crossed by waterways that connect residential neighborhoods and farmland. The canals run through the entire urban area and feature small bridges over narrow channels between buildings.
The city emerged in the late 16th century around a castle compound, whose fortifications shaped the layout of the waterways. The defensive structure transformed over time into an urban irrigation system for households and fields.
The canal system retains its original water distribution purpose and shapes daily life in town to this day. Residents use the waterways for everyday needs and maintain the banks along their neighborhoods.
The city can be reached by rail from Fukuoka City in just under an hour to the southern station. Main routes through the canals run from the central area in several directions and allow round trips.
Boatmen navigate flat wooden boats through the narrow waterways while telling stories or reciting poetry. The verses often come from a local poet who grew up in town and described the canals in his works.
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