Yanagawa City
Yanagawa is a city in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, once the site of Tachibana Castle during the Edo period—a time when Japan was divided into feudal domains known as han. The city retains the charming atmosphere of an old castle town and is renowned for two primary attractions: its extensive network of canals and its delicious eel cuisine.
Creeks
Yanagawa is famous for its man-made canals. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing cruise along these waterways on small, flat-bottomed boats. The banks are lined with beautiful trees, particularly willow trees, which are reflected in the city’s name—”Yanagawa” means “willow river.” The scenery is further enhanced by the traditional Japanese houses that overlook the canals.
Kawakudari Cruising
The Kawakudari is a canal cruise that offers a unique perspective of the city. Guests board a donkobune, a traditional flat-bottomed boat, piloted by a guide who both navigates and provides entertaining commentary. As you glide along the water, you can enjoy the picturesque views on both sides while learning about Yanagawa’s history and culture. The tour lasts approximately 70 minutes.
English Official Site: Suigo Yanagawa Kanko Inc. http://kawakudari.com/#
Yanagawa Castle’s Water Defenses
Yanagawa Castle was protected by a complex system of quadruple moats. The Honmaru (main enclosure) and Ninomaru (second enclosure) were surrounded by inner moats. These were further guarded by the Sannomaru (third enclosure) to the south, the West-Sannomaru, and the North-Sannomaru, all of which were encircled by middle moats. The entire Jonai (castle premises) was then enclosed by outer moats and, finally, two connecting rivers.
The Strategic Hori Water Gate
Traveling south along the canal, you will find the crucial Hori Water Gate. This single entry point channeled water from a north-flowing river into all the castle’s moats. In the event of an attack, the gate could be closed and an upstream embankment breached, deliberately flooding the castle grounds to transform it into an isolated island. This defense leveraged Yanagawa’s naturally swampy terrain, which impeded marching armies, while the moats acted as defensive pitfalls.
Defensive Canal Design & Mihashira Shrine
The middle moat exhibits intentional defensive design. While the eastern side (where the Kuomon Bridge crosses) is straight, the other three sides have turns, likely to complicate attacks, especially since the Honmaru was situated on the west.
The water route ultimately leads to Mihashira Shrine. “Mihashira” means “three pillars,” referring to the three deities enshrined there: the first lord Muneshige, his father Dousetsu, and his wife Ginchiyo. The shrine was established by the seventh lord, Akinao Tachibana, who first built an altar at Chokyu Temple in 1783 for Dousetsu. It was later relocated to its present site by the ninth lord, Akitaka, in 1826.
