Traditional boat ride through Yanagawa canals

A gentle wooden boat glides along Yanagawa’s winding canals, and Mark Wiens immediately feels the city’s serene heartbeat. The soft creak of the docked “dongon bune” and the distant chatter of locals create a soundtrack that is both nostalgic and inviting. As he drifts past narrow bridges and verdant willow trees, the air fills with an unmistakable scent—smoky eel, grilled over charcoal, curling up from nearby restaurants lining the waterway.

The highlight of this ride is the promise of local cuisine: the famed Yanagawa unagi (eel) dishes that steam in open pans right beside the canal. Watching chefs skillfully flip and glaze the tender fish, Mark’s enthusiasm spikes—he can’t help but describe it as “amazing.” The combination of tranquil waters, historic architecture, and the tantalizing aroma of fresh eel makes this boat tour a must-try experience for any food lover seeking authentic Japanese flavor.