Expect a leisurely ride down the waterways—a chance to unwind and let the world drift by on the Yanagawa river tour. Our journey began at the heart of Yanagawa city centre, where the canal’s gentle ripples beckoned us. The boatman welcomed us aboard the donkobune—a flat-bottomed wooden boat. As we settled in, he stood at the stern, a long pole in hand, ready to propel us forward. As we glided along, the boatman serenaded us in Japanese. I didn’t understand the words, but the rhythm carried me away. After our river voyage, we disembarked near an eatery. A street full of unagi shops (grilled eel) awaited us—a local delicacy. Along the disembarkation area, I witnessed one of the boats gliding a low, arched passage that compelled the passengers to bow their heads. The boatman’s eyes sparkled as he cautioned them, and the passengers crouched low, their laughter echoing off the water. Then he scaled the bridge and emerged on the other side, applause traili...