Our second chance at boating: Yanagawa canal boat sailing

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 trailing in his wake. 

Our boat ride does not have this otherwise it would have made the unexciting boat ride a little more interesting. 

Aso Nakadake Crater 1 阿蘇中岳 第1火口, Kusasenrigahama 草千里ヶ浜 and Komezuka 米塚

Aso Nakadake Crater 1

Kurokawa, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2225, Japan

Located in Aso-Kuju National Park, central Kyushu, Aso Nakadake Crater 1 is Japan’s most active volcano. The massive caldera stretches 24 kilometers from north to south, surrounded by five peaks collectively known as Aso Gogaku.

Among these peaks, Mt. Naka stands out. It boasts a milky green lake wreathed in smoke and remains the most active peak in the region.

Despite the calendar indicating autumn, we were taken by surprise when we encountered snow at Aso Nakadake Crater 1. Our initial dilemma was whether to take a helicopter ride or drive up. In the end, we opted for the more economical choice of driving.

However, upon arriving at the crater, we faced unexpected challenges. The area was closed due to dangerously high levels of poisonous fumes. After patiently waiting for 30 minutes, the authorities reopened the site, only to ask everyone to leave again within 10 minutes.

Undeterred, we proceeded to our next destination: Kusasenrigahama.

Kusasenrigahama

Japan, 〒869-1505 Kumamoto, Aso District, 阿蘇市 草千里ヶ浜

Often called simply Kusasenri, this spot is a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument. Kusasenrigahama lies at an altitude of 1130 meters above sea level.

It consists of two volcanic craters nestled between Mt. Eboshi and Mt. Kishima. The grasslands here cover a vast area of 785,000 square meters, with two ponds indicating the former locations of the volcanic craters.

Visitors can enjoy horseback rides through Kusasenrigahama, led by staff for a safe and enjoyable experience, even for kids and beginners.

Komezuka

Otohime, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2226, Japan

Our final photo stop of the day was at Komezuka, a picturesque volcanic cone.

 

Komezuka stands about 50 meters tall and has a symmetrical shape with an indented summit, resembling an inverted bowl.

Formed approximately 3,300 years ago, Komezuka features a hollow at the top, which is the remains of its volcanic crater. During spring and summer, the volcanic cone is covered in a blanket of green grass, making it a picturesque sight.