relax

(Translated by Google) He is a lyricist and poet who is famous for nursery rhymes such as ``Machibouke~'' and ``Ameame Furefure Haha-san ga~.'' Admission fee is 600 yen for adults. Hakushu Kitahara is known as a modern Japanese poet and nursery rhyme writer, and has created many masterpieces of nursery rhymes such as ``Machibouke'' and ``Konomichi.'' His nursery rhymes are still loved by many people today for their beautiful depictions of nature and warm words that depict a child's heart. The charm of Hakushu nursery rhymes lies in their lyrical expression. For example, in ``Machibouke,'' the song depicts a sunset scene in great detail, and sings of the sad feelings of a child. In addition, ``This Path'' incorporates the sounds of flowers and insects on the roadside to express children's inquisitiveness and joy. Hakushu's nursery rhymes are not just children's songs; they contain universal themes that adults can relate to as well. For example, ``Machibouke'' reflects not only the feelings of children waiting, but also the loneliness and anticipation deep within the hearts of adults. Hakushu nursery rhymes have a universal appeal that is loved throughout the ages. This is probably because Hakushu's rich sensitivity and deep love for nature and children created a world of beautiful words. (Original) 童謡の「待ちぼうけ～」や「あめあめふれふれ母さんが～」などで有名な作詞家、詩人です。入館料は大人６００円。 北原白秋は、日本の近代詩人、童謡作家として知られ、「待ちぼうけ」や「この道」など、数々の名作童謡を生み出しました。彼の童謡は、美しい自然描写や、子供心を描いた温かい言葉で、今もなお多くの人々に愛されています。 白秋の童謡の魅力は、何と言ってもその抒情的な表現にあります。例えば、「待ちぼうけ」では、夕暮れの風景を細やかに描き出し、子供の切ない気持ちを歌い上げています。また、「この道」では、道端の草花や虫の声を詠み込み、子供の探究心や喜びを表現しています。 白秋の童謡は、単なる子供の歌ではなく、大人も共感できる普遍的なテーマを含んでいます。例えば、「待ちぼうけ」は、子供の待つ気持ちだけでなく、大人たちの心の奥底にある寂しさや期待感を映し出しています。 白秋の童謡は、時代を超えて愛される普遍的な魅力を持っています。それは、白秋の豊かな感性と、自然や子供に対する深い愛情が生み出した、美しい言葉の世界だからでしょう。

(Translated by Google) It is a famous folk song poet's former residence in Yanagawa City that is worth visiting. The content is very rich and the exhibits are well protected. There are 3 exhibition areas to record the lovely nursery rhymes😊 (Original) 是柳川市很值得一遊的有名歌謠詩人故居，內容十分豐富，展品保護很好，有3個展區，記錄一下可愛的童謠😊

(Translated by Google) Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is the hometown of the renowned Japanese poet Kitahara Hakushu. Yanagawa, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, is a charming water town nestled between canals. A day trip to Yanagawa reveals a rich, ancient Japanese charm. Whether you're hopping on a Yanagawa boat and sailing along the canals with the boatman, or enjoying the classic Yanagawa eel rice at a teahouse with a river view, these are unforgettable memories. This time, we embarked on a day trip to Yanagawa, enjoying a leisurely cruise along the canals while listening to the classic "Rain Song," and experiencing the tranquil beauty of the water city of Yanagawa. The Rain Song also has a Chinese version in Taiwan. Drip, drip, splash, splash, the rain is coming. My mother, holding an umbrella, comes to pick me up. Drip, drip, splash, splash, la la la! It is the work of Kitahara Hakushuo. His former residence is an old Japanese-style house that is well maintained and you can also appreciate the traditional Japanese architecture. (Original) 福岡縣柳川市日本著名詩人北原白秋的故鄉。 福岡縣境內的「柳川」是一個被運河包圍的迷 人水鄉,來到柳川一日遊會發現,鎮上充滿著 濃厚、古老的日式風情,無論是搭上柳川遊船隨著船夫在運河航行,或者是找一家可以看到 河景的茶屋,品嚐著最經典的柳川鰻魚飯,都 是來到柳川旅遊時最難忘的回憶。這次我們跟 著船夫展開了柳川一日遊,搭著小船緩緩行駛在運河上,聽著一首經典的「下雨歌」,感受柳柳易川水都靜謐的美。 下雨歌 在台灣也有中文版 淅瀝淅瀝，嘩啦嘩啦， 雨下來了， 我的媽媽，拿著雨傘來接我， 淅瀝淅瀝，嘩啦嘩啦，啦啦啦！ 就是北原白秋生的作品，故居是日式老宅，維護的很好，也可細細品味日本傳統建築。

(Translated by Google) Admission is 600 yen. Present your JAF card for a 50 yen discount. You can see the birthplace of Kitahara Hakushu, and the memorial hall also introduces the history of the Yanagawa domain in addition to Kitahara Hakushu. I think it's a little pricey. The tour takes about 30 minutes. (Original) 入館料600円。JAFカード提示で50円引き。北原白秋の生家の様子や、記念館では、北原白秋の他に柳河藩の歴史についての紹介もある。 少し割高かなと思います。見学時間30分程度

(Translated by Google) It's been a long time since I've heard his name since I studied him when I was in elementary school. I took my relatives from Kanto to sightseeing in Yanagawa and stopped by! It's a quaint, old-fashioned building that gives you a sense of life. I understood the good things at that time, such as the colors and the outbuildings. At the memorial museum, there were things related to Yanagawa that I learned a lot from 😊 (Original) 小学生の頃に、勉強した以来、久しぶりに名前を聞きました。 関東の親戚を柳川観光に連れて行き立ち寄らせてもらいました！ 趣のある昔ながらの建物で、生活が感じられました。 いろりや離れなど、その当時の良さが分かりました。 記念館には、柳川に関連する物もあり勉強になりました😊

(Translated by Google) His birthplace has been turned into a memorial museum, with vintage books by famous writers he was close to, and it created a lovely atmosphere. The moat waterway running through it also added to the atmosphere, and I had a great time. (Original) 生家が記念館となり、 年代物の近しい文豪の本が置いてあり、 雰囲気あって楽しめた。 お堀の水路が通っているのも情緒あって、 良い時間過ごせた。

This was my second stay since the renovation, and the newly renovated guest rooms were exceptional, with meticulous attention to detail in the facilities and amenities. The stay was truly special, allowing me to relax while enjoying the views of the building, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the scenic landscape of the SHOTOEN Garden. In addition, the hospitality and service level of the staff has improved with each visit, making this a place I would like to stay again and again. Thank you very much for another wonderful experience. I will probably stay at Ryokan Ohana again soon.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The rooms and gardens were beautiful. The breakfast was one to remember. We loved the tofu dish served. The team of staff was very professional and welcoming. The lounge area also served a good range of drinks at no extra charge, coffee, milk, sake, and sparkling vinegar that was refreshing.

Situated right near where the boat ride ends, Yanagawa Tachibana-Tei Ohana is really a great place to visit even for a meal. We didn't stay in the hotel, but we did book a private room at their restaurant (which you will need a reservation for). The private rooms have access and a beautiful view of the serene garden while you enjoy a kaiseki meal. They also serve a great unagi no seiromushi (a marinated and steamed unagi and served in laquerware).

A gem situated in a small and quiet town, I enjoyed myself fully and the rooms were amazing. Solid mattresses that didn't give me a backache and hinoki bathtubs were the best! 🫡

Staying in Ohana was incredibly peaceful and serene. My room was pristine and window above the bed had a view that looked like a painting. I truly appreciate all sustainable and nature preserving practices that this facility has. Location is lovely and the Ryokan breakfast is a must have. The history behind this facility is incredible. However, more than any other things I have mentioned Ohana’s best asset is its people. There was a smiling, welcoming and helpful face at every turn and they have gone above and beyond to make my stay unforgettable.

My wife and I had a delightful stay at Ohana House in Yanagawa, Japan, and it was a perfect romantic getaway. We stayed in the Garden Suite (Kuromatsu), their premier accommodation, which was an absolute highlight. This exclusive corner room on the top floor offered panoramic views of the Shoto-en Garden, the Western-style Seiyokan, and the Grand Hall, immersing us in the estate’s historic charm. The room featured a serene tatami area with traditional shoji screens, complemented by a cozy Western-style bedroom with plush bedding that ensured a restful night. We loved the thoughtful amenities: a tea ceremony set with high-quality loose-leaf tea, an electric kettle, and elegant champagne and wine glasses that added a touch of sophistication. The yukata robes and geta sandals were a charming nod to tradition, while the modern bathroom with bidet toilet, hairdryer, and premium skincare products made our stay effortlessly comfortable. The in-room Wi-Fi, LCD TV, refrigerator, and safe added convenience without detracting from the authentic ryokan experience. Waking up to the sight of the garden’s black pines through the large windows felt like a private moment with history. The Shoto-en Garden, a national place of scenic beauty since 1978, was stunning. We strolled its paths, captivated by the tranquil pond, sculpted islands, 280 ancient black pines, and 14 stone lanterns. The evening light-up cast a magical glow over the garden, enhancing its timeless beauty. The Tachibana Museum, included with our stay, offered a fascinating look into the 400-year legacy of the Tachibana clan, with artifacts like samurai armor and Edo-era crafts brought to life by a guided tour. We also took the Yanagawa canal tour, which passed right by Ohana House. Drifting along the waterways in a traditional donkobune boat, we were enchanted by the boatsman’s soulful songs, a local tradition that perfectly framed the view of Ohana’s elegant estate against the backdrop of willows and pines. It was a highlight of our trip. Breakfast and dinner were enjoyable, featuring Yanagawa’s famous seiro-mushi steamed eel and fresh local sides, served with a view of the garden. The meals were satisfying and beautifully presented, complementing the peaceful setting. From the Grand Hall’s morning light to the moonlit pond at night, Ohana House is a must for couples seeking a blend of history, culture, and comfort.

We stayed one night in a big spacey room. The view was amazing looking right at the gardens, it was wonderful to chill on the sofa while drinking up the view. The room smelled a bit strange, I wonder if it is because of all the wood I could not place the smell. We could go to a nearby bath house for free, very convenient and not crowded. The staff was very helpful and the location is just perfect. I don't think you can find a more beautiful hotel in Yanagawa. You can get on a boat right in front of the hotel, too.

Face mask is no longer there.

A small local shrine with a big face in the front entry

Calm and beautiful

Nice visit

(Translated by Google) I was drawn to the large Otafuku entrance and decided to stop by. However, a wedding was taking place at the time, and I felt hesitant to enter the grounds until the photos were taken and the entrance was finished, so I waited at the entrance for a bit. There were many small animals, mainly birds, kept on the premises. It felt more like a mini zoo than a shrine, and there was a strong animal smell. (Original) 大きなお多福の入り口に目を引かれ、寄りました。 ただ、ちょうど結婚式が行われており、その写真撮りと入場が終わるまで境内に入るのが憚られる感じで、ちょっと入り口で待ってしまいました。 敷地内には、鳥を中心とした小動物がたくさん飼われていました。神社というより、ミニ動物園のような感じで、動物の匂いが強くしていました。

(Translated by Google) It was about a 30-minute walk from the station. The sidewalks were well maintained, so it was easy to walk there even with children. I was surprised to see chickens and flamingos inside the shrine! I took a photo in front of the three monkeys, striking the customary pose. It's not a big shrine, but there's a small park nearby, so it was just the right walking course. (Original) 駅から徒歩で約30分ほどでした。歩道がしっかり整備されているので、子連れでも無理なく歩けました。神社の中には鶏やフラミンゴなどがいて、びっくり！ 三猿の前ではお決まりのポーズで写真を撮りました。大きな神社ではありませんが、すぐそばに小さな公園もあり、ちょうど良いお散歩コースになりました。

(Translated by Google) Depending on the season, it turns into the Otafuku Gate. I was surprised to see animals being kept on the temple grounds. (Original) 時期によっては、おたふくの門になるそうです。 境内の敷地内に動物が飼育されていてびっくりしました。

become a school

(Translated by Google) It seems that people are using the moat to go sightseeing down the river, and there seem to be very few people touring the castle ruins. When I came on a Saturday, I was surprised by the number of tourists and the parking lot was full, so I parked my car in the city hall parking lot early on Sunday morning and walked from there to take a tour. Most of the stone walls in the moat are not historical and are made of concrete, so this is quite a disappointment. The castle ruins themselves are now the grounds of the school, so all the waterway-like parts have been modernized and renovated, so it didn't feel like there was much to see around Horino. As I was walking along the public road inside the school, I was finally able to find part of the stone wall and a signboard. Unfortunately, the area after the castle tower appears to be within the school grounds, so I was unable to enter. In the first place, there is a tennis court next door to take pictures of the signboard and stone wall, and if it wasn't raining, there might have been students there, so if you don't do a good job, you might get reported. As for the stone wall, I could only see a little bit of it, and I think this is probably the original one, but the way it was piled up seemed rather crude considering the notches and joints. The stones in the stone wall are probably all granite. Kurume Castle and Iikoko are areas where granite can be mined. (Original) 堀の部分を活用して川下り観光をしているようで、城跡を見学する人はほとんどいないように見えます。 土曜日に来た時には観光客の多さに驚きましたし、駐車場がいっぱいだったため、日曜日の早朝に、市役所の駐車場に車を止めてそこから歩いて見学をしました。 堀の大半の石垣は歴史的なものではなく、コンクリートだったりしてますから、かなりの残念ポイントです。 城跡そのものが学校の敷地になっているため、水路状になっている部分もすべて近代化改修されており、堀野周辺には見どころがない感じでした。 学校の内側にある公道部分を歩いていると、やっと石垣の一部と看板を見つけることができました。残念ながら、天守後は学校敷地内になるようで、入ることができませんでした。 そもそも、看板や石垣の写真を撮るにも、テニスコートが隣にあり、雨が降ってなければ学生がいたかもしれませんので、下手すると通報されかねません、、、 石垣については、本当にちょっとだけしか見られず、これも本来のものだろうと思うのですが、切込み接ぎにしてはなんか雑な感じというよくわからない積み方でした。 石垣の石材はたぶんすべて花崗岩です。久留米城といいここといい、花崗岩が取れる地域なんですね。

(Translated by Google) The castle was destroyed in a fire on January 18, 1872 (lunar calendar), leaving behind one turret, a storehouse, a stable, and three castle gates. The former castle ruins are now the campuses of Yanagawa High School and Yanagishiro Junior High School, and the remains of the castle tower base, stone walls, and moat remain as the remains of the main citadel of Yanagishiro Castle. The remains of the castle tower base are located in a corner of the Yanagishiro Junior High School athletic field, and are known locally as "Hesokuriyama," with its slope being used as a training ground for sports club members. (Original) 城郭は明治5年1月18日 (旧暦)の火災で櫓1基、土蔵、厩、城門3棟を残して焼失。かつての城跡は柳川高等学校と柳城中学校のキャンパスとなり、遺構は天守台、石垣、堀が柳川城本丸跡として残っている。天守台跡は柳城中学校の運動場の一角にあり、地元では「へそくり山」と呼ばれ、その勾配が運動部員のトレーニング場として利用されている。

(Translated by Google) There are no traces of the building today. All that remains are the stone walls of the one-story castle. (Original) 今は建物の痕跡はない。 平屋城の石垣が残って いるだけだ。

(Translated by Google) At first glance, it was difficult to recognize it as a castle ruin. This is probably because most of the castle ruins are occupied by Yanagawa High School and Yanagawa Junior High School. It wasn't until I climbed up to the ruins of the castle tower that I realized that it was actually a castle ruin. It is said that there was a castle tower there until 1895, but it seems to have been destroyed by a fire. Horikawa may best represent what Yanagawa Castle was like in its day-to-day life. (Original) パッと目にした感じでは、城跡と認識することが難しかったです。城跡の大部分を柳川高校と柳城中学が占めておるためでしょうね。天守台跡に登って初めて城跡であることを実感できました。明治五年までは天守閣があったそうですが、火災でなくなってしまったようです。 堀川が柳川城の在りし日の姿を一番あらわしているのかもしれません。

(Translated by Google) I paid 500 yen at a nearby tourist parking lot and told the guy in charge that I was there to see Yanagawa Castle.What? Isn't there a moat? It is a castle ruin that is said to be. It has blended into the grounds of a junior high school, so I'm nervous that someone will report it as a suspicious person. I finished watching it in 10 minutes, so I thought it would have been cheaper to park at Times. . (Original) 近くの観光駐車場に500円払って係のおじさんに柳川城見に来たって言うと、えっ？お堀じゃ無くて？って言われる感じの城跡です。 中学校の敷地に同化しちゃってますので不審者通報されないかドキドキです。 10分で見終わったのでタイムズに停めた方が安かったなと。。

(Translated by Google) Sanada Senki Yanagawa Castle Ruins Yanagawa Castle was a castle built by Haruhisa Kamachi, and the castle town became the origin of present-day Yanagawa City. The Honmaru and Ninomaru were lined up from east to west from the center of the Imperial House surrounded by an outer moat in Heijo, and the Sannomaru, separated by the inner moat, surrounded the Honmaru and Ninomaru, and the area where the samurai lived was open outside. When Chiren Kamachi was the lord of the castle, Ryuzoji Takanobu and Nabeshima Naoshige attacked Yanagawa Castle with 20,000 soldiers, but were unable to capture it. After Hideyoshi's conquest of Kyushu, Muneshige Tachibana became the lord of a 130,000 koku castle in southern Chikugo and served Hideyoshi. During the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Nabeshima Naoshige and others attacked here. After a fierce battle, Muneshige Tachibana surrendered and surrendered the castle through the intercession of Josui Kuroda and Kiyomasa Kato. Muneshige, who had sided with the Western army, lost his territory, and Yoshimasa Tanaka was granted 325,000 koku of land in Chikugo and became the lord of Yanagawa Castle. Yoshimasa expanded the castle area to make it suitable for the prefecture of Chikugo. However, when the Tanaka clan had no heirs and became Keiyaku, Muneshige Tachibana was given only 100,000 koku of the 325,000 koku of Chikugo and became the lord of Yanagawa Castle again, and from then on, it became the castle of the Tachibana clan, the lords of the Yanagawa domain. (Original) 真田戦記 柳川城跡 柳川城は、蒲池治久により築城された城郭で、城下町は現在の柳川市の元となりました。平城で外堀に囲まれた御家中の中央よりやや南西よりに本丸と二の丸が東西に並んでおり、内堀を隔てた三の丸が本丸・二の丸を取り囲んでおり、その外側に武家集住地域が開けていました。蒲池鎮漣が城主の時、龍造寺隆信や鍋島直茂が2万の兵で柳川城を攻めたが落城させることができませんでした。秀吉の九州征伐後は、立花宗茂が筑後南部13万石の城主となり秀吉に仕えました。1600年の関ヶ原の戦いの際は、鍋島直茂らがここを攻めました。立花宗茂は激戦の後、黒田如水、加藤清正らの取り成しで降伏開城しています。西軍側だった宗茂は領地を失い田中吉政が筑後一国32万5千石を許され柳川城主となる。吉政は筑後の府に相応しく城地を拡張した。しかし田中氏が跡目がおらず改易になると立花宗茂が筑後32万5千石のうち10万石だけ与えられ再度柳川城主となり、以降、柳川藩主の立花氏の城となりました。

I visited it on a Thursday starting 4-5pm and it was really pretty. Well, I say pretty because it looks so peaceful, calming, and relaxing–and that's just what I like. It wasn't busy when I visited and I just passed by friendly old people taking a stroll/jog around the place since I guess there are some houses once you go past the bridge and first huge shrine. Loved the pond. I even saw a turtle there haha. Really loved the whole place^^

very beautiful place for photo. like Venice in Italy

A nice local shine which a small pond. The place is pretty quiet and good for a walk.

Beautiful place to go see the sakura.

Quiet shrine during the typical days. Very crowded during the summer festival.

classic temple. Love it.

This is a quiet place to visit, pretty small overall, but nice for strolling about to check out the park and grounds. There’s some construction going on at the moment but it didn’t interfere with viewing the various spots around the shrine.

A very nice and heritage restaurant nestled in Japanese garden. We had the grilled eel rice, grilled ell egg roll and crispy ell bone. Both are super delicious, the best we had so far in all our trips to Japan over the years!

***MUST TRY*** This place is amazing for both atmosphere and meal. Combination of both enhances experience of Japanese dining. Worth a visit. • Timing: opens till 14:30 hrs then afternoon break before dinner. • Queue: went there around 13:10 hrs and people started to leave after lunch. Waited for like 10 minutes to get table. • Atmosphere: got a table for two in another building which has access from the back side. I didn’t know that this place is huge! Shoes off and on slippers inside. Tatami mat, traditional Japanese music, Japanese garden view. • Menu: A set with soup & pickles or with additional salad & egg rolls with eels. • Jou-Seiromushi (full course) - very yummy. Rice was flavoured with eel sauce. Super tasty. As the whole box was steamed before being served, rice and eels remained hot until my last bite. Loving it! • Price: worth all the ¥

Overhyped. The unagi looks great, but it is normal. There are better ones out there. If you are in Yanagawa, then of course, come here. But you don't have to make a trip here just for it.

This is a popular restaurant where you need to wait in line for your number to be called, and it also takes some time for the food to be served. The steamed eel rice tasted okay, but it wasn’t particularly impressive.

Private room with amazing eel . The fried eel bone is very special and worthy of snacks and gifts to back home as it’s very unique

I’ll let the picture do the talking 😍🍚✨ The unagi rice bowl with egg was absolutely delicious — rich, flavorful, and comforting in every bite 🐟🍳😋 A must-try if you’re in the area!

Best unagi rice I have ever had. I got the set and everything tasted so good. The rice was savoury and fragrant after sucking in all the juice/ sauce from the eel. The eel omelette was delicious as well. The soup was the cherry on top for me. They put a tiny slice of lemon in it and it was so refreshing. I have never had soup like that. It was truly satisfying.

Nothing out of the ordinary. Apart from the fact that it is a decades old restaurant and novel in terms of how eel is cooked. I will trade this for a good bowl of ramen 🍜 Any day. The dinning is on a traditional Japanese floor table. What i felt would been helpful for tourists is to have some signboards, otherwise it’s easy to miss this place.

If you ever find yourself in Yanagawa, Unagi no seiromushi is a must try!!! The dish consists of shredded omelette, and grilled eel over rice in a steamed bamboo box. We visited Ganso Motoyoshiya, a long established restaurant since 1681 on a weekday. Upon arrival, I was drawn by the aroma of grilled eel and the charm of the restaurant. Please note they only accept Cash. They seemed busy but we didn’t have to wait for our table. We started off with chawanmushi and super crispy Eel bone karaage. They were amazing. It’s the best chawanmushi I had ever had. For the main dishes, both me and my husband ordered the toku seiromushi with kimo soup ( eel liver soup). My son got the Unagi don. The difference between seiromushi and unagi don is the cooking method. Unagi don is a bowl of rice topped with grilled eel and sauce. While, seiromushi is a steaming method in a bamboo box. We were both pleased with our meal. The grilled ell has a slight charred flavor, rich and incredibly delicious. The rice was enriched with the sweet savory eel sauce and absorbed all the flavor. I loved it so much! We left the restaurant so full and happy. It was one of my favorite meals of our trip in Kyushu.

The eel here was 5⭐️! I was very surprised on the difference of other eel around Japan and here. This place was fantastic! We tried eel in various forms and all was delicious! The steamed egg was my favorite as i love a really really delicious steamed egg! The interior of the restaurant is stunning. They have 3 parking lots around the restaurant. Menu in Japanese and English. Staff were so sweet and friendly.

One of the best unagi I have ever had in Japan. The eel meat is smoked with amazing woody aroma. Great sauce. Beautiful dining environment. It’s suggested to make a reservation by calling the restaurant in advance (Note: Staff can only communicate in Japanese)

Excellent food, friend happy service, the restaurant was full and we didn't need to wait long for a table. They have private rooms and larger ones. Tatami seating. We loved the food an the the atmosphere

Seiromushi with Kiki Soup. In Yanagawa, because of its hundreds of waterway and proximity to the sea, the white spotted eel is one of specialty dish here. The originator of this dish, Ganso Motoyoshiya, prepares the dish by covering a bed of rice with a special sauce and steaming it in a wooden steamer box known as a seiro. Fillets of charcoal-broil eel are coated in the special sauce and placed on the bed of rice with some finely sliced scrambled egg to add colour and flavour before the whole dish is steamed once more. The restaurant interior is of a traditional ambience and very well maintained. Worth a visit together with your river cruise.

We went here under the recommendation of Japanese, unfortunately it was 1/3 waste of money because 1/3 of the fish was too burnt that it tasted so bitter & bad. I really cannot recommend this place. I give 2 stars because the service was nice & atmosphere was good. This place also was more expensive than other places because it’s probably the most famous one.

Delicious udon/Soba noodles!! If you are looking for reasonable budget to eat, this will be the right place. Highly recommended.

great udon place!! the broth is so flavourful. tried the beef + burdock root topping. very affordable as feel around JPY 600-800/bowl 😋❤️

Wow the udon and the broth here are the bombs. The rice is awesome too. We came here on Sunday noon at the peak of the rush hour but they have the operation down with such efficiency. I see plenty of locals here too. Great value for lunch in such touristy town. Definitely recommended.

The udon here was amazingly nice. Warm soup with springy noodles.

Came on saturday evening, carpark was almost full! didnt expect to have such a big crowd, seems like this place is really popular with the locals. It is a huge seating space inside, food is served fast, the staff inside are mostly teenagers. I order the biggest bowl of udon, at first everything taste pretty standard, then i realized you can self service tempura batter, so i added to my udon, then it taste like the best thing ever!!

Was very put off when à waitress just came and took my phone away while it was charging, without asking whose it was or anything. I did not know it was not allowed to charge your phone there while eating even though you're a paying customer. I found the whole experience very rude. Because she did this in such manner, the nearby customers were staring at me. Very embarassing. The food was good though, although the udon were à bit soft for my taste. They did not ask how hard I wanted my udon, like other restaurants do.

The udon was very good and tastes almost sweet. The service is incredibly fast for the number of customers they had.

The eel was tinder and soft. However on the salty side and small portion. They also gift a small bag of eel bone snack that was yummy. Packaging is very nice.

I had an amazing Yanagawa-style unagi here and it was absolutely delicious. The dish was cooked perfectly, full of rich flavor, and felt truly authentic. The restaurant itself has an old, vintage charm that adds to the experience, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a piece of history. The staff were very nice and hospitable, making sure everything was just right. It’s a place that combines great food with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Yanagawa.

Can't really say much more than unagi tasted sensational. It was so delicious I lost words. We ordered Matsu (large) ¥3700. We didn't make a booking but didn't have to line up to get in before the midday on the weekday. Half of the table was reserved. Staff spoken english and were all friendly.

The eel over rice is authentic and delicious. The rice is flavorful with the eel sauce, and the eel is well prepared, tender and tasty. The waitress are friendly, but the time to prepare the freshly made dish may take couple minutes.

Prompt and efficient service. Three piece steamed eel set was fantastic

Food is very good. Unagi specialty restaurant. Don't forget to put their spices. It does make the unagi taste better.

Steamed eel with a touch of egg is the classic to have in Yanagawa and Mingeichayarokki did not disappoint. It's one of the quaint little restaurants that you hope you find when you go to a new town. We went to Yanagawa specifically for the eel and this place did rival the other shops we visited. If you ever find yourself in Kyushu and like eel you should plan to stop by Yanagawa and this place.

This was my second stay since the renovation, and the newly renovated guest rooms were exceptional, with meticulous attention to detail in the facilities and amenities. The stay was truly special, allowing me to relax while enjoying the views of the building, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the scenic landscape of the SHOTOEN Garden. In addition, the hospitality and service level of the staff has improved with each visit, making this a place I would like to stay again and again. Thank you very much for another wonderful experience. I will probably stay at Ryokan Ohana again soon.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The rooms and gardens were beautiful. The breakfast was one to remember. We loved the tofu dish served. The team of staff was very professional and welcoming. The lounge area also served a good range of drinks at no extra charge, coffee, milk, sake, and sparkling vinegar that was refreshing.

Situated right near where the boat ride ends, Yanagawa Tachibana-Tei Ohana is really a great place to visit even for a meal. We didn't stay in the hotel, but we did book a private room at their restaurant (which you will need a reservation for). The private rooms have access and a beautiful view of the serene garden while you enjoy a kaiseki meal. They also serve a great unagi no seiromushi (a marinated and steamed unagi and served in laquerware).

A gem situated in a small and quiet town, I enjoyed myself fully and the rooms were amazing. Solid mattresses that didn't give me a backache and hinoki bathtubs were the best! 🫡

Staying in Ohana was incredibly peaceful and serene. My room was pristine and window above the bed had a view that looked like a painting. I truly appreciate all sustainable and nature preserving practices that this facility has. Location is lovely and the Ryokan breakfast is a must have. The history behind this facility is incredible. However, more than any other things I have mentioned Ohana’s best asset is its people. There was a smiling, welcoming and helpful face at every turn and they have gone above and beyond to make my stay unforgettable.

My wife and I had a delightful stay at Ohana House in Yanagawa, Japan, and it was a perfect romantic getaway. We stayed in the Garden Suite (Kuromatsu), their premier accommodation, which was an absolute highlight. This exclusive corner room on the top floor offered panoramic views of the Shoto-en Garden, the Western-style Seiyokan, and the Grand Hall, immersing us in the estate’s historic charm. The room featured a serene tatami area with traditional shoji screens, complemented by a cozy Western-style bedroom with plush bedding that ensured a restful night. We loved the thoughtful amenities: a tea ceremony set with high-quality loose-leaf tea, an electric kettle, and elegant champagne and wine glasses that added a touch of sophistication. The yukata robes and geta sandals were a charming nod to tradition, while the modern bathroom with bidet toilet, hairdryer, and premium skincare products made our stay effortlessly comfortable. The in-room Wi-Fi, LCD TV, refrigerator, and safe added convenience without detracting from the authentic ryokan experience. Waking up to the sight of the garden’s black pines through the large windows felt like a private moment with history. The Shoto-en Garden, a national place of scenic beauty since 1978, was stunning. We strolled its paths, captivated by the tranquil pond, sculpted islands, 280 ancient black pines, and 14 stone lanterns. The evening light-up cast a magical glow over the garden, enhancing its timeless beauty. The Tachibana Museum, included with our stay, offered a fascinating look into the 400-year legacy of the Tachibana clan, with artifacts like samurai armor and Edo-era crafts brought to life by a guided tour. We also took the Yanagawa canal tour, which passed right by Ohana House. Drifting along the waterways in a traditional donkobune boat, we were enchanted by the boatsman’s soulful songs, a local tradition that perfectly framed the view of Ohana’s elegant estate against the backdrop of willows and pines. It was a highlight of our trip. Breakfast and dinner were enjoyable, featuring Yanagawa’s famous seiro-mushi steamed eel and fresh local sides, served with a view of the garden. The meals were satisfying and beautifully presented, complementing the peaceful setting. From the Grand Hall’s morning light to the moonlit pond at night, Ohana House is a must for couples seeking a blend of history, culture, and comfort.

We stayed one night in a big spacey room. The view was amazing looking right at the gardens, it was wonderful to chill on the sofa while drinking up the view. The room smelled a bit strange, I wonder if it is because of all the wood I could not place the smell. We could go to a nearby bath house for free, very convenient and not crowded. The staff was very helpful and the location is just perfect. I don't think you can find a more beautiful hotel in Yanagawa. You can get on a boat right in front of the hotel, too.