Nakasu in Fukuoka is a charming townscape located between the Nakagawa River and the Hakatagawa River. Here, good old culture and modern bustle intertwine, attracting many people. A sightseeing boat "River Cruise" offers a special experience of enjoying the charm of Nakasu from the waters of the Nakagawa River.

The Birth of Two Rivers and an Island

The main stream of the Nakagawa River originates from Mt. Sefuri, which is located on the border between Fukuoka and Saga prefectures, and flows through Fukuoka prefecture, including Nakagawa City, before splitting into two and forming an island. This western branch continues as the Nakagawa River, and finally reaches Hakata Bay.

On the other hand, the eastern branch located on the opposite side of the island is named Hakata River, and the Hakata River rejoins the Naka River downstream near Susakibashi Bridge.

The history of Nakasu dates back to 1600. When Kuroda Nagamasa was developing the city of Fukuoka in preparation for the construction of Fukuoka Castle, Nakasu was created to connect "Fukuoka" and "Hakata." The current topography and waterways were created by piling up soil and sand on the Nakagawa River and building a bridge.

Nakasu, surrounded by the Naka River and the Hakata River, developed as an important commercial hub connecting Fukuoka and Hakata, and over the course of various eras, it grew into the leading entertainment district in western Japan. Lined with many restaurants and entertainment facilities, it became a place beloved by locals and tourists alike.

The charm of the Naka River cruise

"The river cruise offers our guests a special experience while weaving together the history and culture of Fukuoka," says River Cruise Public Relations Officer Kubota. "By cruising along the Naka River and Hakata Bay, you can enjoy the atmosphere of Nakasu, Fukuoka, and its lively streets from a different perspective." In addition to tourist information, passengers can also enjoy daily entertainment such as live performances by artists and musical instruments.

On the Naka River sightseeing course, you can sail along the gentle current of the river and enjoy the sunlight reflecting off the water and the refreshing breeze on the open deck. On the Hakata Bay cruise course, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Sea of Japan and the night view of Fukuoka as you travel. "The night cruise is especially popular with foreigners, and reservations fill up quickly. In summer, there is a line every day for the 7pm tour, which is the best time to view the night view," says Kubota.

A pleasure boat that connects the city and its people

"We want to show people visiting Fukuoka the charms of Nakasu, a town close to the water, and provide them with extraordinary experiences that they can't find anywhere else."
Kubota, who has been helping out with river cruises since high school, has a boat license and is adept at operating pleasure boats. After graduating, he ran an apparel company in Tokyo and worked as a fashion artist, but was approached by the current chairman and returned to Nakasu in 2023. "I hope that the riverside of Nakasu will become even more lively and attractive in the future," Kubota said with a smile.

A new cultural experience on the Hakata River

Mr. Kubota is also involved in revitalizing the Hakata River as a member of the NPO "Hakata Nakagawa Suijo Town Development Association." From August 1, 2024, a river boat trip will start on the Hakata River, and the boats and sailors will be authentic, having learned their craft from Yanagawa, a famous water town.

From now on, you will be able to experience the traditional river ferrying while looking out over the bustling city from the waters of Hakata River. Yukata robes can be rented from stores along the river, so one of the best parts of the trip is putting on a yukata and enjoying the vestiges of Nakasu's water transportation and the picturesque view from the boat.

If you let yourself go with the flow on the Naka River or Hakata River on a pleasure boat in Nakasu, you can spend a special time where history and people's thoughts intersect, which is not just a simple sightseeing experience. The time spent rocking on the boat while being surrounded by the night view of Fukuoka reflected on the river and warm hospitality will take you on an "out of the ordinary" journey.

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River CRUISE

電話番号：080-5215-6555

Address: 6-6 Nishinakasu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Access: 3 minutes walk from HOTEL RESOL TRINITY HAKATA

Website: https://river-cruise.jp/

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.