Photo/Illutration A “kotatsu-bune” boat cruises down a canal lined with willow trees in Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Dec. 1. (Makoto Hokao)

YANAGAWA, Fukuoka Prefecture--Wrapping up warm is de rigueur for seasonal trips along the city’s canals in “kotatsu-bune” boats, an annual tradition here. But fear not, the boats are equipped with “kotatsu” leg warming floor heaters to ward off the winter chill.

Hour-long rides are operated until the end of February and cost between 1,000 yen ($8.80) and 1,650 yen for adults.

Although boat operators have been having a hard time with dwindling passenger numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they remain hopeful that things will pick up.

“We hope there is no resurgence in infections so many more people can enjoy the cruises,” said an official at the city-run Yanagawa Tourism Bureau.

As an added incentive, the bureau also offers a pass that allows entry to four sightseeing facilities, such as the residence where famous poet Kitahara Hakushu (1885-1942) was born. The building also serves as a museum.

Those tickets are priced at a competitive 1,800 yen for out-of-town adults and 1,000 yen for elementary school students, and 1,500 for adults and 500 yen for elementary school students if they are city residents.

For reservations and inquiries, visit the bureau’s official website at (https://www.yanagawa-net.com/en/).

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