Yanagawa

**One-way vs. round trip:** Book the one-way cruise (departs from Yanagawa-jo park, arrives at Ohana Mansion) and walk back through the canal-side streets rather than returning by boat — the walking streets contain the best old houses and the traditional doll-maker's workshop. **Wisteria season:** Late April sees the canals lined with wisteria (fuji) hanging over the water in cascades of purple — a phenomenon worth planning a trip around. Book 3 weeks ahead; boats sell out during peak wisteria. **Ohana Mansion finale:** The cruise ends at Ohana, a former feudal lord's villa with a Japanese garden. Include the ¥1,000 garden entry — the view from the traditional reception room over the garden pond is a Meiji-era composition unchanged for 130 years. **Off-season:** Autumn (October–November) has empty boats and extraordinary reflections. The pole-man may skip the songs if just two passengers — ask for them; they're always willing.