The Yakachigawa area is also famous for being the setting of the classic 1930 Japanese fairytale of Gon the Little Fox, written by Handa born author Nankichi Niimi, also known as the Hans Christian Andersen of Japan. The popular story was made into an animated movie in 1985, and a commemorative coin set was released by the Japan Mint in 2007. Set in idyllic woodlands, Gon Kitsune Village is another local attraction dedicated to the memory of the author and his creation.

A suggested walking route is to walk west from the Meitetsu Kowa Line Handaguchi Station about 5 minutes to Route 264, following it north until the river, then turning left to head west by the unpaved road along the river margins until Dede-Mushi Hiroba Park - a playground with toys in the shape of a snail - then follow the 1.5km route along the Yakachigawa River to the Nankichi Niimi Memorial Museum.

Yakachigawa means "The Arrow Winning River," but it will be the story of Gon the Little Fox and the fields of bright red flowers that will win your heart in Handa.