Location: Karatsu
Top Things to do in Karatsu
Top 10 Things to do in Karatsu, Kyushu-Okinawa
Discover the best top things to do in Karatsu, Japan including Kagamiyama Observatory, Nanatsugama Caves, Former Takatori House, Karatsu Kunchi, Karatsu Castle, Nijino Matsubara, Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum, Nagoya Castle Ruins, Yobuko Morning Market.
Restaurants in Karatsu
1. Kagamiyama Observatory
2. Nanatsugama Caves
3. Former Takatori House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
4. Karatsu Kunchi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
"Kunchi" is the popular name for the autumn festival in northern Kyushu, which is a votive festival held to give thanks for the harvest. It can be written in several different ways in Japanese, meaning "offering day," "shrine day," or "ninth day." Karatsu Kunchi is a regular autumn festival held at Karatsu Shrine every year from November 2nd to 4th, and it has been designated an important tangible cultural property by Saga Prefecture and the national government. The highlight is the festival floats in the shapes of enormous fish, lions, and dragons. Made with a technique called ikkanbari which layers lacquer over papier mache, the gorgeous floats are vividly colored in crimson, blue, black, and gold. The festival floats bobbing along by lantern light at night are beautiful and magical, and the sight of the parade through the streets in the afternoon to chants of "Enya, Enya" is very impressive.
Reviewed By mag_ty - Singapore, null
Excellent festival occurring in November - the atmosphere is superb and invigorating! Worth the time and travel from Fukuoka if you are in Japan during the festival time!
5. Karatsu Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 475 reviews
Reviewed By dimitrios110 - Chatham, United States
A visit to this elegant and tranquil castle is a great way to connect to the ancient history of Japan.
6. Nijino Matsubara
7. Hikiyama Exhibition Hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By O9634SUmarks - London, United Kingdom
We totally enjoyed our walk around Karatsu, Japan. One of the highlights was walking through the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall where the authentic floats for the annual festival are lovingly housed. These beautiful and intricate floats dating back to the mid 1800s were so detailed and and colorful that we were thrilled to see them even as static displays. In the hall, they present a film loop showing the pageantry of the actual festival giving life to this wonderful annual custom. Well worth it.
