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Karatsu

(Source : )
Karatsu is a city that has flourished as a trading port with the continent of Asia from ancient times. Its extensive ground is scattered with many scenic spots. The symbol of Karatsu, Karatsu Castle was built over seven years from 1602 by a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi who united the whole country for the first time in Japanese history. Also, there are many historical sites including Nabatake site which was Japan’s first rice paddy field and Nagoya Castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The most popular scenic spot is “Niji no Matsubara,” the pine grove of more than one million pine trees planted on the coast. The shrine “Hoto-jinja” is known to have the divine favor in the luck to win the lottery.

Karatsu Castle, the symbol of Karatsu

The most popular sightseeing spot in Karatsu, Karatsu Castle. It consists of honmaru, ninomaru, sannomaru and sotokuruwa. The present castle tower was built in 1966. The observation deck has a great view of the town of Karatsu.

The Arch of One Million Pine Trees: Niji no Matsubara

It is a pine grove planted on the sand dune along the coast as a natural seawall by the first lord of Karatsu Domain. The tree branches are bent by being exposed to the sea wind and make arches like a rainbow. The contrast between the beautiful blue sea and the white sand is also worth looking at.

Nanatsugama Sea Caves

“Nanatsugama” in Karatsu city are the series of sea caves formed in the cliff of Higashi-Matsuura Peninsula in the beautiful blue sea. They are the caves created by sea erosion with the name that implies seven (nanatsu) furnaces (kama). The largest cave is 110 meters deep at most. Visitors can enter the cave and look inside of it by a cruise boat.

Win the Lottery?! Pray at Toho Jinja

Toho Jinja is a shrine located on an island called “Takashima” in Karatsu bay to the north of Karatsu Castle. One person who prayed for winning the lottery at this shrine actually won the lottery in the 1990s. Since then, it has been attracting many tourists as “the shrine that gives you luck to win the lottery.”

Address
Karatsu-shi, Saga
Contact No.
Access
Get off at JR Karatsu station
Opening Hours / Holidays
Time Required
Admission fee

Karatsu Castle, the symbol of Karatsu

The most popular sightseeing spot in Karatsu, Karatsu Castle. It consists of honmaru, ninomaru, sannomaru and sotokuruwa. The present castle tower was built in 1966. The observation deck has a great view of the town of Karatsu.

The Arch of One Million Pine Trees: Niji no Matsubara

It is a pine grove planted on the sand dune along the coast as a natural seawall by the first lord of Karatsu Domain. The tree branches are bent by being exposed to the sea wind and make arches like a rainbow. The contrast between the beautiful blue sea and the white sand is also worth looking at.

Nanatsugama Sea Caves

“Nanatsugama” in Karatsu city are the series of sea caves formed in the cliff of Higashi-Matsuura Peninsula in the beautiful blue sea. They are the caves created by sea erosion with the name that implies seven (nanatsu) furnaces (kama). The largest cave is 110 meters deep at most. Visitors can enter the cave and look inside of it by a cruise boat.

Win the Lottery?! Pray at Toho Jinja

Toho Jinja is a shrine located on an island called “Takashima” in Karatsu bay to the north of Karatsu Castle. One person who prayed for winning the lottery at this shrine actually won the lottery in the 1990s. Since then, it has been attracting many tourists as “the shrine that gives you luck to win the lottery.”