Karatsu, Saga


Karatsu is a city located in Saga Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Its name, formed from the Japanese word roots 唐 kara, and 津 tsu, signifies its historical importance as an ancient trading port between Japan with China and Korea. The central area of Karatsu, which does not include the former cities and villages of Higashimatsuura District, has a population of 78,386.
As of January 1, 2020, the city had an estimated population of 117,663 and a population density of 241 persons per km². The total area is 487.59 km².
On January 1, 2005, the towns of Chinzei, Hamatama, Hizen, Kyūragi, Ōchi and Yobuko. and the village of Kitahata were merged into Karatsu.
On January 1, 2006, the village of Nanayama was merged into Karatsu.

Geography

Due to its proximity to mainland Asia, Karatsu has long been known as a stopover to Korea and China.
Under ritsuryō, the current city area was part of the Hizen Province. In 1591, on the coast of the northern part of the city, Nagoya Castle was constructed. The following year, it became the location from which the Imjin War was launched by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In the middle of 1593, Terazawa Hirotaka created the Karatsu Domain and began governing it. In 1602, replacing Nagoya Castle, Karatsu Castle was constructed in what is now the heart of Karatsu. The tower of Karatsu Castle was built in 1966.
The graceful Karatsu Castle stands watch over this castle town.
Karatsu is famous for its Karatsu Kunchi festival, which runs annually from November 2 to November 4 and is visited by approximately 500,000 visitors from all over Japan. The festival consists of 14 hikiyama being carried around the city's narrow streets to calls of "Enya!". Some hikiyama members say "Yoisa!". This accompaniment is one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan. Regularly during Karatsu Kunchi, people in this town open their homes to friends and strangers to eat and drink; the primary focus is enjoying food, beer, and shochu, and having lively conversation.
In between Karatsu Station and the main bus centre is a 170-metre arcade containing many small shops that specialize in Karatsu Kunchi omiyage, and the Korean-influenced local pottery which are called "Karatsu ware" since they refer to Japanese ceramic wares of Korean origin. The actual date of production of the 'Karatsu Yaki' is believed to have begun being produced sometime "during the first half of the 16th century in the late Muromachi period."
Museums in Karatsu include Kawamura Art Museum, Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum, and Matsurokan, and shrines, Kagami Jinja.

Yobuko

The former town of Yobuko merged with Karatsu on January 1, 2005.
Yobuko is famed for its fresh squid, Ika .
Yobuko has a festival known as Yobuko Tsunahiki, or the Yobuko Tug of War, which takes place annually on the first Saturday and Sunday of June. The event involves a big tug-o-war between two factions in the town, the fishermen and farmers, and local legend says that if the hills faction wins, there will be a good harvest that year; and if the sea faction wins, there will be a good fishing harvest that year.

Beaches

is one of the nicest beaches in Saga Prefecture. It is located close to central Karatsu and can be accessed by the JR Chikuhi Line.

Sister cities

Prefectural senior high schools

Air

The closest airports are Saga Airport and Fukuoka Airport.

Rail