Karatsu Kunchi
MatsuriKyushu(Saga)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Karatsu Shrine and Karatsu City center streets
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
CrowdedKyushu(Saga)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Karatsu Shrine and Karatsu City center streets
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
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Saga's grand autumn festival featuring 14 massive lacquered floats.
Karatsu Kunchi is a grand autumn festival at Karatsu Shrine, featuring 14 magnificent hikiyama floats shaped like samurai helmets, sea bream, dragons, lions, and other motifs. The floats, made of lacquered paper and wood, are designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. The highlight is November 3 when all 14 floats are pulled along the sandy beach at Nishi-no-Hama, creating a dramatic scene.
Karatsu Kunchi takes place from 2026-11-02 to 2026-11-04.
Karatsu Kunchi is held at Karatsu Shrine and Karatsu City center streets in Saga, Japan.
Yes, Karatsu Kunchi is free to attend.
The admission fee for Karatsu Kunchi is ¥0.
The crowd level at Karatsu Kunchi is typically high.
Yes, Karatsu Kunchi is held annually.
Karatsu Kunchi is a matsuri festival in Japan.
Highlights of Karatsu Kunchi include: Fourteen magnificent lacquered hikiyama floats in unique shapes; November 3 beach procession at Nishi-no-Hama; Evening float parade with torchlight on November 2.
Tips for Karatsu Kunchi: November 3 (Culture Day) is the main day - the beach procession at Nishi-no-Hama starts around 10:30 AM. Visit the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall next to Karatsu Shrine to see the floats year-round. The city is known for Karatsu-yaki pottery, which makes a great souvenir..
Karatsu Kunchi welcomes international visitors. It is a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Access information for Karatsu Kunchi: JR Karatsu Station is a 10-minute walk from Karatsu Shrine. From Fukuoka, take the JR Chikuhi Line (about 75 minutes from Hakata via subway connection)..
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tips: November 3 (Culture Day) is the main day - the beach procession at Nishi-no-Hama starts around 10:30 AM. Visit the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall next to Karatsu Shrine to see the floats year-round. The city is known for Karatsu-yaki pottery, which makes a great souvenir..
Photography is generally welcome at Karatsu Kunchi. Check specific rules at the venue.
Karatsu Kunchi is a family-friendly festival that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
Festival food stalls (yatai) at Karatsu Kunchi typically serve popular Japanese street food including yakisoba, takoyaki, and kakigori. Some festivals feature regional specialties.
Yes, wearing a yukata (casual kimono) is very common and encouraged at Karatsu Kunchi. Many visitors rent yukata nearby.
Parking can be limited during Karatsu Kunchi. Public transportation is recommended. Check access details: JR Karatsu Station is a 10-minute walk from Karatsu Shrine. From Fukuoka, take the JR Chikuhi Line (about 75 minutes from Hakata via subway connection)..
Fourteen magnificent lacquered hikiyama floats in unique shapes; November 3 beach procession at Nishi-no-Hama; Evening float parade with torchlight on November 2
JR Karatsu Station is a 10-minute walk from Karatsu Shrine. From Fukuoka, take the JR Chikuhi Line (about 75 minutes from Hakata via subway connection).
November 3 (Culture Day) is the main day - the beach procession at Nishi-no-Hama starts around 10:30 AM. Visit the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall next to Karatsu Shrine to see the floats year-round. The city is known for Karatsu-yaki pottery, which makes a great souvenir.
📍 Karatsu Shrine and Karatsu City center streets