Karatsu Kunchi
MatsuriKyushu(Saga)
Annual eventDates
2026-11-02 — 2026-11-04
Venue
Karatsu Shrine and Karatsu City center streets
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
CrowdedSaga'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.
Highlights
Fourteen magnificent lacquered hikiyama floats in unique shapes; November 3 beach procession at Nishi-no-Hama; Evening float parade with torchlight on November 2
Access
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).
Tips for Visitors
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.