History / Culture / Tour Spots in Karatsu / Yobuko / Genkai Area

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Karatsu / Yobuko / Genkai

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Karatsu Castle (Maizuru-jo “Dancing Crane Castle”)

4.0

493 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Higashijounai 8-1

This is a castle which could also be called a symbol of Karatsu, located in the northern part of Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Terazawa Hirotaka, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, spent seven years to build this castle. The inner citadel sits on Mt. Mitsushima which projects out into Karatsu Bay, while the outer citadel is on the west bank and the third citadel leads to a renkaku style flatland mountain castle. The inner citadel has now been turned into Maizuru Park, and also you can see the superb views of Matsuura Bay from that observation point, the current castle keep which was completed in 1966.

We planned for a trip to Karatsu since 2019 bit was put on hold due to the pandemic.. Finally all cleared and we find ourself on the way from Meinohamma sta. That’s another 60+ mins ride over 20...
Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum

4.0

100 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Chinzeimachinagoya 1931-3

A museum situated along National Route 204 in Nagoya, Chinzei-machi, Karatsu City. The museum's standing exhibition looks at the history of exchange between the Japanese archipelago and the Korean peninsula, exploring Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasions at 1592 and 1598 as well as Saga's involvement with the Korean delegations to Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The museum also displays artefacts exhumed during excavations of the Special Historic Site-designated Nagoya Castle Ruins and Encampment Sites. Visitors can also walk the ruins of the castle and see what Nagoya Castle looked like in its glory using a tablet computer and computer generated graphics.

肥前名護屋城跡に建てられている県立の博物館です。常設展示は無料で公開されていますが、無料とは思えないほどの充実ぶりでした。展示内容は名護屋城のジオラマや豊臣秀吉公による朝鮮征伐前後と、江戸から近代にかけての国内と朝鮮半島の資料が展示されています。また、復元ではありますが秀吉公の黄金の茶室が再現されており、そちらも無料で見学できます。私自身が歴史好きなこともありますが、資料はどれも見応えのあるも...
Hoto-jinja Shrine

4.0

114 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Takashima 523

Visited by great throngs of people seeking luck due to this Shinto shrine’s name, which means “to strike upon treasure,” the numerous winners of large lottery prizes who attribute their good fortune to the shrine has resulted in it become famous almost overnight as the “lottery-winning shrine.” Today, the shrine is visited by some 200 thousand people annually. A reservation is required to engage in go-kitou (a prayer ceremony). The shrine’s Hitto-mamori (which provides luck with winning in games of chance and other situations) and other charms are also popular souvenirs.

唐津湾に浮かぶ高島に鎮座する神社です。神社の名前から宝くじが当たるご利益があると有名で、宝くじが販売されると大勢の方がお参りに来られるそうです。なお、元々は島を海賊から守った野崎隠岐守綱吉公を祀った神社なので、宝くじは何の関係もありません。『宝当』と名付けたのも当島（高島）の宝、という意味で付けたものです。境内は小ぢんまりしていて、拝殿と本殿が一体になったお社と社務所、藤棚がある程度です。お社も...
The Former Takatori Residence

4.5

128 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Kitajounai 5-40

This is the mansion built as a home and for welcoming guests by the coal mine (including Kishima Coal Mine) baron, Koreyoshi Takatori. There are two large buildings on a vast plot of land of about 7613 square meters. It has modern Japanese-style building architecture with a combination of Western style rooms while also still having Japanese style as a keynote. A must-see is the reception hall for the Noh stage and 72 “Sugido-e” (painting on cedar-board doors) paintings by the painter of the Kyoto Shijyo Faction, Koho Mizuno. You can have a good tour of the mansion as there are also always tour guides stationed here. In 1998, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

A visit to the Former Takatori Residence is an absolute must. It provides a true impression of how a wealthy Japanese businessman lived 100 years ago. The rooms are incredible, with 72 beautifully...
Karatsu Shrine

4.0

98 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Minamijounai 3-13

A Shinto shrine located in Minamijonai, Karatsu City. Records state this ancient shrine was established in the distant Nara period. Famous for the Karatsu Kunchi, a large autumn festival held each year from November 2 through 4, many tourists come to watch the festival parade consisting of 14 colorful traditional floats. This festival has also been designated a National Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property.

The Shrine is a 20 mins walk from the JR station. It was a Monday early afternoon and good weather as we strolled along Karsatu streets otw to 唐津神社, chill & relaxing. Records stated that the ancient...
Karatsu City Furusato Kaikan Arpino

3.5

38 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Shinkoumachi 2881-1

A local specialty products hall located close to Karatsu Station in Shinko-machi, Karatsu City. Here visitors can purchase famous Karatsu sweets like Shoro Manju buns; nori seaweed and other marine products from the Ariake Sea; Karatsu tea; processed agricultural products like yuzu pepper made with Kyuragi's specialty yuzu fruit; and other local specialty products and crafts. On the second floor, visitors will find a Karatsu ware display space and shop which also has a corner where you can try painting your own Karatsu ware piece.

１階は物産、２階は唐津焼を販売していました。唐津焼は少々品ぞろえが少ないと感じましたが、物産は面白かったです。駐車場は有料ですが、買い物でサービスチケットをもらえます。
Hizen Nagoya Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Saga Karatsu-shi Chinzeimachi Nagoya 1938-3 Nagoya Castle Ruins Tourist Information Office

These castle ruins are located at Nagoya, Chinzei Town, Karatsu City. Hizen Nagoya Castle was built during the battles of Bunroku and Keicho when Hideyoshi Toyotomi was invading the Korean Peninsula. At the time it was the second largest castle in size after Osaka Castle. The castle was used as a base camp for the invasion of the mainland and over 140 encampments for soldiers were located in the surrounding area. At present, the castle ruins, as well as 23 other camps in the area, are designated as national historic sites. Artifacts excavated at the site are on display at the Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum.
Tashima-jinja Shrine

4.0

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Karatsu-shi Yobukocho Kabeshima 3956

An old Shinto shrine in a small port town dedicated to a guardian deity of the sea. It is the only major shrine among the four Shikinai shrines in Hizen. Located on the coast and well preserved, the approximately 35,600 square meter natural evergreen broad-leaf forest there is a valuable botanical resource with outstanding plant life. In the grove behind the main shrine, there is a place that's thought to be a ceremony site (festival ground) with three large standing stones and two flat stones, as well as a boulder that's today called the Taiko Prayer Stone.

呼子の加部島に鎮座する神社です。創建時期は不詳ですが肥前風土記に記載がありますし、源頼光公寄進の石鳥居があるので平安時代には既に鎮座していたようです。また、佐用姫がこちらで恋人を待ったまま石（望夫石）になったという伝説があり、境内には望夫石を祀った佐與姫神社が建立されています。境内はそれほど広くありませんが、拝殿は翼殿を配した立派なもので、古くからの歴史を感じさせますし、崇敬を集めてきたことが判...
Kinshoji Temple

4.0

14 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Karatsu-shi Nishideramachi 511

An ancient temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. According to temple tradition, it was founded by Emperor Go-Nijo in 1302. A monument with a hair from the Edo-period joruri and kabuki playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon is on the grounds beside the main hall. There is also a tradition that he studied there as a child.

Before I went there, I hadn’t expected much. But there were actually many interesting things to see in this temple. The main attraction is the grave of Chikamatsu Monzaemon, a famous scenario writer...
Nakazato Tarouemon Tobo

4.0

8 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Chouda 3-6-29

The Nakazato family is the only family to maintain the traditions of ancient Karatsu and today, this Karatsu ware ceramics studio continues to be operated by the 14th head. Visitors can tour the studio’s gallery where Karatsu ware is displayed and sold as well as the Tojin-machi Ochawangama kiln, a nationally designated Historic Site. From 1734 through the Taisho period, the Tojin-machi Ochawangama kiln was used for official purposes by the local government. An eight-minute walk from the South Exit of Karatsu Station.

唐津市の広い道から入った静かな唐津焼の工房。車にナビがないとちょっと行き着けないようなところですが、私たちが言っている時も探してくる人が多い工房です。 14代目がおられました。 2階に上がると入口があり、靴脱ぎで履物を置いて中に入りますと作品が並んでいます。買いやすい工房のものが並んでいます。その建物か池をまたぐ廊下を過ぎると何代にもわたって作られてきた作品が並ぶ部屋があります。お値段も...
Yobuko Tourism Products Center

3.0

8 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Karatsu-shi Yobukocho Kabeshima 3956-9

"A place that primarily exhibits collections from the community. On the first floor there is a display with replicas of the ships that used to come and go at Yobuko Port. The second floor has an exhibit of army and navy uniforms. Although it's called a ""Product Center,"" it is not a souvenir shop, but a museum."

呼子に行ったときに立ち寄って見ました。無料で展示が楽しめるので時間つぶしにはよかったです。ただ、期待して行くとがっかりするとおもいます。
Nishinomon Yakata

3.0

5 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Karatsu-shi Kitajonai 1-8

A castle built on a hill by the first feudal lord Terasawa Shima-no-Kami Hirotaka between 1602 and 1608. The entrance to the west of Sannomaru was called Nishinomon. This facility is in that historic zone. It houses, curates, and exhibits cultural properties excavated from various sites around the city. You can also observe preservation and repair processes like the repainting of a traditional parade float that's a Tangible Important Cultural Property of Saga Prefecture.

Not far from Hikiyama Museum, I guess it is a depot of Hikiyama floats. But as all Hikiyama were in the museum, there was of course nothing here. Inside there is a souvenir shop. Some archeological...
Genkai Energy Park

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Higashimatsuragungenkaichou Imamura Shallow Lake 4112-1

A theme park operated by Kyushu Electric Power located in Imamura, Genkai Town, Higashimatsuura County, Saga Prefecture. Containing exhibits on nuclear power, here visitors can learn how nuclear power works through exhibits such as a life sized 13-meter-tall nuclear reactor; videos; and quizzes. In the adjoining GENKAICHO Next Generation Energy Park Asupia, visitors can view exhibits on next generation energy and enjoy facilities such as a playground and greenhouse filled with some 200 different plant varieties.
Shishi Ozan Myohoji Temple

4.0

1 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Karatsu-shi Kyuragimachi Iwaya 530-4

唐津市厳木町に鎮座する、法華宗のお寺です。以前は炭鉱で栄えたのどかな町に突如、壮大な寺院が現れたような印象で、非常に驚きました。大本堂の圧倒的な大きさが、非常に神聖な気分となり、心が落ち着く寺院でした。大本堂の奥には、聖観世音菩薩様が祭られていて、更に奥の堂が建てられていました。神聖なパワースポットで、ぜひご参拝にお越しいただきたい寺院です。
Karatsu Yaki Cooperatives Karatsu Pottery Gallery

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Shinkoumachi 2881-1 Furusato Kaikan Arpino 2nd Floor

An exhibition hall and shop on the second floor of Furusato Hall Arpino next to JR Karatsu Station. Visitors can see a variety of pottery works in one place and purchase some as well. The hall offers a variety of dishes and containers perfect for everyday use, making this a great place to pick up a souvenir. The hall also presents how Karatsu ware is made through informational panels and other means. Pottery painting workshops available.
Hikiyama Exhibition Hall

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Nishijounai 6-33

This exhibition hall displays the 14 hikiyama festival floats used in the Karatsu Kunchi Festival, a harvest festival held each year from November 2 to 4. Each of the floats was dedicated sometime between the late Edo period and Meiji period. They were made by wrapping wooden frames with hundreds of sheets of Japanese washi paper and then applying and re-applying various colors of lacquer. Bold in design and modeled after themes such as a samurai helmet, Chinese lion, and sea bream, even when looked at through a protective case one can feel their power.
Udono Sekibutsu Buddhist Rock Carvings (Prefectural Historic Site)

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Ouchichououchi

"Located around 20 minutes' walk from Ouchi Station on the JR Karatsu Line, the Buddhist rock carvings of various sizes comprise a group of 60 or so Magaibutsu (Buddhist images carved into cliffs or caves) carved into a protruding cliff. The carvings have been designated as a Prefectural Historic Site by Saga Prefectural Government, and were also selected for inclusion in the ""New List of 100 Scenic Spots in Saga."" According to tradition, the first Buddhist carving on the site was made in a cave by Kobo Daishi in 806. That statue has not survived, and the cave subsequently collapsed, leaving only the inner wall. The surviving carvings appear to have been made during various different periods, from the Nanboku-cho period (in the 14th century) through to the Edo period (1603-1868). Several of the carvings-including a statute of 11-headed Kanzeon Bodhisattva , and statues of Vaisravana and Dhrtarastra, show a pronounced influence from Esoteric Buddhism."
Former Karatsu Bank

Travel / Tourism

Saga Karatsu-shi Honmachi 1513-15

"This historic building is on the Karatsu-kaido Road in Hon-machi, Karatsu City. The building, completed in 1912, was designed by Minoru Tanaka, an apprentice of the designer of Tokyo Station, Tatsuno Kingo. The bank building is of a Victorian design incorporating Japanese style, known as the ""Tatsuno style"". The building was used as a bank until 1997, and then donated to the city. It has since been designated as an Important Cultural Property of the city and is now open to the public free of charge."
GENKAICHO Next Generation Energy Park Asupia

Travel / Tourism

Saga Higashi-matsuura-gun Genkaicho Ima Mura 4560-1
Enichiji Temple

Travel / Tourism

Saga Karatsu-shi Kagami Yamazoe 1693

The main statue of the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) is said to have been brought back from Korea by Otomo Sasatehiko and enshrined in the temple for the repose of the soul of Princess Sayohime, and is called the Sayohime Kannon. The back garden is set against the background of Mt. The temple treasure, a national important cultural property, is a copper bell (Korean bell) cast in the Korean Peninsula. The bell is set on the long axis connecting the single-headed dragon's head and the chrysalis, or flagpole, and has a 12-leaf, double-petal lotus flower design.

Saga Karatsu / Yobuko / Genkai

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Saga Areas

Away from the fast-paced cities of mainland Japan, Kyushu’s Saga prefecture offers quaint towns and cities known for their traditional crafts, particularly ceramics. Rich in kaolin (a type of clay), Saga became the homeland of Arita ware, a delicate, decorative porcelain that is now celebrated worldwide and can be discovered in the towns of Arita, Imari, and Karatsu.