31/10/2026
🏮 Feel the Energy of One of Saga’s Most Spectacular Festivals!
📍 Karatsu Kunchi (唐津くんち), Karatsu, Saga
Every November, the historic streets of Karatsu come alive with the powerful sounds of drums, flutes, bells, and the spirited cries of “Enya! Enya!” 🎶🔥
Karatsu Kunchi is the annual autumn festival of Karatsu Shrine and one of Saga Prefecture’s most iconic traditional events. The festival features 14 magnificent Hikiyama floats all made in the 19th century, shaped like giant lions, samurai helmets, a sea bream, and other impressive figures. Decorated with traditional materials including lacquer and gold leaf, these massive floats are pulled through the old castle town by teams of energetic participants. 🦁🐟✨
🌟 The Festival Highlights:
The three-day festival begins on November 2 with Yoiyama, when the Hikiyama floats glow beautifully under lantern light as they parade through the streets at night. 🏮🌙
On November 3, don’t miss the spectacular Otabisho Shinko! The 14 floats make their way toward Nishinohama, where the massive 2–3 ton Hikiyama are pulled across the sandy ground. As their wheels sink into the sand, the pullers work together with powerful chants to keep them moving—one of the most thrilling scenes of the entire festival! 💥
The Hikiyama Float Event of Karatsu Kunchi is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and was also inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016. 🇯🇵✨
📌 Event Dates
📅 November 2–4, every year
🏮 November 2 – Yoiyama: 7:30 PM–9:30 PM
🔥 November 3 – Otabisho Shinko: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
🎊 November 4 – Yoku-jitsu-sai: 10:00 AM–4:40 PM
📌 Location & Access
📍 Location: Around Karatsu Shrine (唐津市南城内3番13号) and the surrounding historic streets of Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
🚶♂️ Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Karatsu Station to Karatsu Shrine.
【For more info】
🔍Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NVN8h85FadSpiqJ5A
🌐https://www.asobo-saga.jp/events/detail/4b40ee5e-02b5-47f5-9baa-710fd2d596d4