Celebrating centuries of tradition in Karatsu City
Karatsu City, located in Saga Prefecture on the northwestern coast of Kyushu, is famous for its stunning beaches, Karatsu Castle, and beautiful pottery known as Karatsu-yaki. For centuries, it has been an important fishing and trading port, connecting people and cultures from across Japan and beyond. But every November, the city truly comes alive for one of its most treasured events — the Karatsu Kunchi Festival.
This exciting celebration has been held each year from November 2–4 since the 16th century. Like many Japanese autumn festivals, it began as a way to give thanks for a good harvest and pray for another successful year. Over time, it grew into a dazzling display of art, teamwork, and community pride.
The star of the show? Fourteen huge, colorful floats called hikiyama. The first float was built in 1819, and over the next decades, each district in Karatsu created its own, using lacquer, gold leaf, and detailed carvings to craft designs shaped like sea bream, orcas, lions, and giant samurai helmets. These floats are so important that locals maintain them year-round to make sure they shine at the festival.
The festival has earned special recognition: it became a Tangible Cultural Property of Saga Prefecture in 1955, an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1980, and in 2016, it was named a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, meaning it’s celebrated not only in Japan but around the world.
The celebration is divided into three exciting days:
Yoiyama (November 2)
“The first float begins its march towards Karatsu Shrine around 7:30 p.m.” All 14 floats join together, glowing under lantern lights in the dark night. The mystical atmosphere makes it feel like stepping into a magical story. This tradition began in 1895, and the current style has been used since 1962.
Hikikomi (November 3)
Floats are carried down to the beach near Nishinohama in the morning. “Seeing the floats carried through the sand is noted by many as an unforgettable sight.”
Town Parade (November 4)
This is the grand finale — the largest parade of the festival! Representatives from each district dress in traditional clothing to take the floats on an 8 km journey through Karatsu.
When the festival ends, the people of Karatsu prepare for winter while remembering the blessings of the past year.
If you happen to miss the festival but still want to see the floats, they are exhibited year-round at the Hikiyama Exhibit Hall. This museum is located near Karatsu Castle and showcases all 14 hikiyama in their full glory. Visitors can see the incredible craftsmanship up close — the shiny lacquer, gold decorations, and delicate details that make each float unique. The hall also includes videos and displays explaining how the floats are made, the meaning of each design, and the history of the festival. It’s the perfect place to experience the magic of Karatsu Kunchi any time of the year.
The Karatsu Kunchi Festival is more than just a party — it’s a living connection to history. It blends the beauty of traditional art, the excitement of a parade, and the pride of a community that has kept this tradition alive for hundreds of years. It’s a great reminder that traditions aren’t just about the past; they’re about people working together to celebrate who they are.
Source:
- https://youtube.com/shorts/to7v1Ra_Sqo?si=CX6vS2emwRrykGiN
- https://travel.gaijinpot.com/karatsu-kunchi/
- https://ohmatsuri.com/en/articles/saga-karatsu-kunchi
- https://share.google/l7HOR0dIPUjsoPzHB
- https://app.pictory.ai/
- https://chatgpt.com/
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