Karatsu Castle

Karatsu Castle stands on a coastal hill in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, overlooking the azure waters of Karatsu Bay. Built in 1608 by feudal lord Terasawa Hirotaka, the castle served as the administrative center of the Karatsu Domain throughout the Edo period. The original structure was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration, but the main tower was reconstructed in 1966 using modern materials while maintaining its traditional five-story exterior appearance.

The castle earned its poetic nickname "Maizuru Castle" or "Dancing Crane Castle" because its layout resembles a crane spreading its wings when viewed from above, with the pine groves of Niji-no-Matsubara forming the crane's tail. This five-kilometer pine forest of approximately one million black pine trees stretches along the coastline and is designated as one of Japan's Three Great Pine Groves. The combination of castle architecture and natural scenery creates a distinctive landscape that has been celebrated in Japanese art and literature for centuries.

Visitors can explore the castle's interior museum, which displays armor, weapons, and artifacts from the feudal era across multiple floors. The top floor observation deck provides panoramic views of Karatsu Bay, Takashima Island, and the surrounding pine forests. The castle grounds feature preserved stone walls and moats, with seasonal beauty enhanced by approximately 220 cherry trees that bloom in early April and 6,000 wisteria plants that flower in late April and May.

Karatsu Castle is located approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Karatsu Station on the Karatsu Line. Local buses also run from the station to stops near the castle entrance. Admission to the castle tower costs ¥500 for adults. The castle is easily combined with visits to Niji-no-Matsubara and the nearby Karatsu Kunchi Float Exhibition Hall, which showcases the elaborate floats used in Karatsu's famous autumn festival.