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●February 2nd, 2010● |
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| It's very rare! Karatsu Castle covered by snow. |
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It's the 40st "Karatsunmon Dayori" news letter issued by Saga
Prefecture
Karatsu Tourism Association.
【INDEX】
Special features ： 【Saint Valentine's Day Project】
Journey looking for hearts in Karatsu
■Big Buddah Statue holds two hearts ～Yobukocho Onoue Park～
■The bell of love and spectacular scenery make the bonds tighter.
～Genkaicho Hamanoura～
■The cape located in the northwest of Saga Prefecture is "The Cape
Heart."
～Chinzei machi Hadomisaki～
Events・Sight-seeing spots preview
■Let's take a look at it from here, "Karatsu Mega Tree!"
■Enjoy spring! "Hanameguri Stamp Rally"
■Haihuri (means spreading ash) Festival
■Murata Hideo Music Festival will be held with 30 selectees out of 218
challengers this year.
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■ATA Dayori
～ Murata Hideo Music Festival Bus Tour(planning) ～
■Karatsu Ware Story
The 11th The kinds of Karatsu Ware ～ Kikaratsu ～
■Karawan's Diary (5)
～Karawan in February Recommended event～
"The banquet of Matsura Queens～Hiina play of Castle Town Karatsu"
Karatsu Yomoyama Story
■Make the rounds of seven islands of Karatsu No.1
～Kashiwajima～
■Castle Town "Walk around!!" No.10
・Konya machi
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Special Feature： 【Saint Valentine's Day Project】
Journey looking for hearts in Karatsu
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With or without lovers, people get excited on St. Valentine's Day!
In this month, let us introduce you nice heart warming spot.
Please visit Karatsu to search for hearts with your lovers.
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■Big Buddah Statue holds two hearts ～Yobukocho Onoue Park～
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| "Yobuko Daibutsu" is facing toward Genkai sea. |
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| "Yobuko Daibutsu" is enjoying ocean view. |
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"Onoue Park" right next to the Yobuko lodge is the one with
nice ocean view.
There are poem monuments of Yoshii Isamu, and Tsuda Haruko.
Especially, "The Amida Nyoraison Statue" stands out in that park.
Its nickname is "Yobuko Daibutsu."
It's made of concrete and about 10.5 meter high include the pedestal.
You can see it from tour boats (such as Ikamaru and Geela),or Kabeshima across the sea.
It was built in 1922 and was said that one of the oldest concrete Buddah statue.
It was hand-made of local religious people and fishermen.
Some sentences are written on the pedestal.
It says it was constructed for the people
who died in the sea to pray for the safty in the ocean.
Nearly 90 years has passed, and it has been damaged horribly.
Therefore, descendants of original builders and
other local people fixed it last year.
It became much safer to come close to it.
This is just a introduction of Yobuko Daibutsu.
There are reasons why we introduce it this time.
Recently, we hear news about this buddah.....
This Buddah makes rings with thumbs and forefingers.
In fact, the shape of the rings is "heart."
They were discovered recently.
Tajima Shrine in Kabeshima and Atago Shrine near
morning market st. are popular God of Marriage in Yobuko.
Now Yobuko Daibutsu might be added on.
With the amazing view of Genkai sea, please take a close look of these
hearts in both hands.
If you find a spot where is possible to see the both hearts at once,
that is the best spot.
We hope The God of Marriage smiles at you!
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【LOCATION】 |
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Yobukocho, Karatsu city
(Right next to the Yobuko Lodge) |
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【CONTACT】 |
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Yobuko Tourist Information Counter
Phone:0955-82-3426 |
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The heart in the right hand
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The heart in the left hand
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When you come to see the Yobuko Daibutsu Buddah Statue, we'd like you to stop by
at the shop of "take out" in the parking lot of Fuku Manbou.
The most popular item in Yobuko now is "Uni Yaki Onigiri" of this shop.
You can smell the broiled sea urchins, and the rice balls whet your appetite.
The rice is cooked with sea urchins and chopped sea turbos.
They are little bit big and luxurious rice balls.
Other items include "Gesoten(squid legs tempura)", "Sazae
no tsuboyaki(broiled sea turbos.)"
You'll be satisfied with delicious foods. Come and enjoy!!
《Fuku Manbou Uni Yaki Onigiri》
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【LOCATION】 |
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3079 Yobuko, Yobukocho, Karatsu city |
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【HOURS】 |
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8:00～18:00(changeable due to situation) |
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【CONTACT】 |
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Fuku Manbou
Phone:0955-82-1515 |
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"Uni Yaki Onigiri(Sea Urchin Broiled Rice Ball)"
400yen(2pieces per pack・include tax) |
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| This signboard is the mark! |
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■The bell of love and spectacular scenery make the bonds tighter.
～Genkaicho Hamanoura～
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The stone monument at the deck of the observatory
"The Eternal Rock" |
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| The view of rice paddy fields in the sunset is absolutely beautiful. |
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The rice paddy fields of Hamanoura in Genkaicho was selected for "Saint Place For Lovers."
It was also selected for "The Best Rice Paddy Fields Of Japan 100."
Especially, the rice paddy fields in the sunset are amazingly beautiful and
perfect for lovers to talk about love.
At the deck of the observatory, the stone monument with the bell in the heart is located.
It is called "Eternal Rock."
"The bond lasts forever..."
Pray well and ring the bell. Then your wish will come true!
Stick in each hand from both sides of the stone monument.
Grab the ribbon and ring the bell for three times.
That's how you pray for your eternal love.
Furthermore, if you write down on "Love Ema(avotive tablet)" shaped like a heart,
it's even better!
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【LOCATION】 |
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Hamanoura, Genkaicho, Higashi Matsuuragun
Saint Place For Lovers
"Rice Paddy Fields of Hamanoura" |
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【CONTACT】 |
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Karatsu Tourism Association Genkai Branch
Phone:0955-51-3007 |
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"Love Ema"
1 peace300yen |
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After you filled up your mind at "Saint Place For Lovers", please
do your appetite, also.
The biggest farm producing "Kuroge Wagyu (Black hair Saga Beef)"
in Saga prefecture is "Nakayama Farm."
At the rest house runned by Nakayama Farm, you can taste delicious Saga Beef Yakiniku.
The course of 2000yen includes Saga Beef, beef hormone, hamberg, vegetables, kimchee,
and rice balls. (Reservation required.)
Especially, hand-made ground beef hamberg is the recommendation.
Locally grown onions, carrots, eggs, and ground beef are in it.
It's very juicy & tasty.
From adult to child, everyone will be satisfied.
《REST HOUSE RUNNED BY NAKAYAMA FARM》
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【ADDRESS】 |
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912 Fuonji, Genkaicho, Higashi Matsuuragun |
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【PRICES】 |
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Yakiniku Course:2000yen course per person
3000yen course per person
4000yen course per person |
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* Reservation required & self service
* Customers are feel free to bring in beverages. |
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【HOURS】 |
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From 11am～
*Off on Obon holidays, End of the Year, New Year |
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【CONTACT】 |
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Phone:0955-52-5051 |
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【URL】 |
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http://www.ii29.com/resthouse/ |
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2,000yen course includes Saga
Beef, hormone, hamberg, vege.,
kimchee, and rice balls
(For 4 persons)
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"The Rest House" runned by Nakayama Farm.
Reservation required.
Self-service and feel free to bring in beverages. |
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At the shop, high quality
Nakayama Beef is available.
(Hanberg: one pack two pieces 420yen) |
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■The cape located in the northwest direction of Saga Prefecture is
"The Cape Heart."
～Chinzeimachi Hado Misaki～
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The White Heart shaped like a ribbon
"Saint place for lovers" monument |
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A strap of "the monument shaped like a heart"...500yen
A can badge...300yen, A magnet...350yen |
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Hadomisaki was sertified as "Saint Place For Lovers Satellite"
due to the sertification of Hamanoura rice paddy fields as "Saint
Place For Lovers."
"Saint Place For Lovers" monument was made in May last year.
The theme of it is "hold" or "unite."
Since then, local people started advertizing
Hadomisaki as "Heart Misaki(means heart cape)" and started selling their original
goods like straps imaging the monument.
Please don't miss out stopping by at the stalls of "Broiled Turbos" when you
go to "The Cape Heart."
In the long building, about 15 stalls are there and charcoal broiling fresh
sea turbos,
squid and so on.
Inside of the building, it smells so good and whet your appetite.
In addition, conversations with aunties broiling turbos are fun.
They talk many stories with their dialects and make you feel comfortable.
If you visit in the evening, enjoy beautiful sunset.
It was selected for "The Best Sunset In Japan 100."
The amazing sunset of "The Cape Heart" makes your love grow.
【LOCATION】Hadomisaki, Chinzeimachi, Karatsu City
【TRANSPORTATION】30min. by car from JR Karatsu Station
《STALLS OF BROILED TURBOS》
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【FEES】 |
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broiled sea turbos: one plate 4～5pieces for 500yen
broiled squid: one for 500yen |
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【HOURS】 |
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Middle of MAR～OCT 9:00～18:00
NOV～Middle of MAR 9:30～17:00
OFF on New Year Day |
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| Stalls of broiled sea turbos |
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| The sunset of Hadomisaki is fantastic |
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Sightseeing spot・event preview
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| ■Let's take a look at it from here "Karatsu Mega Tree." |
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From "Karatsu East Port Simbol Green Field"
(Pic.1) |
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From "Karatsu City Senior Community Hall Rifure"
(Pic.2)
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Since December 24 last year, the lighting up on the huge chimney has started.
"Karatsu Mega Tree" is the tree of light using 180 meter
chimney and demonstrating colorful lights by 8 LED light projector controlled
by computer.
It's better looking up the Mega Tree from closer location than
far due to the character of LED light projector.
Let us introduce "Karatsu Mega Tree" grand view spots.
The first spot is "Karatsu East Port Symbol Green Field(Pic.1)"
in Higashi Ohshima, Karatsu city.
This field was used for the lighting up event on the 24th of December.
It's right next to the Karatsu Minato Kouryu Center.(Karatsu Ferry Terminal)
The ferry boats bound to Iki depart from the terminal, so
you can enjoy watching the tree of light listening to the whistle of the
ferry boats!
There're lights in the field, but please watch out for your step!(The quay
is right there!!)
The vicinity of "Karatsu City Senior Community Hall Rifure" in 3chome,
Futago, Karatsu city is the closest spot from the chimney, so you can
see the dynamic "Mega Tree."
In addition, the vicinity of "Karatsu City Waste Water Treatment Center"
(Pic.3) in 3 chome, Futago, Karatsu city and "Saga Prefecture Yacht
harbor"
(Pic.4) is another excellent area, and you can see the opposite side of
Mega Tree from "East Port Symbol Green Field."
This "Mega Tree Project" became reality thanks to the cooperation
of Mega Tree owners.
We're still accepting applications for "Mega Tree Owners."
The fee is 1,000yen, and the owner certificate will be issued.
Also owners' names (or pen names) will be registered on "The Mega
Tree" home page.
Lighting hours are from 17:30pm until 22:00pm every day.
For details, please go to "Karatsu Mega Tree" home page.
Thank you.
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【PERIOD】 |
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Dec 24, 2009～Feb 28, 2010
Around 17:30～22:00pm |
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【CONTACT】 |
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"Karatsu Mega Tree Executive Committee"
Karatsu Tourism Association
Phone:0955-74-3355 |
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【URL】 |
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http://www.karatsu-kankou.jp/megatree/ |
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By Karatsu City Waste Water Treatment Plant
(Pic.3) |
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Near "Saga Prefecture Yacht Harbor"
(Pic.4) |
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■Enjoy spring! "Hanamegri Stamp Rally"
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From February to March, beautiful flowers start blooming in Hamatamacho, Karatsu City.
The flowers include "Shidare Ume(Official name:Prunus mume form. pendula)",
colorful & very pretty "Bougainvillaea", variety kinds of colors & shapes "Begonia",
and breath taking "red plum & white plum" and so on......
"Hanameguri Stamp Rally" will be held to enjoy looking around these beautiful flowers.
If you purchase 500yen amount of items, you get a stamp.
If you collect five stamps from the facilities and participating houses,
you are able to try the lottery and receive presents such as local products.
(* Each facility has its own rules of the stamp.)
To join, just fill up the form and submit it to one of those participating
facilities or houses.
The lottery will be held in the end of March.
Enjoy spring and get excited for the result of the lottery!
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【LOCATION】 |
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Participating facilities and houses in Hamatamacho, Karatsu City |
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【PERIOD】 |
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Feb 10, 2010～Mar 10,2010 |
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【CONTACT】 |
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Hamatama Hanameguri Executive Committee Office
Phone:090-3667-1936 (Mr. Kondou) |
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| Begonia |
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| Bougainvillaea |
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Shidare Ume
(Prunus mume form. pendula) |
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■Haihuri (means spreading ash) Festival
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Men in Yakudoshi(unlucky year)
spread ash to worshippers and
pray for health. |
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Many worshippers visit the shrine
every year. |
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At the Minato Yaku Jingu (Yasaka Shrine) in Minato Machi, Karatsu City,
Yakukijinsai (Haifuri Festival) will be held on February 11th.
The origin of this festival is this;
When Jingukougou was going to Korea, she and her group stopped by at the port.
At that time, the ocean became too rough to go on the voyage. Therefore,
she prayed God for the safe trip using the Sakaki (Cleyera Japonica).
After that, she burnt it and spread the ash.
As a result, the ocean got calm down, and they could continue the voyage.
On the festival day, men in Yakudoshi(unlucky year) spread ash toward worshippers.
People who got ash will keep the perfect state of health for a year.
Moreover, on the ceiling of the shrine, there are plenty ema(votive picture
tablets).
If you receive prayers, you get divine favors.
Many booths come out on the festival day.
Not only many local people, but visitors from far come to the shrine.
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On the ceiling of the shrine, plenty ema
(votive pictures) are painted.
If you receine prayer there, you get divine favors. |
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【LOCATION】 |
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Minato Yaku Jingu (Yasaka Shrine) |
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【DATE】 |
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February 11th, 2010(Holiday) |
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【CONTACT】 |
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Minato Yaku Jingu
Phone:0955-79-0216 |
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【URL】 |
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http://www.core.ac.jp/kaca/minatoyaku/ |
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■Murata Hideo Music Festival
will be held with 30 selectees out of 218 challengers this year.
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"The 6th Murata Hideo Music Festival" will be held in Karatsu.
This music festival aimed to spread his music to next generation and
to produce the 2nd and 3rd of Murata Hideo as the gateway of Enka.
For the 6th festival, 218 people applied from all over Japan.
Murata Hideo Section 10 people
General Section 20 people
were selected. They will compete in Karatsu Shiminkaikan.
On the festival day, the guest Kadokura Yuki(Victor Entertainment) will perform
her wonderful show.
Satisfaction guaranteed!
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【DATE】 |
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March 7(Sun), 2010
open at 13:00
start at 13:30
Part I/Competition(Murata Hideo Section & General Section)
Part II/Kadokura Yuki Show |
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【LOCATION】 |
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Karatsu Shiminkaikan
6-33 Nishi Jonai, Karatsu City
Phone:0955-72-8278 |
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【FEES】 |
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Advanced Ticket 2,500yen
Day Ticket 3,000yen |
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【Tickets are sold at】 |
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1.Murata Hideo Memorial Hall
2.Karatsu Shiminkaikan
3.Karatsu City Hall KIOSK
4.JR Karatsu Station Tourist Information Counter
5.Yobuko Tourist Information Counter
6.Karatsu Tourism Association Hamatama Branch
7.Karatsu Tourism Association Chinzei Branch |
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【CONTACT】 |
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Murata Hideo Memorial Hall
Phone:0955-51-831 |
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■ATA Dayori
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～Murata Hideo Music Festival Bus Tour(planning)～ |
The influential enka singer of Showa era, "Murata Hideo."
Let's go on the bus tour to Ouchicho, Karatsu City where was loved by him!
Karatsu Yokabai Tabi Club is planning to combine
The Murata Hideo Music Festival with the bus tour.
Look around his home town and experience the time slip to Showa era.
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■CONTACT
Karatsu Yokabai Tabi Club
Karatsu Tourism Association ATA Division
Phone:0955-74-3611
FAX:0955-74-3612
http://www.yokabai-tabiclub.jp |
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■Karatsu Ware Story
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The 11th variety kinds of Karatsu Ware ～Kikaratsu～
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How to make "Kikaratsu" is, at first, pouring mokuhai(wood ash)
graze or hai(ash) graze on the potteries and burn with oxidizing flame.
Because of the iron contents, it looks like yellowish.
Some of them cannot tell the difference because of the graze. |
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| ■Karawan Diary (5) |
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| Mini Karawan Snow Man! |
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Muffler is the best on the cold day! |
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Hello! Everyone! How are you?
"Saga Umaimono Fair" was held at AEON MALL FUKUOKA EAST LUCLE on January 16, and 17.
From Karatsu, "The 7 color Morning Karatsu Rice" was advertized.
It was the breakfast using products of Karatsu.
You can enjoy it at inns and hotels of Karatsu.
Please visit Karatsu to have "Morning Karatsu Rice."
The Fair included "The toss match", "Garapon lottery", "Saga Character Gathering" etc.
It was extremely crowded with many visitors and very successful.
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| Karawan is in charge of the bell at Garapon lottery. |
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Karawan is getting nervous.
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| Advertising "Morning Karatsu Rice" |
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I met lot of friends. |
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I had a lot of things to do in January such as responding New Year greeting cards,
making a snow ball, cleaning up arcades......
For details, please check Karawan's blog.
http://ameblo.jp/karawankun/ |
I received many cards! |
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Karawan's snow ball |
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Posing while cleaning. |
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●Karawan in February recommended event
"The banquet of Matsura Queens Hiina Play of Castle Town Karatsu"
Karatsu is the town of history, culture, and tourism.
"The banquet of Matsura Queens" brings spring to the Castle Town "Karatsu."
Please take a look at it at "Uzumemon no Yakata."
The event includes "Display of Ohinasama related to Karatsu", flower arrangement,
tea service corner, the sale of sweets of Hinamatsuri and so on.
They provide "Ohinasama Memorial Shot Corner", and Karawan will be there,too, so
please stop by with camera in your hand.
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【DATE】 |
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February 27(Sat), 2010～March 7(Sun),
2010 9:30～16:30(On Mar 7, until 15pm) |
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【LOCATION】 |
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Uzumemon no Yakata
Phone:0955-75-1810 |
*Karawan's participation is February 27th, 28th, March 5th, 6th, 7th |
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Karatsu Yomoyama Story
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| ■Make the rounds of seven islands of Karatsu |
The first～Kashiwajima～ |
There are seven islands of Karatsu called "Rainbow islands" in Genkai Sea.
Each island has its own characteristic "color."
We are going to introduce each one of them.
This time is the first one, "Kashiwa island."
●The source of the name of the island and Sumiyoshi Shrine
Kashiwajima means the island that Gods were gathered.
The history tells us that Jingu Kougou collected all the Gods and prayed
for the safe voyage and the victory before she and her troops went to Korea.
Even now, Torii(the gate) of Sumiyoshi Shrine at the entrance of the port is
protecting the safety of the ocean. |
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| The torii gate is standing in the sea. |
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Sumiyoshi Shrine is the only one
shrine in the island. |
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●Manyo no sato
There are seven monuments of the poems from Manyoshu in Kashiwajima.
They are standing in good locations of the island.
It is fun to roam around the island to look for all the seven monuments.
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| One of the seven monuments. |
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●Legendary Ishiwari Tofu
The special products of the island is "Ishiwari Tofu."
There is a legend that, "If you drop it, a stone broke (not tofu.)"
Ishiwari Tofu is the one used natural bittern and made harder than usual.
It's recommended to slice it thin and have it just like sashimi.
It's on sale at Kashiwajima Koubaibu.(It's 250 yen per piece.)
It will be good souvenirs for visitors.
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| Solid tofu |
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Kashiwajima Koubaibu (grocery store)
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●Visional giant deep-sea fish
In the hall way of Kashiwajima Elementary School,
the fish print of deep-sea fish, "Ryugu no tsukai" has been exhibited.
The fish "Ryugu no tsukai" was found dead on the beach of the island in 2002.
The length of this fish is 443cm, and it looks like a big snake.
It usually lives in 500 to 1000 meter depth of the sea.
The legend says that good things happen if you see it alive. |
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| It is very rare to see the fish print nearly 4.5 meter long. |
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●The route
To go to Kashiwajima, the boat "Karatsumaru" departs from Minato port, Karatsu City.
The fee is 220yen per adult.
It's about 10 minute ride.
On week day and Saturday,
the boat departs for 9 round trips.
On Sunday, it does for 7 round trips.
Please enjoy the boat ride and visit Kashiwajima!
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Karatsu Kisen Co.
Phone:0955-79-1365 |
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■Castle Town "Walk around!"
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| Karatsu Castle Picture Map |
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Present row of houses in Karatsu was made when Toyotomi Hideyoshi had ordered
Mr. Terasawa Shimanokami to be the lord of first Karatsu Clan.
Even now, the same town and street names have been used.
Let us introduce these names and also new ones which were made due to road maintenance.
No.10 "Konya machi"
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| Konyamachi St. |
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| The view from Choda side |
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Konya machi is located on the southwest side of shopping arcade area.
http://map.goo.ne.jp/map.php?MAP=E129.58.13.670N33.26.38.190
According to "Wikipedia", many dye houses are concentrated on this town
because of the regulations at that time. "Konya" means "dye house."
Many cities developed from castle town have address notations of "Konya(=dye house)
Town" even now. |
Also at the trace of Hakataya Inn in Konya machi, the monument of "Gosoku no Kutsu"
(means "5 pairs of shoes") was built.
"Gosoku no Kutsu" is the journal issued in 1907 and written about
the trip to northern Kyushu.
The poet Yosano Tekkan took friends of four: Ohta Masao,
Kitahara Hakushu, Hirano Banri, Yoshii Isamu, and traveled.
The record says;
On August 4th, they went to Nijino Matsubara.
They stopped by at Bungei Group and
stayed at Hakataya Inn in Konya machi, Karatsu.
Also the artist & poet Takehisa Yumeji used to stay at the "Hakataya Inn."
The hikiyama of Konya machi, "Kurojishi" was dedicated to Karatsu Shrine in 1858.
However, it doesn't exist any more. You can see it only on "Shinsai Gyoretsu Zu."
They know where the hanger of "Kurojishi" was,
but they don't know how & why "Kurojishi" was collapsed.
Kurojishi's last Karatsu Kunchi participation was in 1889.
The next year in 1890, it didn't. The drums and bells were donated to Kiwata
machi. |
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"Gosoku no kutsu"
(5 pairs of shoes) monument |
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