■Karatsunmon dayori ●July 7th, 2010● Shower Climbing in Nanayama 　 This is the 45th news letter "Karatsunmon Dayori" issued by Saga prefectural Karatsu Tourism Association. We provide you events and information of Karatsu City. 【INDEX】 Special Features:beach・riverside, summer fun! (Hamatama～Nanayama) 　■The biggest yamakasa floats in Kyushu, which are 15 meters in height and 5 tons in weight, 　　cruise around the town at "Hamasaki Gion Festival." 　■Hamatama Nouryou Fireworks Display 　■Can't stop going upstream! You'll be addicted! 　　"2010 International Shower Climbing in Nanayama" 　■The sweetfish season has come to Tamashima river 　■You can enjoy camping, swimming, and bathing all at once at "Sanbonmatsu Camp field" 　■Spend a night or two in the nature of Nanayama 　　"Lofty Nanayama・Oidenasaien Camp Field" 　■The information source in Hamatama area～Waku Waku Hamatama～ Sightseeing spots・events preview 　■The 18th Karatsu Harbor Festival, "Ocean Carnival in Karatsu" will be held. 　■"The 28th Karatsu Bay Raft Festival in Nishinohama Beach" will be held. 　■"The 26th Kyuuragi river Ayu(sweetfish) Festival will be held. 　■The event of "Washing Maku(which means the fabric hanging underneath the float of Karatsu Kunchi)" 　■Let's stay in a hotel in Yobuko and try fishing squid at night. 　■ATA Dayori 　 ～Houtou Shrine and Houman Shrine Goodluck Prayer Bus Tour(planning)～ 　 ～We'll do it again this year! Summer Holiday Homework Helping Group～ 　■Karatsu Ware Story 　　 ・The 16th Variety kinds of Karatsu Ware ～No10:Kushime Karatsu plate～ 　■If you spend a night in Karatsu, the breakfast should be OCHAZUKE! Ochazuke Retsuden No.3 　　・Karatsu Daiichi Hotel Riviere ～Morning Karatsu Chazuke～ 　■Make the rounds of seven islands of Karatsu The 6th 　 ～Kakara Island～ 　■Karatsu Kunchi, "The kabuto of Takeda Shingen" 　　・Vol.5 "undercoating" 　■Karawan's Diary(10) 　　・The 16th Japan Tourism Exhibition Tabi Fair 2010 　　・Karawan in July...Recommended events 　　　"The 38th Karatsu Saturday Night Fair" Karatsu Yomoyama Story 　■Be steeped in nostalgia of Yamataikoku ～The Sea of Genkai Tourism Range～ Special Features:Beach・riverside, summer fun!(Hamatama～Nanayama) Summer holiday season has come. We are going to introduce sightseeing spots in Hamatama and Nanayama. ■The biggest Yamakasa floats in Kyushu cruise around the town at "Hamasaki Gion Festival." The largest Yamakasa floats in Kyushu 　 There are more than ten different hayashi melodies. In 1753, Nakamuraya Kyuubei saw Hakata Gion Yamakasa and was impressed. To stamp out epidemic and to pray for the bumper crop, he conveyed the festival to his local town. It was the beginning of Hamasaki Gion Festival. 257 years have passed already. It is held on the 4th Saturday of July every year as sacred festival of Gionsha, which is located inside of Suwa Shrine in Hamasaki town. The festival is performed by three teams such as Hama(fishery) team, Higashi(commerce) team, and Nishi(agriculture) team. They make three Yamakasa floats, which are extremely large ones in Kyushu. The floats are 15 meters in height and 5 tons in weight each. These Yamakasa floats parade on the street with Hayashi music created by festival flutes, drums, and shamisens. They select music for each scene from more than 10 melodies. The highlight of the festival is called "Ohmagiri." They spin Yamakasa float decorated with lanterns so fast over and over again at night in the precincts of Suwa Shrine. It looks like many sparkling circles of lights. It is absolutely beautiful. 　 During the Festival period, local families make gorgeous elaborate dishes and serve Hikikos who pull the Yamakasa floats. They say "Yoi yoi yoi ya sah～!" and go into houses. detail･･･(pdf) 　 【DATE】 　 July 24(Sat), 2010 15:00 ～ July 25(Sun), 2010 【LOCATION】 The vicinity of Suwa Shrine, Hamatama town, Karatsu city 【CONTACT】 Hamasaki Gion Yamabayashi Hozon Kaikan Karatsu Tourism Association Hamatama Branch Phone:0955-56-6937 ★CALENDER OF GION FESTIVALS IN KARATSU 《Ogawa Island Gion Festival》 【LOCATION】 Ogawa Island, Yobuko town, Karatsu City 【DATE】 July 14(Wed), 15(Thu), 2010 【CONTACT】 Yobuko Tourism Association Phone:0955-82-3426 《Tokusue Gion Festival》 【LOCATION】 Tokusue Kitahata Karatsu City 【DATE】 July 23(Fri)～25(Sun) 【CONTACT】 Karatsu City Kitahata Branch Industry Division Phone:0955-53-7135 《Kashiwa Island Gion Festival》 【LOCATION】 Kashiwa Island, Karatsu City 【DATE】 July 24(Sat) & 25(Sun) 【CONTACT】 Kashiwa Island District 《Kodomo Gion Festival》 【LOCATION】 Kodomo, Yobuko town, Karatsu City 【DATE】 July 25(Sun) & 26(Mon) 【CONTACT】 Karatsu Tourism Association Yobuko Branch Phone:0955-82-3426 and many more Gion Festivals are scheduled........................ ■Hamatama Nouryou Fireworks Display Very popular Hamasaki Beach 　 Spectacular Fireworks Speaking of summer, anybody thinks of beaches. Beaches remind us of fireworks! Many fireworks displays are scheduled in variety kinds of locations in Karatsu City this year. Particularly, "Hamatama Nouryou Fireworks Display" is something special! You can enjoy both swimming and watching fireworks together!! Isn't it wonderful idea to watch fireworks with someone special at night in the ocean wind after you enjoyed playing in the sea during day time? The fireworks are very powerful and spectacular. Also many street stalls come out on that day. Please come and see the fireworks! 【DATE】 August 6(Fri), 2010 【LOCATION】 Hamasaki Beach 【HOURS】 20:00～21:00 【AMOUNT】 1,300 fireworks ★The Schedule of Fireworks Displays in Karatsu Area 2010 《The 58th Kyushu Fireworks Display》 【DATE】 July 18(Sun), 2010 【LOCATION】 Nishinohama Beach 【HOURS】 20:00～21:00 【AMOUNT】 6,000 fireworks 《Kitahata Furusato Summer Festival 2010》 【DATE】 July 23(Fri), 2010 【LOCATION】 Kitahata Junior High School Ground 【HOURS】 21:00～ 【AMOUNT】 1,000 fireworks 《Tourism & Product Festival・Genkai Town Fireworks Display》 【DATE】 July 25(Sun), 2010 【LOCATION】 Ikoi no hiroba, Genkai town 【HOURS】 20:00～20:50 【AMOUNT】 5,555 fireworks 《Takakushi Masuda Summer Festival》 【DATE】 July 25(Sun), 2010 【LOCATION】 Takakushi Port, Hizen town 【HOURS】 20:00～ 【AMOUNT】 1,300 fireworks 《The 36th Suikou Yobuko Minato Matsuri・Fireworks Display》 【DATE】 August 1(Sun), 2010 【LOCATION】 Vicinity of Yobuko port 【HOURS】 20:00～21:00 【AMOUNT】 3,000 fireworks 《The 29th Nanayama Summer Festival》 【DATE】 August 16(Mon), 2010 【LOCATION】 Nanayama・Narukami No Oka Park 【HOURS】 21:10～(Scheduled) 【AMOUNT】 300 fireworks (Scheduled) 《Kyuuragi Town Nouryou Fireworks Display》 【DATE】 August 16(Mon), 2010 【LOCATION】 Nakashima, Kyuuragi town 【HOURS】 20:30～ 【AMOUNT】 600 fireworks 《Chinzei Town Summer Festival・Fireworks Display》 【DATE】 August 28(Sat), 2010 【LOCATION】 Hadomisaki 【HOURS】 20:00～20:50 【AMOUNT】 2,500 fireworks ●"THE CALENDER OF FIREWORKS DISPLAYS IN KARATSU AREA 2010" ■Can't stop going upstream! You'll be addicted! "2010 International Shower Climbing in Nanayama" More than 1,000 participants climb up the stream. Even foreigners have some fun! 　 Participants are happy happy joy joy! 2010 International Shower Climbing in Nanayama will be held at Kannon Falls, which was designated as one of the Best 100 Waterfalls in Japan. More than 1,000 participants enjoy climing upstream. It was cancelled Last year due to bad weather, so it will be held for the first time in two years. Many programs such as going upstream, natural water slider, swinging & jumping from 5 meter high toward the basin of the waterfall just like Tarzan are scheduled. The stage events will start around 2pm. They include Performance Contest, Spitting Seeds of Nanayama Nankou Plums Contest and more. It is very popular event every year. The first 1,300 applicants of advanced recruitment can experience shower climbing. The last minute participation for the stage event is available. Please come and join us for 2010 International Shower Climbing in Nanayama. 【DATE】 July 25(Sun), 2010 *In case of rainout, alternate date is on August 22(Sun). 　 detail･･･(pdf) 【LOCATION】 Takigawa, Nanayama, Karatsu City (Narukami No Oka Park & vicinity of Kannon Falls) 【QUALIFICATION】 *Junior High School Student or above *Elementary School Student or under must be accompanied by parent. *Must be healthy & confident *Group........1 team 5 persons Individual...available to participate from 1 person 【FEE】 3,000yen *The request for refund of cancellation submitted by June 30, 2010 will be accepted. *In case you cannot participate on the alternate date, the request for refund will not be accepted. 【QUOTA】 1,300 persons *Applications won't be accepted when the prescribed number of applicants is reached. 【CONTACT】 Shower Climbing Executive Committee 2270-1 Fujikawa, Nanayama, Karatsu City Co. Kikori Nanayama Office Phone:0955-70-7400 Fax:0955-70-7401 Last minute participation for the stage event is possible! ■The sweetfish season has come to Tamashima river You can enjoy fishing by beginning of October. It is written on the Chronicles of Japan that Tamashima river is the place Jinguu Kougou did fishing to predict the victory of the war. It is said that the Kanji letter"鮎(means sweetfish)”was born from this incident. The first day of the sweetfish fishing season is on June 15 every year, and the opening celemony of the fishing season was held at Tamashima river. Despite bad weather, many people came down for fishing on that day. Tamashima river fishermen's cooperative releases sweetfish every spring, however, due to unsettled weather in April and May, they are growing slowly. You can enjoy fishing until beginning of October. 　 【FEE】 rod and line fishing 1,000yen per day, 5,000yen per year net fishing 2,000yen per day, 10,000yen per year 【CONTACT】 Phone:0955-56-6537(Nakamura Liquor Shop) ■You can enjoy camping, swimming, and bathing all at once at "Sanbonmatsu Camp Field" Sanbonmatsu Camp Field 　 Popular Hamasaki Beach Sanbonmatsu Camp Field is located close to Hamasaki Beach, Niji No Matsubara Pine Grove. Facilities like fireplace, water-supply are provided. During summer time, beachhouse and shower room are opened on the beach nearby,so you can enjoy both camping and swimming all at once. Additionally, the camping field is located between two beautiful, well established inns of Karatsu, so it is possible to take hot springs,too. 　 【ADDRESS】 1669-2 Hamasaki, Ooaza, Hamatama town, Karatsu City 【FEE】 200yen(Only in July & August) 【CONTACT】 Karatsu Tourism Association Hamatama Branch Phone:0955-56-6937 ■Spend a night or two in the nature of Nanayama "Lofty Nanayama・Oidenasaien Camp Field" Accommodation, "Lofty Nanayama" 　 Inside of the cottage Lofty Nanayama is the accommodation facility and consists of total six cottages. The mountain view from the cottage is natural and peaceful. There is a river, so you can enjoy fishing, too. All the necessary facilities such as bathroom, kitchen, A/C are provided. The fireplace for BBQ is very useful for visitors even in the rain or at night. In Oidenasaien, there're rental farm, camping fields, and log houses. 《Lofty Nanayama》 【ADDRESS】 497 Takigawa, Nanayama, Karatsu City 【CLOSED】 August 13, 14 ●COTTAGE(with A/C, kitchen, bathroom) In 15:00 Out 10:00 Cottage for 6 persons 17,850yen Cottage for 8 persons 21,000yen (Additional 2,100yen per adult and 1,050yen per child) PET:a small dog acceptable(2,000yen) ●FIREPLACE(Free) 【CONTACT】 To contact or to make reservation, please call at 0955-70-7010(Oidenasaien) 《Oidenasaien》 【ADDRESS】 403-1 Takigawa, Nanayama, Karatsu City Phone:0955-70-7010 【CLOSED】 August 13, 14 【FACILITY】 ●Camp Field (Auto Camp acceptable) In 13:00 Out 11:00 A camping space...2,100yen Junior High School & above...525yen Elementary School & above...315yen ●Log House (with A/C, kitchen, bathroom) In 15:00 Out 10:00 15,750yen (for 5 persons・MAX 8) (Additional 1,050yen per person, 525yen per infant) ●BBQ Field (Max 3hour use) 1 stove....1,575yen (Max 6 persons) 2 stoves...3,150yen J.H. student & above....315yen E. student & under......210yen 【CONTACT】 To make reservaion, please call Oidenasaien at 0955-70-7010. BBQ Field 　 Oidenasaien Camp Field ■Saga Prefectual Natural Environment Preservation Area, "Kashibaru Marsh" Natural Treasure, "Kashibaru Marsh" 　 The beautiful marsh environment As Kashibaru Wetland is surrounded with beautiful nature, it is called "Oze of Kyushu." It's located in the west side of Sefuri Mt. in Nanayama, Karatsu City and at 591 meters above sea level. This 121ha beautiful Kashibaru Wetland is designated as "Saga Prefectural Natural Environment Preservation Area" in March, 1976 and also "Important Wetlands in Japan 500" in December, 2001. Many creatures live in this Kashibaru Wetland. One of the precious creature of Kashibaru Wetland is Nannophya pygmaea, which is the small size dragonfly living in wetland area. It's one of the extinct species and even on Saga Prefectural Red Deta Book II. The body length is about 20mm and male dragonfly becomes vivid red color. It makes territory and fly around small area. During summer time, you can see pretty red Nannophya pygmaeas flying around the Kashibaru Wetland. Moreover, rare plants and flowers are living in this place such as fringed orchis and utricularia minor. To protect beautiful wetland environment, please observe good manners and enjoy sightseeing there. Nannophya pygmaea Fringed orchis 　 【ADDRESS】 Kashibaru, Aza, Ikehara, Nanayama, karatsu City 【CONTACT】 Karatsu City Nanayama Branch Industrial Division Phone:0955-53-7175 ■The information source in Hamatama area～Waku Waku Hamatama～ The info. source "Waku Waku Hamatama" 　 "Inside of Waku Waku Hamatama" "Waku Waku Hamatama" opened on June 4th as information source and community field. It introduces attractive spots of Hamatama, event information and more. Because Hamasaki beach is very popular windsurfing spot, marine sports goods are exhibited there. The brochures of Karatsu, mainly Hamatama area are prepared, so please stop by to get some information for sightseeing. 　 【ADDRESS】 922-1 Hamasaki, Hamatama town, Karatsu City (Suwa Shrine Street) 【HOURS】 10:00～17:00 【CLOSED】 Thursday 【CONTACT】 Phone:0955-56-8271 Sightseeing spots・events preview ■The 18th Karatsu Harbor Festival, "Ocean Carnival in Karatsu" The 18th Karatsu Harbor Festival, "Ocean Carnival in Karatsu" detail･･･(pdf) "Ocean Carnival in Karatsu" is held at vicinity of Karatsu East Port, Karatsu City. Such as stage events, the Maritime Self-Defense Force Escort Vessel Voyage Experience, catching fish experience, many popular events are scheduled. 【DATE】 July 18(Sun), 2010 9:00～16:00 【LOCATION】 Vicinity of Karatsu East Port, Karatsu City 【CONTACT】 Karatsu Chamber of Commerce Phone:0955-72-5141 *It is necessary to make an advance appointment for some events such as voyage experience, catching fish. ■The 28th Karatsu Bay Raft Festival in Nishinohama Beach will be held. The 28th Karatsu Bay Raft Festival The 28th Karatsu Bay Raft Festival will be held at Nishinohama Beach. Not only the race itself, but unique performance of participants and designs of rafts are joyful to see. Rental rafts(30 of them) are prepared, also. Come and join us at Raft Festival. 【DATE】 July 25(Sun) Reception 9:00 Start 12:00 【LOCATION】 Nishinohama Beach, Karatsu City 【CONTACT】 Karatsu Bay Raft Festival Executive Committee Office Phone:0955-72-3734 ■The 26th Kyuuragi River Ayu(sweetfish) Festival will be held. The 26th Kyuuragi River Ayu Festival The 26th Kyuuragi River Ayu Festival will be held at Kyuuragi town. Kyuuragi town is surrounded by mountains. There is a nice river running through the town. That's why river fish like sweetfish and Yamame are very popular there. Broiling fish by the river listening to the murmuring sound of the stream is the way of enjoying outdoor life. Many stage events are scheduled also. Please come and spend a wonderful summer day at The 26th Kyuuragi River Ayu Festival. 【DATE】 July 25(Sun), 2010 11:00～17:00 detail･･･(pdf) 【LOCATION】 Riverside area behind Kyuuragi Community Center Nakashima, Kyuuragi town, Karatsu City 【FEE】 "The set of Ayu・Yamame 2 pieces each, 2 steins of beer" Advance ticket...2,000yen "The set of Ayu・Yamame 2 pieces each" Advance ticket...1,000yen Day ticket.......1,300yen "The set of meat & vegetables" Advance ticket...1,000yen Day ticket.......1,000yen 【CONTACT】 Karatsu City Kyuuragi Branch Ayu Festival Executive Committee Phone:0955-53-7115 ■The events of "Washing Maku" In the light of lanterns, the boat runs the river. 　 They used to wash maku in the choda river. "Washing Maku" is the very important event of Karatsu. From the boat attached many lanterns, you can hear the voices of Hikiko yelling, "Enya～! Enya～!" Before World War II, they used to wash Maku (which is the fabric hanging underneath the float of Karatsu Kunchi) in the Choda river. While they were hanging and dring Maku on the embankment of the river, they went down on the stream by boat and had a party with sake and talked about Karatsu Kunchi. This is the beginning of "Washing Maku Event." It was postponed for a while during World War II. After they reopened the event in 1966, the custom of washing Maku was discontinued and only boat ride has been continued. 《Washing Maku Events in July & August》 Egawa town （14th float） July 24th 19：00～ detail･･･(pdf) Kako town （13th float） July 25th(Sun) 19：30～ Zaimoku town （3rd float） August 1st (Sun) 18：30～ Komeya town （11th float） August 7th 19：00～ Katana town （1st float） August 21st(Sat) 18：00～ Gofuku town （4th float） August 21st(Sat) 19：00～ Hon town （8th float） August 21st(Sat) 19：00～ 【LOCATION】 Choda river, Matsuura river downstream 【CONTACT】 Karatsu Tourism Association Phone:0955-72-4963 ■Let's stay in a hotel in Yobuko and try fishing squid at night. Yobuko is very famous for squid. We hear voices saying, "I'd like to go fishing squid!" or "I'd like to eat squid on a fishing boat." etc.... Responding to customers' needs, "Fishing squid experience" has scheduled. You can take all squid you caught to your home. You can also cut & trim, and eat it right there, too. To participate fishing squid experience, just call directly to the inn you stay. After you checked in, you'd be transfered to the port of Yobuko around 6pm. 　 After you departed the port by boat, it would go to the fishing spot. Supper is the lunch box prepared by the inn. After that, you finally experience the squid fishing. You spend for about two hours there and go back to the inn. Squid you caught is all yours. The fees are; adult (include J.H.S.student)....7,000yen E.S.student (btw grade 4～6).....5,000yen In addition, hotel charges need to be paid. Please bring your own fishing cooler with you. Please make a reservation at the inn you'd like to stay. For details, please contact Yobuko Tourism Association. 【DATE】 Every Tuesday in July, 2010 【LOCATION】 The sea of Genkai, Yobuko area 【PARTICIPANT】 Guests of Seiriki Inn, Chikuzenya Inn, Taiboukaku Inn, Izumo Inn, Kanamaru Inn, Daikei Inn, Yobuko Lodge Inn, Hadomisaki Inn *The first 30 applicants 【FEES】 See above 【SPONSOR】 Yobuko・Chinzei Inns Association 【CONTACT】 Karatsu Tourism Association Yobuko Branch Phone:0955-82-3426(8:00～17:00) ■ATA DAYORI ～Houtou Shrine and Houman Shrine Goodluck Prayer Bus Tour～ Thanks to many compliments, Houtou Shrine and Houman Shrine Goodluck Prayer Bus Tour is scheduled this year! 1.At first, get rid of the calamities of this year. 2.Go to Takashima and pray at Houtou Shrine 3.The borderline between Karatsu clan and feudal government is the secret goodluck spot in Niji No Matsubara. 　 Let's pray toward Kashiwajima! 4.Secretly booming Houman Shrine! * Please contact ATA Division for details. Karatsu Tourism Association ATA Division (Karatsu Yokabai Tabi Club) Phone:0955-74-3611 Fax:0955-74-3612 URL：http://www.yokabai-tabiclub.jp ～We'll do it again this year! Summer Holiday Homework Helping Group～ The popular project "Bokurano Shukudai Otasuke Tai!!" is scheduled this year, too. We are planning plenty practical programs such as "Zazen & Shakyo Experience", "My Eco Chair making." These programs are provided with the cooperation of local people. zazen time ●SUMMARY.... Gather at 9:30am It starts at 10:00am. It is approximately 2 hour program. detail･･･(pdf) ●FEES....... Estimate 1,300yen～ ●CONTACT.... Karatsu Tourism Association ATA Division (Karatsu Yokabai Tabi Club) URL:http://www.yokabai-tabiclub.jp Phone:0955-74-3611 Fax:0955-74-3612 ■Karatsu Ware Story 　 The 16th Variety kinds of Karatsu Ware ～No10:Kushime Karatsu Plate～ ≪photo by Kyouzan Gama...Kagami, Karatsu City≫ How to make Kushime Karatsu is to paint make up clay on the work with a brush and draw designs with a comb. After that, pour Choseki graze or Mokuhai graze. After everything got dried, burn it and done. ■If you spend a night in Karatsu, the breakfast should be OCHAZUKE! If you spend a night in Karatsu, the breakfast should be OCHAZUKE! Since February this year, 14 local hotels and inns in Karatsu has started providing special breakfast menu "Morning Karatsu Chazuke" using local products such as rice, tea, seafoods, and vegetables. We are going to introduce original dishes. Ochazuke Retsuden No.3 Karatsu Daiichi Hotel Riviere ～Asa Karatsu Chazuke～ Karatsu Daiichi Hotel Riviere is the riverside hotel located right by Matsuura river. Well organized spacious room make you feel at home. "Asa Karatsu Gohan" is served as biking style. Hinohikari rice harvested in Saga prefecture is used for "Asa Karatsu Chazuke," and topping of Ochazuke changes daily. They mainly serve sea bream sashimi or squid. Please enjoy breakfast at Karatsu Daiichi Hotel Riviere. 【ADDRESS】 1-9 Higashi town, Karatsu City 【CONTACT】 Phone:0955-75-2000 Fax:0955-75-4803 【THE PARTICIPATING ACCOMODATIONS】（Area Code:0955） UOHAN INN PHONE:56-6234 detail･･･(pdf) OOMASA INN PHONE:72-4446 ONYADO KAISHU PHONE:72-8101 KARATSU SEASIDE HOTEL PHONE:75-3300 KARATSU DAIICHI HOTEL RIVIERE PHONE:75-2000 KARATSU ROYAL HOTEL PHONE:72-0111 SEIRIKI RYOKAN PHONE:82-2311 TOEISOU INN PHONE:62-3218 NAGASAKISOU INN PHONE:72-2254 MATSUNOI INN PHONE:72-8131 MIZUNO INN PHONE:72-6201 MIYAKOSOU INN PHONE:62-2413 YOYOKAKU INN PHONE:72-7181 WATAYA INN PHONE:72-4181 【CONTACT】 KARATSU CITY INN COOPERATIVE PHONE:72-2015 ■Make the rounds of seven islands of Karatsu The 6th ～Kakara Island～ Karatsu has seven islands called "Rainbow Islands" in the Genkai Sea. Each island has its own color. We'd like to introduce each one of the islands. This time is Kakara Island Camellia island, "Kakara Island" 　 The pier in Kakara Island .●The birth place of Buneioh Kakara Island is located in the north end of Saga prefecture and deeply related to the Korean Peninsula. It is said that the 25th King of ancient Korean nation "Kudara" was born on this island. The Buneioh Birthday Festival is held in June every year. Many people from Koushyu City, Korea come down to the island to participate it. As "Transmission of Birthplace of Buneioh", it was selected for Treasures Of Islands best 100 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. The memorial monument of the birthplace of Buneioh 　 The signboard written about Buneioh ●The Island of camellias On the north side of Kakara Island, camellias grow in the wild. Therefore, it was known as camellia island. Recently, there is the movement to utilize these camellias and make local specialty of Kakara Island. Karatsu Commercial High School has produced a water lotion called "Mashural Jell Tsubaki." It contains 100% pure local camellia oil and has received good reputation. Golden color camellia oil 　 Mashural Jell Tsubaki (Karatsu manabiya) ●The island without dogs There is a legend of Yasaka Shrine, which has considered of guardian deity of Kakara Island. One day a dog ate an offering for God without permission. The God got upset and evicted the dog. Even now dogs have hardly being seen in this island. There are many cats, instead.　 The scene in the island 　 Cats in Kakara Island ●Access to the island The regular boat "Kakaramaru" departs from the port of Yobuko to Kakara Island four round trips per day. The fee is 950yen for R/T per person. It is approximately 15 minute boat ride. For details, please contact Kakarajima Kisen at 0955-82-9366. ■Karatsu Kunchi "The Kabuto of Takeda Shingen" The report of fixing andrepainting Hikiyama floats 　 The 9th Hikiyama Takeda Shingen Kabuto The annual grand festival of Karatsu Shrine, "Karatsu Kunchi" starts with "Honden Sai" on 29th of October. From 2 to 4 of November, the 14 Hikiyama floats and Hikikos in uniform cruise around the towns of Karatsu. On the night of 2nd, the Hikiyama floats with lanterns look so fantastic. On the 3rd of November, all the 14 floats are pulled into Otabisho. It is called, "Hikikomi." It's so powerful and energetic, so the place is filled with many people. On the 4th day, the floats cruise around the towns of Karatsu. To protect the floats of Karatsu Kunchi, they are fixed and repainted in turn spending for ten months. The nineth Hikiyama, "Takeda Shingen Kabuto" of Kiwata town is under maintenance for the first time in 26 years. This time, we report series of the process of fixing. In addition, the Hikiyama Body Shop was made in "Nishi No Mon Yakata" this year. The artisans were invited there. Visitors can see it fixing without admission fee. It's the new sight-seeing spot. 　《Nishi No Mon Yakata Map》(Yahoo!Map) The Shika Mask undercoating helmet Vol.5 "Undercoating" Finally, the undercoating process has started. It was coated black & red. It looks tightened than before. The artisans are using unusual brushes to paint. He said human hairs are used for them. Especially, selected high quality female hair is used. It's interesting to discover rare things like this. Last time, we introduced making wave designs of Shikoro parts. They repeated painting and polishing over and over again not to kill the lines and to make it easier to glue gold foils on them. On May 22, "Festival booth & stand maintenance training session" was held by All Japan Float・Stand Conservation Federation. At that time, many related people visited to learn. Next step is painting law lacquer repeatedly and polishing thoroughly until it becomes smooth. The middle coating starts in the end of June. All Japan Float・Stand Conservation Federation At Nishi No Mon 　 the visor lacquer brush undercoating of Shikoro wave design ■Karawan's Diary(10) Hello! Everyone! I participated "The 16th Japan Tourism Expo Tabi Fair 2010" held in Makuhari Messe in Chiba prefecture on 29, 30 of May. The latest tourism informations and events of entire Japan were exhibited. I made a lot of Yuru character friends! My idol "Hikonyan!" My hero "Sento-kun!" My duty is "PR of Karatsu." I'm surrounded by beauties!! It's Ryoma Year! I got lots of stuff! ●Summary of Karawan's activities in June. I got a prize! Let's get physical! cooling off by Mikaeri falls! With my Yuru buddies! At triathlon Teaching traffic rules! You can make everything clear at Karawan's blog. Check it out! ●Karawan in July...Recommended events "Karatsu Saturday Night Fair" The 38th Karatsu Saturday Night Fair will be held in Karatsu. Many attractive events such as live, dance, and a lottery are prepared. Come down to the shopping arcades and enjoy the festival together with Karawan. 【DATE】 17,24,31 of July, and 7 of August 19:00～ 【LOCATION】 The vicinity of Karatsu Central Arcades 【CONTENTS】 17 of July (Sat) 18:20 opening parade 19:00 beyblade tournament(Kyou machi field) 20:15 Hachimitsu Voice☆Tomonori Live (Ohteguchi stage) 21:00 Saturday night fair big lottery (Ohteguchi stage) Memorial shot! At Saturday Night Fair Karatsu Yomoyama Story ■Be steeped in nostalgia of Yamataikoku ～The Sea of Genkai Tourism Range～ enlarge･･･(pdf) Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki prefectures occupy north west area of Kyushu. These three prefectures include Fukuoka City, Itoshima City, Karatsu City, Genkai Town, Iki City. The common features are that they are facing the sea of Genkai and they are located on the way of Yamataikoku, which was written on Gishi Wajin Den. Iki used to be called Ikikoku; Karatsu and Genkai used to be called Matsurokoku; Itoshima used to be called Itokoku; Fukuoka used to be called Nakoku. These countries used to communicate with the continent and the peninsula. There are many historical evidences such as Mongolian Expeditions, Japanese pirates, Hideyoshi's Invations of Korea. We also have cultural communications, too. Considering all these facts, These areas are designated as "The Sea of Genkai Tourism Range" by nation in 2010. From now on, as Fukuoka is the gateway to this range, we are going to commence the maintenance to promote tourism for longer stay for visitors from around the world. http://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/shisaku/kankochi/seibi.html （Japan Tourism Agency）