KARATSU TOURIST ASSOCIATION

■Karatsu Castle Maizuru Park

Terasawa Shimanokami Hirotaka, the first lord of Karatsu constructed Karatsu Castle in 1608.

The present castle was restored in 1966.

Castle tower was built as a symbol of Karatsu and attract the citizens and tourists.

And as a folk museum, precious historical materials are exhibited on each floor; moreover the view of Nijinomatsubara pine grove from top of the tower is amazing.

Admission fee: Adult 400 yen Child 200 yen
Open: 9:00 to 17:00　 TEL:0955-72-5697
Close: 12/29 to 12/31

■Hikiyama Exhibition Hall

Have you heard about Karatsu Kunchi? It is one of the biggest Kunchi festivals in Japan and history of 400 years.14 different gorgeous Hikiyama floats for its festival (November 2nd, 3rd and 4th) are exhibited in this place.
The festival has been designated as a national important intangible folk cultural property and floats its self is important tangible folk cultural property in Saga Prefecture.
They are made by wooden form, pasted with several hundred Japanese papers and covered with lacquer.

Admission fee: Adult 300 yen Child 150 yen
Open: 09:00 to 17:00
Close: The first Tuesday & Wednesday of Dec, Dec 29 to 31

■Former Takatori Estate

Mr. Takatori Koreyoshi(1850～1927) was coal mine entrepreneur during Meiji period.
This estate was recognized as National Important Cultural Property in Dec. 1998.
This house is beautiful Japanese residential architecture mixed with European style.Mr. Takatori loved Noh play, so he built Noh stage inside of his house.
Beside, “Sugitoe”(cedar doors painting) or “Ranma”(transoms above the doors) are also worth a look.
This valuable estate attracts many tourists all the year around.

Admission fee: Adult 500 yen Child 250 yen
Open: 9:00 to 17:00　TEL:0955-75-0289
Close: Monday and end of year 12/29 to 12/31

■Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum and Castle Ruins Saga prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum opened in 1993. Its purpose is of serving as a hub to promote friendship and exchange between Japan and Korea. Research and exhibition about the history of Japanese Archipelago and Korean Peninsula exchange. The Nagoya Castle Ruins is a special historic site which is the place had a castle built by daimyo Toyotomi Hideyosihi. Admission fee: free (except special exhibition period) Open: 9:00 to 17:00　TEL:0955-82-4905 Close: Monday(the next day in case of the public holiday), yearend & New Year holidays.