Introduction to Karatsu Castle
Karatsu Castle was built over a period of seven years starting in 1602 by Hirotaka Terazawa, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and is known as “Maizuru Castle” due to the pine grove stretching east to west, resembling the spread wings of a crane.
Originally, Karatsu Castle did not have a keep, but in 1966, a keep was constructed as a cultural tourism facility. The interior of the keep has been turned into a local museum, displaying materials related to the Karatsu Domain, Karatsu ware, and more, allowing visitors to delve into the history of Karatsu. From the observatory, visitors can enjoy the magnificent views of the Genkai Sea and the Niji no Matsubara, as well as the landscape of the Matsuura River and the castle town of Karatsu.
Additionally, there is a souvenir shop on the first floor.
Details
| Address | 8-1 Higashi-Jonai, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0955-72-5697 |
| Admission Fees | ・Adults: 500 yen ・Elementary and junior high school students: 250 yen ・Preschool children: Free ・Group discount available for groups of 20 or more: 20% off |
| Maizuru Park Elevator Fee | ・Adults (15 years and older): 100 yen one way per person ・Elementary and junior high school students: 50 yen one way per person ・Preschool children and seniors aged 70 and above: Free |
| Business Hours | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ・last admission at 4:40 PM ・Opening hours may change depending on the season. |
| Closed | 12/29 to 12/31 |
| Parking | Available, with a fee |
| Access | ・By car: 7 minutes from JR Karatsu Station ・On foot: 20 minutes from JR Karatsu Station |
| Official Website | https://karatsujo.com/ |
Last Word
From the observatory on the top floor, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view.
Additionally, the castle illuminated at night is a must-see.
Additionally, the castle illuminated at night is a must-see.