Karatsu History, Black Pine Forest & Festival Exhibition Hall
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Port
Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$330
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
A one-hour drive brings you to Karatsu — a mountain town famed for its ceramics since the 16th century. Visit the Kagamiyama Observatory for a sweeping panoramic view.
Walk through a pleasant and popular park among seasonal flowers. Adorable small shops sell traditional Karatsu-Yaki ceramics here. Feel free to pick up a souvenir.
Continue to Niji-no Matsubara — a seaside strip of black pine forest planted by a feudal lord in the mid 18th century. Designated one of the 100 most scenic places in Japan, the forest boasts approximately a million trees in just a two-mile-long strip.
After a Japanese-style lunch featuring fresh squid, continue to the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall. The hall exhibits floats and costumes from the huge annual Karatsu Kunchi festival.
Then, visit Former Takatori House — a coal magnate's residence from the Meiji period. This Important Cultural Property showcases Takatori's wealth. Its many highlights include a grand hall with a Noh theatre stage, sliding doors, cloisonné fittings and numerous paintings. The building itself is based on Japanese style; however, a Western-style room pays homage to Japan's connection to the world.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Travel time to Karatsu is one hour each way. You will be seated on the floor at the restaurant. Tour sequence may vary. Bring local currency, as most vendors do not accept US dollars or credit cards. Japanese Yen will be needed for additional purchases. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s). Unfamiliar accents can be challenging; feel free to ask your guide to repeat or elaborate on information, and to speak more slowly so you can fully comprehend and converse.