Introduction
Karatsu is said to have originated as a port that crossed into Tang (China). The pottery industry that flourished near here was a result of exchanges with China and Korea, and Christianity was also introduced near here earlier than in Nagasaki. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who invaded Korea, is said to have stayed here for over a year. The presence of a person at the pinnacle of power here meant that it was the center of political, economic and cultural exchange in Japan. This was highly unusual, considering that throughout Japanese history the pinnacles of power were in Nara, Kyoto and Tokyo.
Detail
1st day (Festival day)
There are many different “Kunchi” festivals in Kyushu, but Karatsu Kunchi is the roughest
Nagasaki Kunchi is the most famous of the Kunchi festivals, but you need a lot of luck to get a seat. Karatsu Kunchi, on the other hand, is easy to see from anywhere. The floats, loaded with gorgeous decorations that swing in a pendulum motion, are then pulled through the town at a rapid pace. It takes just over an hour by train or car from Fukuoka. However, the car route becomes a public road halfway through, so the time is unpredictable.
Free parking is available during the festival, but please note that it will be difficult to find a parking spot if you do not arrive by noon. Outside of the Kunchi period, the actual floats are on display at the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall near the station.
Why Nagoya Castle, even though it’s in Kyushu? Hideyoshi’s base for dispatching troops to Korea
I’d like you to read the story about the same names of two Nagoya Castles on this post, but anyway, it’s a place that’s very difficult to get to by public transportation. It was also intentionally demolished after Hideyoshi’s death, so it’s hard to tell what it looked like originally. So why go there anyway? The tea room made by gold, where Hideyoshi hosted the Sengoku lords he conquered, has been restored in the museum. What’s more, Saga Prefecture is generous enough to offer free admission to the museum where the tea room is displayed. If you go beyond Nagoya Castle to Hata Cape, you can even see Tsushima, the real border island facing to Korea.
2nd Day(Culture day)
Yobuko, famous for its morning market, used to be known for whales, but now it’s known for squid.
I wanted to see the squid being dried while being pinched to clothespins and rotated. Yobuko Morning Market is a peaceful fishing port. It’s also difficult to get to by public transport. But it’s worth stopping by to try the live, filleted squid.
A thorough visit to the pottery in the village of porcelain, born from a series of miracles
There are many famous pottery-making towns here. Large markets are held in many places during Golden Week in May, but it’s best to visit during a quieter time. Find your favorite pottery slowly. Be careful not to buy too much. There are various routes from Fukuoka, including around the sea and inland (Ariake Sea). In November, the Saga City Balloon Festival is held, so if you can get up early in the morning, give it a try. You can combine it with the Karatsu Kunchi Festival.
3rd Day(History day)
Hirado, the end of the earth, was the cutting edge of culture at the time
Hirado is the closest town to Korea and China, excluding the Goto Islands. It is the town where Christian missionary work began. Even in this quiet port town, you can sense the scent of culture. Before crossing over to Hirado Island through the huge bridge like Goiden Bridge in US, there is Tabira Hirado Station, where you can get a certificate of visiting the westernmost station in Japan. There is a fee, though.
A diorama world at the end of a roller coaster-like road – Tenkaiho
You can only get there if you get through the traffic jams in Sasebo downtown. The reason it’s so congested is that you have to turn right three times after exiting the expressway (which would be a left turn on the mainland). Once you get past that, the narrow road continues to go up and down. It’s nerve-wracking, but the view at the end is spectacular.
Hario radio tower that’s not a chimney
Along the way, I thought I would be able to see Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park modeled after Amsterdam, but it was completely obscured by trees and I couldn’t see it at all. As I cautiously made my way through the tangerine orchards, radio towers suddenly appeared right in front of me.
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