Karatsu, Saga

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Map showing location of Karatsu in Saga Prefecture (as of 2006).

Karatsu Castle

Karatsu Castle #2

Karatsu (唐津市; -shi) is a city located in Saga Prefecture on the island of Kyūshū, Japan. Its name, formed by the kanji "kara" (China), and "tsu" (port), signifies its historical importance as a link between Japan and China.

As of May 1, 2005, the city had an estimated population of 132,330 and a population density of 271 persons per km². The central area of Karatsu, which does no include the former cities and villages the Higashimatsuura District, has a population of 78,386. The total area was 487.42 km².

[edit] History

The city was founded on January 1, 1932, each of the 14 districts of Central Karatsu that merged to form the city are represented by one float each, during the Karatsu Kunchi festival.

On January 1, 2005, six towns and one village that belonged to Higashimatsuura District merged with the city to replace the former organization of this city. This merger made Karatsu the largest city in Saga Prefecture.

On January 1, 2006, the village of Nanayama from Higashimatsuura District merged into the city of Karatsu.

[edit] Culture and Tourism

The graceful Karatsu Castle stands watch over this castle town.

Karatsu is famous for its Karatsu Kunchi festival, which runs annually from November 2nd to November 4th and is visited by approximately 500,000 visitors. The festival consists primarily of hikiyama (floats) being carried around the city's narrow streets to cheers of "Enya! Enya" from the spectators.

Inbetween the local train station (唐津駅) and the local bus centre (大手口バスセンター) is a 170 metre arcade, which contains many small shops. There are many shops that specialize in Karatsu Kunchi omiyage, and the Korean-influenced local pottery.