Kyushu Okinawa
Karatsu
castles, caves, ceramic art and a day at the beach
Cruise into the bay of Karatsu, anchor off Hamatama Beach, a 3 miles stretch of white-sand beach, one of the best in Kyshu, backdropped by the million tree black pine forest. At the Western end of the Beach is the impressive Karatsu Castle standing watch from the hilltop over Karatsu Town. Famous Karatsu ware is pottery of various kinds such as E-Karatsu with pictures of painted plants, Madara-Karatsu with fun spot patterns and beautifully-colored Kuro-Karatsu, all which appeal to people due to their simplicity. Karatsu ware is crafted so as to look most beautiful when food is presented on it and there are many restaurants in Karatsu where you can enjoy meals presented on Karatsu ware and a170-metre arcade containing many small shops that specialize in Karatsu ware.
![image](../../../img/cruisingmap/kyushu_okinawa/karatsu/001.jpg)
Rainbow Matsubara The pine tree forest is approximately 500 meters wide, and 4.5 kilometers long.
![image](../../../img/cruisingmap/kyushu_okinawa/karatsu/002.jpg)
The man-made forest was created as a wind breaker to preserve crops from wind damage.
![image](../../../img/cruisingmap/kyushu_okinawa/karatsu/003.jpg)
Karastu Castle nicknamed “ Dancing Crane” for resembling a bird with its wings spread wide
![image](../../../img/cruisingmap/kyushu_okinawa/karatsu/004.jpg)
Karatsu ware E-Karatsu, picrure Karastu picture drawn with an iron solution called Oniita and baked with a glaze
![image](../../../img/cruisingmap/kyushu_okinawa/karatsu/005.jpg)
Karatsu ware Black Karatsu
Cruising Maps
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Amami
A haven of sea and sand
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Beppu
A group of eight hot spring towns
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Fukuoka & Omuta
Friendly people, fantastic ramen, Japan’s biggest festival
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Goto Retto
Marine playground and former haven of secret Christianity
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Iki
The island of gods, a connecting bridge since ancient times
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Iriomote
The Galapagos of the East
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Ishigaki
Japan’s southernmost city, a tropical paradise
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Kagoshima/Ibusuki
Naples of the East ~ home to the great volcanoes
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Karatsu
castles, caves, ceramic art and a day at the beach
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Koshiki Retto
Wild natural islands with rugged cliffs and untouched bays
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Miyako
A peaceful island in the sun for watersports, cycling and golf
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Nagasaki
A vibrant port city full of color and international flair
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Okinawa
Distinct island culture born of the age of Rukyu Kingdom
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Setouchi
Unspoiled nature and Unique Culture
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Taketomi
A time capsule of traditional Ryukyu culture and architecture
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Yakushima
The country's first UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the best natural wonders
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Yonaguni
The last place in Japan to see the setting sun
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Zamami
Unspolied paradise in an emerald blue sea