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.

Rainbow Matsubara The pine tree forest is approximately 500 meters wide, and 4.5 kilometers long.

The man-made forest was created as a wind breaker to preserve crops from wind damage.

Karastu Castle nicknamed “ Dancing Crane” for resembling a bird with its wings spread wide

Karatsu ware E-Karatsu, picrure Karastu picture drawn with an iron solution called Oniita and baked with a glaze

Karatsu ware Black Karatsu