Karatsu Kunchi Festival

About this event

Karatsu Kunchi is the autumn grand festival of Karatsu Shrine and the biggest event in Karatsu City. 'Kunchi' is also written as 'Kuniichi' (offering day) and embodies gratitude for the harvest. The biggest highlight of this festival is the 14 giant hikiyama floats lavishly decorated with lacquer and gold leaf. Shaped into unique forms such as red lions, blue lions, sea breams, and dragons, these hikiyama are massive dry-lacquer art crafts finished with Japanese paper (washi), lacquer, gold leaf, and other materials, designated as National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties and inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. When the hikiyama parade through the town to the accompaniment of festival music (hayashi), the energetic shouts of 'Enya, Enya' and 'Yoisa, Yoisa' from the pulling youths resonate alongside the lively musical accompaniment, overwhelming spectators with their heroic presence. With over 400 years of history, this traditional festival is a proud autumn tradition of Saga that leaves a deep impression on visitors.

Venue

Karatsu Shrine

3-13 Minamijonai, Karatsu, Saga 847-0013