Fish- and lion-shaped hikiyama floats travel through Karatsu. Daytime viewing reveals their shape and decoration; the first evening offers lantern-lit floats.
Karatsu Kunchi dates
Usually November 2–4
Usual annual timing
Dates and times use JST. Usual timing is not a confirmed next-edition schedule. Read the organiser’s programme for start times, tickets, postponements and cancellations.
Where to watch
Karatsu · 唐津
Karatsu Shrine, town streets and the Nishinohama Otabisho
唐津神社・市内曳行コース
On 3 November the procession travels from Karatsu Shrine to the Nishinohama Otabisho. The 2nd's night route and the 4th's town route differ.
The directions below use one representative location, not every venue entrance or the complete procession route. Use the official venue map for your ticket or programme.
Getting there by train or bus
From Fukuoka, use Airport subway and JR Chikuhi Line services towards Karatsu Station, then walk towards Karatsu Shrine.
Planning your visit
Combine the first night with the following day if both illuminated floats and daytime designs interest you. Consult the route for the sandy Otabisho pulling scene.
This is an editorial travel suggestion, not a claim of a personal visit or a guarantee of the programme. When travelling from Canada, use your Japan arrival date to select the festival day.
What to look for
- Sculptural hikiyama floats
- Otabisho pulling
- Evening procession
History and traditions
The autumn shrine festival is described as having around four centuries of tradition, with prayers for harvests and prosperity.
Photo: Michil.K · CC BY-SA 4.0. Original or supplied reduced image; no additional edits. See the original file for its date and context.
Nearby places to consider
Karatsu Castle · 唐津城
A castle with exhibits and views over the sea and town.
Visit by day, leaving time for the climb and the walk back to your chosen float street.
The description and suggested visit refer to the first attraction listed. Other links are separate nearby options; festival traffic and opening hours may affect your plans.
Karatsu Kunchi questions
When is Karatsu Kunchi?
Usually November 2–4. Usual annual timing is not confirmation of the next edition.
How do I reach Karatsu Kunchi by public transport?
From Fukuoka, use Airport subway and JR Chikuhi Line services towards Karatsu Station, then walk towards Karatsu Shrine.
Should I see Karatsu’s floats by day or night?
Daylight shows their shapes and decoration clearly, while the first night features illuminated floats. These are different parts of the programme.
Official programme and sources
- Official reference · www.karatsu-kankou.jp ↗
- Official reference · www.japan.travel ↗
- Official reference · www.karatsu-jinja.org ↗
- Official reference · karatsujo.com ↗
Shared source records reviewed October 3, 2026. Some official pages are in Japanese. JapanLiveNow’s English guide is independently edited; the organiser’s latest announcement takes precedence.