This Autumn festival has been held since the late 1500s, and this year around 500,000 people are expected to attend over three days. Lions, dragons and other symbols adorn 14 festival floats. One of Kyushu’s biggest and most colorful festivals, the Yoiyama (night festival) starts from November 2 from 19:30. Thirteen Hikiyama (Japanese floats) are pulled through the town and lit up by beautiful Japanese lanterns. On November 3, the highlight is pulling of the Hikiyama on the beach where the floats are displayed to the public. This year there will be a mobile application where you can check a map of the Hikiyama route, details of the Kunchi Festival and recommended highlights (not currently available).
● 11/2 (Fri.)~11/4 (Sun.) Time varies by date.
● Karatsu Shrine ~ Karatsu City
● Free
● 0955-72-4963
● Karatsu Shrine: 3-13 Minamijonai, Karatsu City, Saga
● Official HP: http://www.city.karatsu.lg.jp/foreign/english/sightseeing.html
