I went to see the lights illuminating Karatsu Castle (唐津城), but since it was well past closing time, I couldn’t enter the main keep. So, naturally, I went back the next day! Karatsu Castle is located on a hill, so it’s visible from various spots across the bridge on the Karatsu Station side.
Karatsu Castle viewed from Jyonaibashi Bridge is a perfect photo spot.
I climbed these stone steps the day before too, but it feels much more pleasant to do so during the daytime. For those with difficulty walking, there is an elevator available.
Karatsu Castle is part of Karatsu Castle Park, and areas other than the main keep are free to enter.
Inside the grounds, there is a wisteria trellis that blooms beautiful purple flowers around May. This is the natural monument of purple wisteria.
Looking up at the trellis, I thought, “I should come back during wisteria season…”. By the way, in spring, over 200 cherry blossom trees bloom here.
The view from around here is also fantastic.
Heading towards the main keep, this castle was completed by Terazawa Shima-no-kami Hirotaka, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
There was also a shrine within the castle grounds.
Entrance to the main keep costs 500 yen. Although castle staircases are often steep and tiring, Karatsu Castle is relatively compact, and the stairs aren’t that steep.
The first three floors inside the keep serve as a museum where you can learn about Karatsu’s history, including Karatsu ceramics (Karatsu-yaki). The fifth floor is an observation deck.
From the windows, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Karatsu City. Here’s the view of Niji-no-Matsubara.
Takashima island. This is an inhabited island.
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Name Karatsu Castle (唐津城)
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