Karatsu Kunchi

Karatsu Kunchi is a major autumn festival held annually from November 2 to 4 at Karatsu Shrine in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. With a history exceeding 400 years, the festival is celebrated for its massive, ornate floats called hikiyama and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The festival features 14 giant hikiyama floats, each representing a specific neighborhood. These structures are masterpieces of traditional craftsmanship, constructed from layers of washi paper, linen, and wood, finished with multiple layers of red, gold, and silver lacquer. The floats depict various figures from folklore and history, including lions, samurai helmets, dragons, and a famous sea bream. Despite their weight of several tons, these floats are pulled through the city streets by large teams of local residents to the rhythmic chant of “En-ya!” or “Yoi-sa!”.

The event begins on the evening of November 2 with the Yoiyama, where the floats are illuminated by lanterns and paraded through the streets. The primary highlight occurs on November 3, the Otabisho Shinkosai, during which the teams pull the heavy floats through the deep sand of the Nishinohama beach area, demonstrating significant physical strength and coordination. On the final day, November 4, the floats are returned to the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall located next to the shrine. The festival serves as a significant display of regional identity and traditional lacquerware artistry.