Karatsu Kunchi 2026 Confirmed

唐津くんち — Karatsu, Saga (Kyushu)

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Karatsu Kunchi is the autumn festival of Karatsu Shrine, held every November 2–4. Fourteen giant lacquered floats (hikiyama) shaped like a red lion, samurai helmets, a sea bream and more are hauled through the old castle town to flute, bell and drum music and the pullers' chants — highlighted by the struggle to drag the 2–3 tonne floats through the sand at Nishinohama beach on November 3.

Background

The float event is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, the 14 floats are Saga Prefecture's Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties, and the festival was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2016. The floats are among the largest dry-lacquer craft works in the world.

Getting there

Karatsu Station (JR Chikuhi Line, through trains from Fukuoka's subway) is a short walk from Karatsu Shrine and the float routes.

Tips

• November 2, 7:00–9:30 PM: Yoiyama — the 14 floats parade through the old town lit by lanterns.
• November 3 (national holiday), 9:30 AM–4:30 PM: the floats escort the portable shrine to Nishinohama; the haul into the sand starts at 12:00 and the haul out at 3:00 PM. A lion dance is offered at Karatsu Shrine at about 5:00 AM.
• November 4, 10:00 AM–4:40 PM: the final day, with all floats lined up on Komeyamachi street at 12:00 before being returned to the float museum.
• Times are for the first float (the Red Lion); all 14 take about 50 minutes to pass.

Last verified against the official source: Sat, September 26, 2026