Jul 1, 2018 - 1 min read

Karatsu Kunchi Nighttime Parade

An evening part of the famous festival

By Ekaterina Bespyatova

Community writer

The Sea Bream, my favorite of all floats, known here as hikiyama

As you get close to the parade, the street is packed with people

Float number 3, The Turtle and Urashima Taro (folk tale characters)

Float number 11, The Drunken Ogre on Minamoto Raiko's Helmet

Float number 14, The Boat of Seven Treasures

Karatsu Kunchi, a crowd-drawing festival taking place in the city of Karatsu at the beginning of November, is famous for its huge colorful floats in the shape of various creatures, objects and characters, being pulled through city streets by cheerful locals. The festival spans 3 days, and while the most popular activities happen in the daytime (such as the ceremony of Otabisho Shinko at Nishinohama, a downtown beach), there is also a nighttime parade, where the same colorful floats are pulled through the same streets, but dressed with lanterns—which makes them look even more magical.

After dark the atmosphere is different—more intimate, although the music and cheering never stops. It’s fun to watch the floats squeeze through narrow streets and make sharp turns on the corners. Try to check the parade map beforehand and find yourself a good spot where they make a turn—then you’ll see all the best parts from up close.

The parade takes place within a short walking distance from Karatsu Station. Check the official parade map, or just follow the crowds when you arrive.