GUIDE
Inside Karatsu Castle & Permanent Exhibits
Exhibit
Exhibits in the Castle
Halberd
This naginata was inherited from the Imai family, who were the chief vassals of Terasawa Hirotaka, the first lord in the Karatsu domain. It was created by Tadayoshi I, a renowned Hizen swordsmith, during the early Edo period. The blade was not extremely wide at the tip and had a moderate curve, thus lending it a dignified appearance. Originally, the blade was larger than its current size, but it was modified in later periods and its length was slightly shortened.
Illustration of Karatsu Castle
It is also known as “Maizuru Castle” because the pine grove stretching in an arc from east to west in the center of the main castle resembles a crane spreading its wings. This drawing is believed to have been created when the Karatsu domain was transferred from the Doi Clan to the Mizuno Clan in 1762. It depicts the gates, turrets, guard posts, and other facilities within the castle in detail.
Gilded Roof Tile
Fragments of gold-leaf tiles were unearthed from the fill under the seventh face of the old stone wall discovered in the Nino-kurinawa area to the south of the keep. The gold-leaf tiles, which indicate a connection with the Toyotomi administration, were excavated from behind the old stone wall, the oldest fill of Karatsu Castle, suggesting a close relationship with Hizen Nagoya Castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Letter from Iemochi Tokugawa
In this letter, the 14th Shogun, Iemochi Tokugawa, delegated complete authority to Nagayuki Kasahara, the former shogun, to dispose of Choshu during post-war negotiations with the Choshu domain, including a reduction of 100,000 koku. It was unusual for the Shogun to issue such a letter of complete authority in his own handwriting, and it is believed that the letter was delivered not only as a sign of his expectations for Nagayuki’s negotiating ability but also as an absolute guarantee for the exercise of his power over the feudal lords.
Shuinjo from Hideyoshi Toyotomi
This is a Shuinjo from Toyotomi Hideyoshi to Terasawa Hirotaka regarding the method of distributing rations, weapons, and ammunition, and their storage after distribution during Keicho no Yakuwari. Noteworthily, rice was to be delivered to Hakata (Fukuoka City), and the lords were to go there to pick it.
Karatsu-yaki
Traditional pottery of Karatsu
Exhibition of Kogaratsu and Karatsu ware
Various types of Karatsu ware, including Ko-Karatsu, are on display. The pieces created from the end of the 16th century, when Karatsu ware was first produced, to the middle of the 17th century, when production began declining, are called Ko-Karatsu. Visitors to Karatsu Castle can learn about the history of Karatsu ware.
History of Karatsu-yaki
Karatsu ware, the firing of which began at the end of the 16th century, was loved by numerous tea masters for its varied shapes and hues, simple elegance, and expressive flavor. As the rating of tea bowls, “Ichi-ido, Futaraku, Sangaratsu,” indicates, Karatsu ware has been loved by numerous tea masters for a long time .
Town Culture and Industry
Culture of the townspeople and industry
At the exhibition corner of Karatsu Castle, you can learn
about the culture and industry of the wnspeople
through a wealth of pictures and digital signage.
Visitors can rediscover the charm of Karatsu City through its history,
and learn about the lives of the townspeople of that time
and the industries involved in the development of Karatsu.
Additionally, this place provides valuable learning
pertaining to the history of existing buildings.
Taboto
If you tap it three times, your wish will come true.
Taboto is located to the left of the entrance to the main gate of Karatsu Castle. Dabotou is derived from a belief in the Lotus Sutra, and the body of the pagoda is carved with images of Sakyamuni Buddha and Dabotonyo Buddha. The face of the pagoda is deeply carved out of the Buddha’s body. It is believed that if one strikes the face of the Buddha image with a stone three times, one’s wish will come true.
Spectacular Panoramic Views
Panoramic view of Karatsu from the top of the castle
The 5th floor observation deck of Karatsu Castle offers a spectacular
panoramic view of the entire surrounding area.Karatsu Bay to the north,
Iki in the distance, the castle town to the south,
and Niji-no-Matsubara and the legendary Kagamiyama to the east,
To the west, there is a 360-degree view of Nishi-no-hama
beach leading to Oshima Island.Furthermore, when looking at Karatsu city,
the old townscape from the Edo period can be seen,
The historical atmosphere of the area and the intention of Terasawa Shimanokami
Hirotaka to build a solid castle can be felt.
The surrounding mountains, Ukidake, Kagamiyama, Nijinomatsubara,
Genkainada, and even Iki Island can be seen from a distance.
One can see a beautiful contrast between nature and the historical townscape.
Souvenirs of Karatsu
Stores where you can buy souvenirs of Karatsu
Souvenir Shop
The souvenir shop in Karatsu Castle sells local specialties, including Karatsu-ju, citrus fruits from Karatsu, and sweet vegetables. Karatsu-oka is a traditional handicraft that is characterized by unique patterns. Moreover, visitors can purchase a limited-edition red seal for Karatsu Castle.
Four Seasons in Karatsu
Karatsu Castle and the Four Seasons
