Karatsu Castle

What a beautiful castle. This modern reconstruction is definitely worth a visit. You can check out the first floor/gift shop for free, but you'll have to pay to access the higher floors and observation deck. I highly suggest paying the small fee to access the top floor because the view is simply stunning. I've added a few videos to my review to give you an idea of what you can expect. Caution: it can get VERY windy at the top floor since its an open air observation deck, but like I said, its worth it.

Nicely renovated castle with an incredible view over Karatsu and the open sea from the top floor! Well worth the climb noting there is also an elevator. I sometime wonder why some Kyushu historical jewels are so much underrated by some famous green guides… Not only Kyushu offers a lot but people are so friendly and food simply too good 👍 Fresh , local and people are proud of their products.

My review is only based on the cenic views on my way up to the castle, unfortunately I got their late and did not make it before they closed the doors. Well worth going their and remeamber to go down the elevator in the castle grounds, only 100¥ Plus several cats to be seen 🐈 lol

A steep staircase leading to terraces with amazing views over Karatsu and to a proud castle with fierce defenses. The upside-down rice-bol-shaped island is a rare sight.

Beautifully preserved castle, worth a visit. A steep staricase up to the castle, with a 200 yearold wisteria tree to greet you at the top. Exhibits about the history of the castle, how it was constructed, consteuction techniques et al. At the top is a viewing deck with great views.

Beautiful small castle. The elevator (200y pp) allows wheelchair access to castle's grounds but not indoors. The staff were super friendly and kind. The view to the ocean was picturesque. Cute cats are always a plus. 🐈 ♡

Difficult for senior people to visit. Cross walk from parking lot to castle side need walk through stairs. To go up from ground to the castle also many high stairs.

Small castle on top of a hill. There is an elevator to get to the castle ground (¥100/one way) but only stairs inside the castle. Interesting artefacts on display. Great view of Karatsu Bay and town from the top of the castle.

I didn't even go in the building but still worthy of reviewing. I just happened to drive by on the way to return the rental car. The sun was setting. And I caught the magnificent look of the main keep. It was quite gorgeous and couldn't look away. So, I drove around a bit to find good vantage points to take pictures. Well, iPhone didn't do the justice. It looked lot more gorgeous spectacular with naked eyes than these photos. If I ever come back to Karatsu again, I would love to trek through this castle.

If you're a fan of Japanese castles then this is nice, but very small. And let's face it , there is nothing else to do in Karatsu except eat a burger. It's about a 15 minute walk from the station. The view of the virgin pine forest (Niji no Matasubara) from the top of the keep is quite impressive, but again there isn't much else in town to keep you there more than an hour or two.