Saga Karatsu Castle Main Keep Admission Ticket

Climb the main keep of Karatsu Castle
overlooking Karatsu Bay

This is an admission ticket for the main keep of Karatsu Castle in Karatsu, Saga. Learn about the castle's history and traditional Japanese castle architecture, and enjoy views of the city and sea from the top.

Hours are 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last admission 4:40 PM). Show your mobile ticket at the keep's ticket gate for verification and direct entry.

A castle shaped like a crane in flight

Karatsu Castle was built by Terazawa Hirotaka, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, based on materials from Nagoya Castle, and was completed over seven years from 1602.

With the keep as the crane's head and the sides as its wings, the castle is said to resemble a flying crane. Today's keep is a restoration that recreates its former appearance.

Views from the top of the keep

From the top of the hilltop keep, Karatsu city, Karatsu Bay and the surrounding landscape spread out in a panorama.

Learn about the castle's history, its samurai heritage and its role in the region.

Cherry blossoms, wisteria and night illumination

Maizuru Park around the castle has hundreds of Someiyoshino cherry and wisteria trees, turning the area pink in spring.

At night the castle is illuminated, offering a different atmosphere from the daytime.

※ Hours are subject to change. Please check before your visit.
※ Blooming times vary from year to year.