Karatsu Castle, Japanese castle in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, Japan
Karatsu Castle is a five-tiered structure built on stone foundations right by Karatsu Bay, with multiple defensive areas arranged around the main keep. The layout incorporates the surrounding water as part of its fortification design.
Construction began in 1602 under Terasawa Hirotaka and was completed in 1608, with materials repurposed from an earlier major structure. The castle served as the administrative seat through successive periods and marked an important moment in early Edo-era development.
This castle served as the administrative center of the Karatsu domain and remains a place where visitors encounter artifacts and knowledge about samurai times. The rooms showcase traditional armor, weapons, and ceramics that tell the story of life during that era.
The site is accessible on foot by walking through the surrounding park, or you can take a short taxi ride from Karatsu Station. Plan your visit during daytime hours when both the interior and exterior areas are fully open to explore.
The stone foundations rise directly from the water of Karatsu Bay, demonstrating how builders incorporated the sea as a natural line of defense. This blend of land and water creates one of the most distinctive features of the fortification.
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