Karatsu, Japan
Karatsu is a city located in the Saga Prefecture of Japan.
Karatsu is a city located in the Saga Prefecture of Japan. It is known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and traditional festivals.
The city is home to the Karatsu Castle, which was built in the early 17th century and is now a popular tourist attraction. The city also has a number of shrines and temples, including the Karatsu Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of the sea.
The city is also known for its traditional festivals, such as the Karatsu Kunchi Festival, which is held every November and features traditional dances and parades. Karatsu is also home to a number of museums, including the Karatsu City Museum, which houses a variety of artifacts from the city's history.
The city is also known for its seafood, with a variety of restaurants offering fresh seafood dishes. Karatsu is a great place to visit for anyone looking to experience the culture and history of Japan.
Karatsu, Japan is located on the western coast of the island of Kyushu, in the Saga Prefecture. It is situated on the Ariake Sea, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Fukuoka City. The port is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering access to the nearby city of Karatsu and the surrounding area. The port is also a gateway to the nearby cities of Imari and Nagasaki.
A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.
Karatsu is surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Visitors can explore the nearby mountains, rivers, and beaches. There are also plenty of parks and gardens to explore, such as the Karatsu Castle Park and the Karatsu Kunchi Festival Grounds. Visitors can also take part in activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping.
Karatsu is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local goods. The city is home to a variety of traditional shops, as well as modern department stores. Visitors can find everything from traditional Japanese crafts to modern fashion items. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to explore while shopping.
Karatsu is home to a number of historical sites, including the Karatsu Castle and the Karatsu Shrine. Visitors can also explore the nearby ruins of the former Karatsu Domain. There are also a number of museums and galleries to explore, such as the Karatsu City Museum and the Karatsu Art Museum. Visitors can learn about the city's history and culture while visiting these sites.
Kamijimahama Beach is a popular beach located near Karatsu, Japan. It is a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the nearby mountains. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for visitors to enjoy.
Kamishio Beach is a popular beach located near Karatsu, Japan. It is a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the nearby mountains. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for visitors to enjoy.
Kamikawaguchi Beach is a popular beach located near Karatsu, Japan. It is a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the nearby mountains. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for visitors to enjoy.
Karatsu Castle is a Japanese castle located in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture. It was built in 1608 by the powerful daimyo Terazawa Hirotaka. The castle is a flatland-style castle, with a five-story donjon, a three-story yagura, and a two-story yagura. It is one of the few remaining flatland-style castles in Japan and is designated as a national treasure.
The Karatsu Kunchi Festival is an annual festival held in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture. It is held from November 2nd to 4th and is one of the three major festivals of Kyushu. The festival features a parade of floats, called hikiyama, which are decorated with elaborate carvings and colorful tapestries. The floats are pulled through the streets of Karatsu by teams of men dressed in traditional costumes. The festival also features traditional music and dance performances, as well as fireworks displays.
Karatsu pottery is a type of Japanese pottery that originated in the city of Karatsu, Saga Prefecture. It is known for its distinctive style, which is characterized by a thick, heavy body and a glaze that is often decorated with a variety of patterns. Karatsu pottery is often used for tea ceremonies and is highly prized by collectors. It is also used to make a variety of everyday items, such as plates, bowls, and cups.
The Karatsu Grand Shopping Mall is a great place to find souvenirs from Karatsu. It is located just a few minutes away from the cruise port and offers a wide variety of traditional Japanese souvenirs, such as pottery, lacquerware, and traditional clothing. The mall is modern and spacious, and the prices are reasonable. You can also find a variety of restaurants and entertainment, making it a great place to find souvenirs and have a good time.
The Karatsu Kunchi Festival is a great place to find souvenirs from Karatsu. It is held annually in November and is one of the most important festivals in the region. During the festival, you can find a variety of traditional Japanese souvenirs, such as pottery, lacquerware, and traditional clothing. The atmosphere is festive and lively, and the prices are reasonable. You can also find a variety of food stalls and entertainment, making it a great place to find souvenirs and have a good time.
Karatsu Castle Shopping Street is a great place to find souvenirs from Karatsu. It is located just a few minutes away from the cruise port and offers a wide variety of traditional Japanese souvenirs, such as pottery, lacquerware, and traditional clothing. The street is lined with shops and stalls, and the atmosphere is lively and fun. Prices are reasonable, and the selection is vast, so you're sure to find something special to take home with you.
Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.
Karatsu Kisen Cruise Ship Terminal is located in the city of Karatsu in Saga Prefecture, Japan. It is a smaller port than Karatsu Port and is located on the eastern side of the city. The terminal has a smaller passenger terminal building with a few amenities, including a restaurant, shops, and a tourist information center. The port also has a smaller parking lot for cars and buses.
Karatsu Marina Cruise Ship Terminal is located in the city of Karatsu in Saga Prefecture, Japan. It is a smaller port than Karatsu Port and is located on the northern side of the city. The terminal has a smaller passenger terminal building with a few amenities, including a restaurant, shops, and a tourist information center. The port also has a smaller parking lot for cars and buses.
Karatsu Port Cruise Ship Terminal is located in the city of Karatsu in Saga Prefecture, Japan. It is the main port for cruise ships in the area and is located on the western side of the city. The terminal has a large passenger terminal building with a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, shops, and a tourist information center. The port also has a large parking lot for cars and buses.
The Karatsu City Tourist Information Center offers free wifi access to visitors. Additionally, many of the restaurants and cafes in the area offer free wifi access to customers.
Karatsu, Japan is a very safe cruise port. The city is known for its low crime rate and friendly locals. The port is well-maintained and monitored by security personnel. There are no reports of any major security issues in the area.
Karatsu Port, Karatsu-shi, Saga-ken, 847-0011, Japan
The nearest car rental options near Karatsu, Japan cruise port are located at Karatsu Station, which is a short 10-minute drive away. The car rental companies available at Karatsu Station include Nippon Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental, and Toyota Rent-A-Car. All of these companies offer a variety of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury cars, and minivans. They also offer competitive rates and discounts for long-term rentals. Additionally, some of the car rental companies offer free shuttle services to and from the cruise port.
Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.
Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.
No cruise ships are scheduled in Karatsu today, Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.
Schedule updated
Other ports cruisers visit most in the Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East).
The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Karatsu.
Karatsu, Japan cruise port is located in Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East). Karatsu, Japan is located on the western coast of the island of Kyushu, in the Saga Prefecture. It is situated on the Ariake Sea, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Fukuoka City. The port is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering access to the nearby city of Karatsu and the surrounding area. The port is also a gateway to the nearby cities of Imari and Nagasaki.
Yes, Karatsu, Japan is a great cruise port. It is located on the western coast of Kyushu Island and is known for its beautiful beaches, hot springs, and traditional Japanese architecture. The city is also home to a number of historical sites, including the Karatsu Castle and the Karatsu Shrine.
Karatsu cruise port has a safety score of 8.5 out of 10, ranking #152 of 490 ports in Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East). Karatsu, Japan is a very safe cruise port. The city is known for its low crime rate and friendly locals. The port is well-maintained and monitored by security personnel. There are no reports of any major security issues in the area.
In September, Karatsu cruise port has average high temperatures of 92°F (33°C) and average lows of 61°F (16°C).
There are currently 1 excursions and tours available at Karatsu cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
Karatsu cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Exploring Nature, Shopping, Visiting Historical Sites. Karatsu, Japan is known for its many cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the city's traditional temples, shrines, and castles, as well as its many museums and galleries. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, cycling, and bird watching. The city is also home to a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Karatsu Kunchi Festival, which is one of the three largest festivals in Japan. Visitors can also enjoy the city's many beaches, hot springs, and other natural attractions.
The nearest car rental options near Karatsu, Japan cruise port are located at Karatsu Station, which is a short 10-minute drive away. The car rental companies available at Karatsu Station include Nippon Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental, and Toyota Rent-A-Car. All of these companies offer a variety of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury cars, and minivans. They also offer competitive rates and discounts for long-term rentals. Additionally, some of the car rental companies offer free shuttle services to and from the cruise port.
The Karatsu City Tourist Information Center offers free wifi access to visitors. Additionally, many of the restaurants and cafes in the area offer free wifi access to customers.
Karatsu, Japan cruise port is located at Karatsu Port, Karatsu-shi, Saga-ken, 847-0011, Japan.
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Karatsu today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Karatsu on any past or future date.
