2012 Saga International Balloon Fiesta

The Karatsu Kunchi Festival is held at almost the same time as the Saga International Balloon Fiesta. JR Karatsu station is about 1 hour from Saga City. Please go and enjoy the magnificent festival in your spare time! The Karatsu Kunchi Festival schedule is as follows:

Karatsu Kunchi Festival

Schedules

1) Evening Parade

Date and time: Friday, November 2 19:30 to 22:00

Route: Oteguchi → Downtown → Karatsu Shrine

2) Otabisho Parade

Date and time: Saturday, November 3 09:30 to 16:30

Route: Karatsu Shrine → Downtown → Each communities

3) Round-town Parade

Date and time: Sunday, November 4 10:30 to 16:30

Route: Karatsu Shrine → Downtown → Floats Hall

Place

Inside the city of Karatsu（NearJR Karatsu station）

Transportation

1) By JR

Trains run regularly from JR Saga Station and the Balloon Station by the launch site. It takes about an hour to reach Karatsu Station.

2) By bus

Buses run from Saga Station Bus Center. It takes about 1hour 40mins to Karatsu-oteguchi Terminal.

Sights at Karatsu Kunchi Festival

The most impressive event is the Otabisho Parade on the second day. All 14 floats leave Karatsu Shrine and are paraded round the city before they head towards Nishi-no-hama Beach. The way the people drag their floats into the sandy beach is so energetic and spectacular!