Karatsu Kunchi: Float Festival Schedule and Access

Karatsu Kunchi (唐津くんち) takes place from Monday, November 2 to Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with 14 festival floats travelling through central Karatsu. The main choice for visitors is when to go: the opening procession runs at night, while the following two days have daytime schedules.

This is the autumn festival of Karatsu Shrine (唐津神社). Its floats, known as hikiyama, depict subjects including lions, helmets and a sea bream. Accompanied by bells, flutes, drums and the calls of the float pullers, they are the focus of the three-day celebration.

Information last checked on October 29, 2026. Before travelling, check the official Karatsu Kunchi guide for procession routes and visitor instructions.

Dates and procession times

Choose your day around the procession you want to see. November 2 has an evening start; November 3 and 4 begin in the morning. These are the listed procession hours, not arrival times at individual viewing spots.

Venue details

The address above comes from the event listing and is only a reference point. The processions move through the city centre, so do not treat that single address as the location of every procession or viewing area.

What makes the floats special

The 14 hikiyama are large works of dry-lacquer craftsmanship, made using materials including Japanese paper, lacquer and gold leaf. Their sculptural forms are as much a reason to visit as the procession itself: look for the different shapes and surface details as the floats pass.

Karatsu Kunchi’s float procession tradition is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The official festival feature confirms that the celebration is held every year on November 2, 3 and 4.

For a first visit, the practical distinction is straightforward: choose November 2 if you want the evening procession, or November 3 or 4 if a daytime visit fits your plans better. Check the official route before choosing where to watch.

Getting there and parking

By train

The listed public transport access is Karatsu Station. Check train connections and your return journey before setting out, especially if attending the evening procession, which is scheduled to finish at 22:00.

If Karatsu is part of a longer trip, our JAL Kyushu flight-and-hotel campaign guide is a separate planning resource. Check its booking and travel conditions before assuming your festival dates qualify.

By car

The access information gives an approximate driving time of 80 minutes from Fukuoka IC via the urban expressway, Nishi-Kyushu Expressway and Nijohamatama Road. Treat this as a reference estimate when planning your journey.

Temporary free parking is listed at Matsuura Riverside Park and other locations, with more than 2,000 spaces in total. The information also states that the shuttle bus to the south exit of Karatsu Station no longer operates. Plan how you will get from the car park to the festival area without relying on that shuttle.

Read the official riverside park parking notice alongside the latest announcements on the Karatsu tourism website.

What to check before leaving

• Procession route: the available material does not include a detailed route or timings for individual streets.
• Viewing instructions: follow current official guidance when deciding where to stand.
• Admission arrangements: a ticket price or admission fee has not been confirmed in the supplied information.
• Parking: verify the current opening hours and onward access from your chosen car park.
• Return travel: check your train connections or parking closing time against the programme you plan to watch.

If you use your phone for navigation throughout the day, charge it before leaving. Our d VALUE PASS and ChargeSPOT guide explains a power-bank rental option; check service availability separately for your route.

Planning other cultural outings as well? The Ghibli Park exhibition guide covers a different type of visit, with venue and schedule information to consult separately.

Frequently asked questions

When is Karatsu Kunchi?

The 2026 festival runs from November 2 to November 4. The evening procession is on November 2, followed by daytime programmes on November 3 and 4.

Which station should I use?

The listed station for public transport access is Karatsu Station. Check the official procession route before choosing your viewing spot.

Is Karatsu Kunchi free to attend?

The supplied information does not specify an admission fee. Confirm admission and viewing arrangements through the official festival information.

Does the temporary car park have a shuttle to Karatsu Station?

The supplied access information states that the shuttle to Karatsu Station’s south exit no longer operates. Confirm current parking arrangements and plan your onward journey separately.