Karatsu Castle

A castle has stood in Karatsu on a promontory overlooking the Genkai Sea almost continuously since the early 1600s. While the current castle was only reconstructed in 1966, the view remains as impressive as it surely was over 400 years ago. The inside of the castle houses a mediocre history museum but it is worth the climb to the top of the hill for the sweeping sea vistas. In spring, cherry trees bloom on the grounds. If you don't feel like trekking up the multitude of steps, an elevator will ferry you to the top and back for 100 yen per trip.