Niji no Matsubara

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Niji no Matsubara

The green tunnel of pines stretching seemingly forever.

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Along the Karatsu Bay, a pine grove stretches in the shape of a rainbow. This national special scenic spot started when Karatsu Domain’s first lord, Terazawa Hirotaka began planting as a protection against wind and tide in the early 17th century. Roughly 1 million pine trees form a 4.5km-long and 500m-wide grove. It is one of the three most scenic pine groves in Japan along with Miho and Kii’s pine groves.

After soaking in the fresh pine air, head 5km south for a scenic spot Kagamiyama Observation Deck and take in the blue sky, the ocean and green pine grove. Poets in the Nara Period were inspired by its beauty and left many poems here.

Niji no Matsubara is also known for curious legends. Once Toyotomi Hideyoshi was going to Nagoya Castle, lots of cicadas were chirping at Niji no Matsubara. As he scolded them, “Too noisy,” cicadas stopped making noise ever since. When he was passing through the pine grove, tall trees were blocking his view. He glared at them, saying “Be lower,” and there are “Glared Pines” that have not grown. There are seven of such wonders.

Highlights

  • Roam through the pine grove and be refreshed in forest-air-bathing!
  • Matsubara is next to a swimming beach. It feels nice to walk on the ocean side.
  • Go up to the Kagamiyama Observation Deck and take in the panoramic Niji no Matsubara.
  • Check out the seven wonders of Niji no Matsubara.

Photos

  • Niji no Matsubara viewed from Kagamiyama Observation Deck
Photo provider: Saga Prefectural Tourism Federation

    Niji no Matsubara viewed from Kagamiyama Observation Deck Photo provider: Saga Prefectural Tourism Federation

  • Niji no Matsubara and Higashino Beach

    Niji no Matsubara and Higashino Beach

  • Refreshing drive through the pine grove 
Photo provider: Saga Prefectural Tourism Federation

    Refreshing drive through the pine grove Photo provider: Saga Prefectural Tourism Federation

  • You can walk through the pines

    You can walk through the pines

  • Pines protect the town from the ocean winds
Photo provider: Saga Prefectural Tourism Federation

    Pines protect the town from the ocean winds Photo provider: Saga Prefectural Tourism Federation

Reviews

3

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  • The scenery is absolutely stunning, and there were hardly any tourists around.

    One of Japan's top three pine groves. The environment here is really well preserved.

  • The coastline is lined with black pine trees, stretching for several kilometers and forming a tunnel—it's really spectacular and awesome!

Details

Name in Japanese
虹の松原
Postal Code
847-0017
Address
Hamatamamachi - Higashikaratsu, Karatsu City, Saga
Telephone
0955-74-3355 (Karatsu Tourism Association)
Hours
Free to see anytime
Directions
From JR Chikuhi Line’s Nijinomatsubara Station, walk a short distance
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)