Niji-no-Matsubara Beach
One of Japan's Three Great Pine Groves — a 5 km arc of white sand beach backed by half a million pine trees. The trees were planted 400 years ago to protect the town from sea winds, and today the combination of turquoise water, white sand, and dark pines is simply extraordinary.
1–3 hours
Free
Beach and pine grove: always accessible
June–September (swimming) or year-round (walking)
JR Nijinomatsubara Station, 1 min walk; or from Karatsu Station by bus (e.g. to Seaside-mae) or about 20 min drive
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Walk or cycle through the pine forest on paths used by generations of Karatsu fishermen
- 2
The beach is swimmable June–September; the sea is calm and clear on most days
- 3
Combine with a visit to Karatsu Castle (15 min walk) to see the pine grove from above
Local Tips
The 5km arc of black pine trees planted 400 years ago behind white sand beach is considered one of Japan's three great pine groves. The beach itself is good for swimming in summer. The view of Karatsu Castle from the beach is a classic composition. Combine with Karatsu Castle, Nanatsugama Caves, and a local karatsu-yaki pottery shop for a full Karatsu day.
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