Niji no Matsubara Pine Grove

Niji no Matsubara (虹の松原) is a stunning five-kilometer stretch of coastline lined with approximately a million pine trees, located just outside the city center of Karatsu. This impressive grove, planted during the Edo Period, was originally intended as a natural seawall to protect the coastline. Today, it stands as one of Japan's top three pine groves, alongside Miho no Matsubara in Shizuoka and Kehi no Matsubara in Fukui Prefecture.

The grove, stretching along Karatsu Bay, is a serene spot where visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk between the trees and the sea. A long sandy beach lies between the towering pines and the shoreline, while a road meanders through the grove, offering a perfect place for leisurely strolls and scenic views.