🗺️ Niji no Matsubara (Rainbow Pine Grove)虹の松原

The coastline of Karatsu Bay, with its vast expanse of pine groves stretching like a wide rainbow arc, has been designated as a national special scenic spot. In the early 17th century, the first lord of the Karatsu domain, Terasawa Hirotaka, began planting pine trees to protect against wind and tide, ultimately forming this spectacular pine grove, which is about 4.5 kilometers long and 500 meters wide, home to approximately one million black pines. Today, this pine forest is renowned alongside Sanbō Matsubara and Kibikata Matsubara, collectively known as one of the "Three Great Matsubara of Japan." Enjoy a walk in the forest bathing atmosphere of the pine grove, and head to the "Kagami Mountain Viewing Platform" located about 5 kilometers to the south. Here, you can take in the expansive views of the blue sky, the ocean, and the green pine grove. The beauty of the Rainbow Pine has also inspired many poems from the Nara period. Additionally, the Rainbow Pine Grove is a well-known site rich with incredible legends. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, while on his way to Nagoya Castle, scolded the loud cicada calls in the Rainbow Pine Grove, and thereafter, the cicadas never returned. There is also a legend about Hideyoshi being obstructed by tall pine trees, after which he glared at them and ordered that they should not grow any taller, resulting in the "Nirakumatsu" that has never grown tall since, among seven other incredible legends.

Walking in the black pine forest, the atmosphere of forest bathing refreshes the mind and spirit. The pine grove is adjacent to the beach, and walking by the sea brings a sense of relaxation to both body and mind. Climbing up to the Kyouzan Observation Deck, enjoy the panoramic view of the Rainbow Pine Grove. The Rainbow Pine Grove features "seven wonders" of scenery, and it's recommended to visit them one by one.