is a city located in Saga Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Its name, formed from the Japanese word roots 唐 kara (China, or continental East Asia in general), and 津 tsu (port), signifies its historical importance as an ancient trading port between Japan with China and Korea. The central area of Karatsu, which does not include the former cities and villages of Higashimatsuura District, has a population of 78,386. As of January 1, 2020, the city had an estimated population of 117,663 and a population density of 241 persons per km2. The total area is 487.59 km2. On January 1, 2005, the towns of Chinzei, Hamatama, Hizen, Kyūragi, Ōchi, Yobuko and the village of Kitahata (all from Higashimatsuura District) were merged into Karatsu. On January 1, 2006, the village of Nanayama (from Higashimatsuura District) was merged into Karatsu. Geography Due to its proximity to mainland Asia, Karatsu has long been known as a stopover to Korea and China. Mountains: Mt. Sakurei (887.1 m), Mt. Hachiman (763.6 m), Mt. Tonbo (535 m) Natural Parks: Hachimandake Prefectural Natural Park, Sefuri-Kitayama Prefectural Natural Park, Tenzan Prefectural Natural Park Adjoining municipalities Saga Prefecture Genkai Imari Saga Takeo Taku Fukuoka Prefecture Itoshima Climate History Under ritsuryō, the current city area was part of the Hizen Province. In 1591, on the coast of the northern part of the city (formerly the town of Chinzei), Nagoya Castle was constructed. The following year, it became the location from which the Imjin War was launched by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In the middle of 1593, Terazawa Hirotaka created the Karatsu Domain and began governing it. In 1602, replacing Nagoya Castle, Karatsu Castle was constructed in what is now the heart of Karatsu. The tower of Karatsu Castle was built in 1966 . 1889-04-01 - The modern municipal system was established. The current city region is occupied by 1 town (Karatsu), and 19 villages (Hamasaki, Irino, Kagami, Karatsu, Kirigo, Kitahata, Kuri, Kyūragi, Minato, Mitsushima, Nagoya, Nanayama, Ōchi, Ōmura, Onizuka, Sashi, Uchiage and Yobuko). 1896-07-28 - Ōmura was renamed Tamashima. 1922-07-01 - Hamasaki was elevated to town status. 1922-11-01 - Nagoya changes the kanji of its name. 1924-01-01 - Mitsushima was incorporated into Karatsu Town. 1928-08-01 - Yobuko was elevated to town status. 1931-02-01 - Karatsu Village was incorporated into Karatsu Town. 1932-01-01 - Karatsu Town was elevated to city status. 1935-09-01 - Sashi and Ōchi both were elevated to town