Question 1

How do I get to the Genkai Undersea Observation Tower?

Accepted Answer

It stands inside Hadomisaki Seaside Park, about 40 minutes by car from JR Karatsu Station or about 5 minutes from the Nagoya Castle Museum. By public transport, take a local bus from Karatsu Station and alight at a stop for Hadomisaki.

Question 2

What is the projection mapping like?

Accepted Answer

Introduced in the April 2024 renovation, it projects onto a 360-degree ceiling screen inside the tower. A five-minute film with sound tells a story and makes you feel you are under the sea. It is especially popular with young children and elementary school pupils.

Question 3

Are there other sights nearby?

Accepted Answer

A heart-shaped sculpture marking a Lovers' Sanctuary stands right by the tower. Nearby are also the Hadomisaki artificial beach, stalls selling grilled turban shell and the Hadomisaki campsite.

Question 4

Is it safe and enjoyable with children?

Accepted Answer

Under-school-age children enter free, and the projection mapping is especially popular with young children and elementary school pupils. The pier and the inside of the tower have places where footing needs care, so please keep small children with an adult.

Question 5

How long does a visit take?

Accepted Answer

Seeing the tower takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The fish visible change with the season and the weather, so allow extra time if you want to watch closely.

Question 6

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Prices were revised when the tower reopened on 1 April 2024: general 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 500 yen, under school age free.

Question 7

How is the tower built?

Accepted Answer

It is a cylindrical tower 20 m high and 10 m across, linked to the shore by an 86 m pier. From the deck above the water you can see the islands of the Genkai Sea on three sides, and the observation room 7 m below the surface lets you watch the sea as it is.

Question 8

What sea life can I see?

Accepted Answer

Through the 24 windows of the observation room 7 m below the surface you can watch about 30 species of fish, including horse mackerel, black sea bream and sea bass, along with seaweed and shellfish. Warm and cold currents meet around Hadomisaki, so tropical fish also appear, and in autumn you can see shoals of sardines glinting in the water.

Question 9

Does it close in bad weather?

Accepted Answer

It may close at short notice in bad weather such as strong wind or high waves. Please check the official website or call 090-3464-5337 before visiting.

Question 10

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There is parking for about 200 cars in Hadomisaki Seaside Park (partly charged), with an area that also takes coaches.

Question 11

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

General 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 500 yen, under school age free (revised 1 April 2024).

Question 12

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

It may close at short notice in bad weather (please check).

Question 13

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

10:00-17:00 (varies by season; it may close at short notice in bad weather).

Question 14

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1628-1 Hado, Chinzei Town, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture

Question 15

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 40 minutes by car from JR Karatsu Station. About 5 minutes by car from the Nagoya Castle Museum. It is inside Hadomisaki Seaside Park.

Question 16

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

How can we help you?

Quick categories