Karatsu Kunchi! Limited Edition YamaNavi (Hikiyama Navi) is a simplified navigation app for iPhone and iPad that lets you easily check the current locations of the floats. This app estimates the position of the floats based on the procession schedule and time.
During the Karatsu Kunchi festival, all 14 floats will be equipped with GPS, allowing real-time tracking through this app, Hikiyama Navi.
Additionally, the app uses GPS to capture your current location, so you can find out the distance between you and the estimated location of the floats, as well as the distance to the float checkpoints.
Karatsu Kunchi is the annual autumn festival held from November 2 to November 4 in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. The total attendance during the festival exceeds 500,000 people (according to Karatsu City statistics). In 1980, the Hikiyama Procession of Karatsu Kunchi was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The floats, which are magnificent lacquered works of art, are said to cost between 100 million to 200 million yen if produced today, drawing significant attention not only in Kyushu but also around the world.
This app uses GPS when checking location data and works best in areas with good reception.
The app is active for three days only, during the festival in Karatsu City on November 2, 3, and 4.
New Features:
Added convenience store search information for Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.
Added souvenir shop search information, including Furusato Kaikan Alpino.
Added information for restaurants, restrooms, parking, tourist spots, hotels, and inns.
Added historical information about the floats (Hikiyama).
Included Hikiyama Bayashi music.
Added detailed information on all 14 floats.
Added a link to an abstract about the Karatsu Shrine’s festival and the floats.
Added the ability to check the estimated location of each float.
Added a demonstration procession feature for practicing navigation.
You can receive announcements and updates regarding the procession from the Hikiyama headquarters during the festival.
If GPS is installed and active on the floats, you can see their real-time locations on the map through float icons.
You can familiarize yourself with the procession routes in advance, preparing for the main event on November 2, 3, and 4.
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage registration has been achieved.
A Karatsu hometown film, Hanagatami, which features Karatsu Kunchi in the historical backdrop, has been released nationwide, and reference links to the movie have been included.