Pine Grove of the Rainbow (Niji-no-Matsubara)

Niji-no-Matsubara is a pine grove that stretches along the seashore of Karatsu Bay and has been designated as a special scenic beauty spot by the government. Together with Miho no Matsubara and Kebi no Matsubara, it is one of the three most beautiful pine groves in Japan.

It has also been selected as one of the 100 best white sand and green pine trees in Japan, one of the 100 best beaches in Japan, one of the 100 best kaori landscapes, and one of the 100 best roads in Japan.

This pine grove is part of the Genkai National Park, and is approximately 500 m wide and 4.5 km long, with a forest of about 1 million black pine trees spreading out in an arc. The total area is approximately 216 hectares. It is also known for its proximity to a bathing beach.

History

The history of this pine grove is very old, dating back to the early 17th century. It was first planted by Terasawa Hirotaka, the first lord of the Karatsu Domain, as part of the development of new rice paddies, to serve as a windbreak and sandbreak from the natural forests of the time. These pine groves were strictly managed under the protection of the feudal lord, and severe restrictions were imposed, including the penalty of death for cutting down the trees.

Hirotaka Terasawa is said to have said that there were seven pine trees that he particularly loved, but it is not clear to which pine trees he was referring specifically. This is said to have put psychological pressure on the residents to cherish all the pines by making them think, “What if one of the seven pines is one of the pines that I have mistreated?

This pine grove was once called “Niri Matsubara,” but was renamed “Niji-no-Matsubara” during the Meiji period (1868-1912). However, it is not clear why the name was changed.

It is also known as the site of a farmers’ revolt called “Matsubara-Yori (Niji-no-Matsubara Revolt)” in 1771.

After the Meiji Restoration, the area was incorporated into the national forest and is now managed by the Saga Forest Office. Almost the entire area of the pine grove is designated as a forest for safety, and logging is restricted.

Niji-no-Matsubara Seven Wonders

Niji-no-Matsubara is also known for various strange legends.

The following are some of them:

Hideyoshi Toyotomi and the sound of cicadas: It is said that when Hideyoshi Toyotomi passed by this pine grove on his way to Nagoya Castle, he was scolded for the noisy sound of cicadas. Since then, it is said that cicadas have ceased to be heard at the pine grove.

Staring Pine: It is said that when Hideyoshi passed through Matsubara, he glared at a tall pine tree because it obstructed his view. Since then, the pine tree has been known as the “staring pine” because it never rises.

Yarigake-matsu (spear-hanging pine tree): A pine tree on which Hideyoshi’s troops hung their spears.

Pine trees that are all black pine: There are about one million pine trees in Niji-no-Matsubara, and all of them are black pine trees.

Wells of fresh water with no salt: In the pine grove there are wells with fresh water with no salt, even though they are located close to the coast.

The center of the pine grove: The center of the pine grove is located on the extension between the east end of Takashima and the west end of Jinju Island.

Snake-free Matsubara: It is said that snakes do not exist in Matsubara due to the wish of Princess Suwa, who is enshrined at the Suwa Shrine in Hamasaki.

Neagari no Matsu: A pine tree called “Neagari no Matsu” is located on the Senjinzuka dune near the mouth of the Matsuura River, south of Matsubara.