Karatsu

In the town of Karatsu lies the former residence of Koreyoshi Takatori- a coal business tycoon. This fabulously restored residence, designed with a mix of Japanese and Western architectural styles, houses a Buddhist altar room, a wealth of paintings on cedar boards, a tea ceremony room and a Noh stage. The house is now designated as an important cultural asset.

Address:

5-40 Kita-Jonai

Access:

20 minute walk from JR Karatsu Station

Opening hours:

9:30 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
*Last entry is 30 min. before closing time

Closed:

Monday (or the following day when it falls on a national holiday), 29 – 31 December

Admission:

JPY 510

Karatsu Castle was built by Terasawa Hirotaka beside Karatsu Bay. The construction commenced in 1602 and was completed 7 years later. The castle area is one of the best viewing spots for cherry blossom between March and April.

Address:

JPY410

Access:

7 min. by car or 20 min. by walk from JR Karatsu station

Yobuko is a small fishing village famous for its super fresh squid 'Ika' which can be eaten raw or even alive as ‘Sashimi’. Its freshness can also be brought out by grilling the squid in soy sauce or deep frying it. The Yobuko morning market is one of the largest of its kind in Japan. Open daily between 7:30-12:00, it offers delicious food, e.g. a squid burger. It is one of the main attractions of the town.

Access:

40 min. by bus from Karatsu bus centre (10 min. on foot between bus centre and Karatsu station)

Karatsu-yaki along Raku-yaki and Hagi-yaki is famous for the production of tea pots in Japan. It has been loved by tea masters for centuries.

*Alpino Centre: 1 min from JR Karatsu station
*Taroemon Nakazato: 7 min. from JR Karatsu station