Footsteps through Karatsu: From Samurai Castles to Ceramics

The former Takatori Residence is a luxurious Japanese-style building built as the residence of coal magnate Takatori Iko. The beautiful shoin-style tatami room, exquisite transom carvings, and gorgeous ceiling paintings are highlights of the building. The Noh stage and gold leaf paintings on the fusuma sliding doors are especially worth seeing, and show the prosperity and craftsmanship of the time.

Karatsu Castle, also called “Maizuru Castle,” is a beautiful castle built on a hill jutting out into the sea. The castle tower commands a panoramic view of Karatsu Bay and Nijinomatsubara, one of the three most beautiful pine groves in Japan, and is a popular spot for visitors to take in the spectacular scenery. Inside the museum, visitors can learn about the history of the castle with historical materials and armor on display.

After enjoying walking around the town, please enjoy local sake at the BAR, which is operated by a ceramics store dealing in Karatsu-yaki, Karatsu's famous ceramics, where you can enjoy local sake and light meals with sake cups = choko. *Guinomi is a type of small vessel for drinking sake, characterized by its slightly larger size than choko. It is said that the word “guinomi” comes from “gulp” and has a larger capacity than sakazuki (sake cup) and choko (small sake cup), allowing you to enjoy a large amount of sake. The sake cups enjoyed at the bar are also available for purchase. We will stop by if you wish.

*This tour also includes an optional stop for an art frame making experience. Here, you can create your own original art work by laying pieces of Karatsu-yaki and other ceramics like tiles. You can freely combine ceramic pieces of various materials, colors, sizes, and shapes. How about taking a souvenir of a sustainable and creative Japanese tradition?