Saga 1 Day Itinerary (Karatsu & Imari)

A picturesque castle surrounded by the sea. From its castle tower on top of a small hill facing Karatsu Bay, you can view the beautiful curving Nijinomatsubara pine forest. The area around the castle has been opened up as a park where you can enjoy the scenery and flowers there through all four seasons.

The ancient stone wall continuing from Karatsu Castle is a reminder of the Edo Era. The road along the wall going to the Old Takatori Residence has been beloved by the local residents as a quiet walking trail with plenty of atmosphere. Located close to the sea, the sound of waves is pleasant.

This is a luxurious house that was built over 10 years by a wealthy coal baron. The early 20th-century home built over a huge part of land along the coast has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property as a valuable example of modern Japanese architecture.

This area is famous as the manufacturing site for Imari ware, porcelain that has been popular even outside of Japan. The popular bridge that has been ornamented with porcelain is also something only seen in Imari. You can have lunch in the area around the station before touring the pottery village.

Imari ware has a history going back more than 400 years. With its manufacturing methods thoroughly managed by the ruling clan, the village of Okawachiyama was kept secret for many years. In this natural mountainous village, there are up to 30 brick kilns and it is a place where you can enjoy that unique atmosphere of an Imari ware village.

You can view old kilns and the restored pottery workshops among other attractions in the park. In addition, you can enjoy a walk on the mountain trail while viewing cultural assets associated with Imari ware such as the Meotoshi Tower consisting of 14 Imari ware wind chimes.

The center has a permanent display of Imari and Arita ware. Along with the pottery created from the earth, you can also see the raw ore used to create the earthenware and the tools.