2026 Karatsu Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Did you know that right now, the area from Hakata Station to Saga is absolutely covered in Mario!? 😳 This is actually a "Super Mario × JR Kyushu" limited-time campaign✨ It only runs until June 30, so I highly recommend checking it out soon if you're interested! 🚉 Hakata Station Area 🟡 Limited Edition Mario "Hakata Torimon" The classic local souvenir gets a Mario makeover! It looks like it would make an amazing gift✨ 🍱 Mario Ekiben (Station Bento) Even the wrapper is super cute, making it the perfect travel companion. 🛍️ Nintendo FUKUOKA Located inside Amu Plaza Hakata, this is the official Nintendo store. It's a dangerously tempting spot for Mario merch lovers🤣 🌊 Karatsu & Saga Area 🦑 Karatsu Exclusive "Squid Rice Crackers" You can only buy these here— an exclusive Mario collaboration! 📸 Limited Photo Spots At Saga Station & Higashi-Karatsu Station, massive photo spots featuring Mario and friends have popped up✨ 💡Honestly, I'm not exactly a die-hard fan who knows every single Mario character, but with both Hakata Station and Saga completely covered in Mario, it was so much fun I couldn't help but snap a ton of photos🤣 Even if you're a "casual fan", the festive vibe makes it totally worth the trip✨ 📍Around JR Hakata Station ~ Saga Station / Higashi-Karatsu Station ⭐︎It's only around until June 30, so I highly recommend you [Save] this post so you don't forget✨

If you're looking for a special getaway in Saga, 👉 This is the spot. Since it's right by the sea, 👉 It's the perfect place to kick back and take in the view. 📍 Why You Should Go ✔️ Open-air baths ✔️ Ocean views ✔️ Peaceful vibe 📸 The Vibe · Soothing · Relaxing 🚶 What to Do 👉 Soak in the hot springs 👉 Take a stroll 👉 Chill out 💡 In a Nutshell 👉 "The ultimate healing spot in Saga" 📌 TIP · Evenings are highly recommended · Bring your own towel · Enjoy the peace and quiet

I visited the "Former Karatsu Bank" in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture! 📍 1513-15 Honmachi, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture 847-0047 It's just a 7-minute walk from Karatsu Station. The Former Karatsu Bank is an actual bank building dating back to the Meiji era. This bank supported Karatsu's economic development and remained in operation until 1997. It's open every day, and admission is completely free! Designed by Kingo Tatsuno—the same architect behind Tokyo Station—the attention to detail is so incredible that you could spend hours just looking around. Every corner of this space is absolutely stunning, and even the lighting fixtures were super cute. It seems like they also host events inside from time to time!

A vassal said to be deeply trusted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Terasawa Shima-no-kami Hirotaka, spent seven years to build the magnificent [Karatsu Castle]. From the observation floor of the castle keep, you get a sweeping view of Karatsu City, Karatsu Bay, and Niji-no-Matsubara, so I highly recommend checking it out. When I visited, the cherry blossoms were blooming, but the wisteria will soon be reaching its peak. The wisteria trellis is designated as a natural monument of Karatsu City. You have to climb quite a few stairs to reach Karatsu Castle, but there is also a paid elevator available, making it very accessible for everyone. Take in the majestic beauty of Karatsu Castle❗️ Find your favorite spot and snap some great photos. ▪️ Karatsu Castle 8-1 Higashijonai, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture 21-minute walk from Karatsu Station [North Exit] 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:40 PM) · Castle Keep Admission Fee Adults (15 years and older): 500 yen per person · Maizuru Park Elevator Fee Adults (15 years and older): 100 yen per person (one way) Elementary & Middle School Students: 50 yen per person (one way) · Free for preschoolers and seniors aged 70 and older Sightseeing

For anyone who was curious about it in Yobuko, but didn't have the time to buy it. You can actually buy that fragrance right here in Fukuoka. The highly talked-about "THREE" in Yobuko has a distillery housed in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese home, making it a spot where you can experience essential oils and fragrances crafted from Saga's local ingredients. When I first spotted it in Yobuko, I just thought, "Oh, what a chic new spot." But the moment I saw it again in Fukuoka, my perspective changed. 　✨ It wasn't just about the luxurious vibe; 　it felt like "taking the lingering magic of the trip home with me." Any regrets I had about not having enough time to buy it in Yobuko completely vanished here, leaving me feeling so satisfied. 🛍️ Also available at Hakata Hankyu. It's incredibly convenient to just drop by on your way home! When I actually visited, the calm and relaxed atmosphere made it so easy to take my time testing and choosing! 💡 Where should you buy it? ▶︎ Yobuko ・Exclusive, limited-edition fragrances available ・A truly special experience ▶︎ Fukuoka ・Plenty of time to carefully choose ・Super easy to stop by on your way back Whether you buy it during your travels or take your time picking it out on your way home. Both are great options, but this method is the perfect way to avoid "missing out." 📍 THREE ・Yobuko (Distillery) ・Hakata Hankyu Souvenir

1. Beppu Hell Hot Springs (Photos 1–3) ▫️ Beppu Hell Hot Springs is not a hot spring for bathing but rather for sightseeing. It is a tourist attraction where you can admire natural hot springs with different colors, temperatures, and forms. The temperature ranges from about 70 to 100°C, making it impossible to bathe. Instead, you can observe vividly colored hot springs, boiling mud, and steaming landscapes up close. There are a total of 7–8 Hell Hot Springs, each with a completely different theme and atmosphere, making it easy to explore a variety of sights in a short time. Some areas even have spaces for light foot baths. ▫️ Why it’s called 'Hell Hot Springs' The name originated from Beppu residents in the past who described the sight of smoke rising from the ground, red water, and boiling mud as "hell-like (地獄みたい)." The name doesn’t carry a scary meaning but rather reflects the extraordinary and overwhelming natural phenomena. Hell Hot Springs is a popular tourist destination not only for foreign visitors but also for Japanese locals. ▫️ Who would enjoy this · Those who want to see unique Japanese landscapes in a short time · Those who prefer sightseeing over bathing in hot springs ▫️ Things to note · You might be disappointed if you expect actual hot spring bathing · There’s a walking route, so it might be slightly tiring for those who dislike walking 2. Itoshima Bus Tour (Photos 4–8) ▫️ A great one-day course to explore the suburbs without a rental car. A Korean guide accompanies the tour, providing explanations about the area during the journey, making the trip engaging and easy to understand. The itinerary is well-organized without being too demanding, making it suitable for trips with children or parents. ▫️ Tour Information · Approximately 50,000 KRW per person (includes pudding snack) · Departure from Hakata Station ▫️ Travel Route Hakata Station → Futamigaura (Couple Rocks) → Salt Workshop Totan → Kagamiyama Observatory → Imari Porcelain Village (Okawachiyama) ▫️ Highlights · No need to worry about transportation or parking · Covers multiple spots in a day without being physically exhausting · Understanding of locations is enhanced through guided explanations during the trip ▫️ Recommended for · Those who want to explore Fukuoka suburbs without driving · Travelers who find planning itineraries burdensome · Family travelers

Yobuko is famous for its morning market and squid, but the place you should check out now is here. The popular cosmetic brand "THREE" has renovated an old building to create an essential oil distillery and shop. Step inside and you'll be surrounded by natural fragrances 😊 ✨ Unique "Scents" and "Experiences" Found Only Here · Distilling Local Ingredients! Witness the extraction process of essential oils made from Saga-sourced materials in a rare lab. The impressive large distillation machines and the soothing natural aromas are truly captivating. · Exclusive Items! Inside the shop, you'll find THREE's skincare products as well as special herbal teas and goods that are only available here. Perfect for treating yourself or enjoying a relaxing time at home. 🛀 Options to Refresh Travelers · Reset Travel Fatigue! If you're feeling a bit tired from driving, you can sample herbal teas or try out fragrances. Stimulating your senses helps to quickly relieve travel fatigue. · A Rainy Day Haven Even if it rains during your Yobuko sightseeing, you can spend a leisurely and quality time here. 🚶 Just a Walk Away from Yobuko Morning Market Street After enjoying squid, why not add a "post-meal fragrance experience" as your dessert? 🎁 Perfect for Choosing Gifts for Friends The high level of branding here is worth seeing for yourself! 📍 THREE Yobuko, Yobuko Town, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture

We stayed at the Saga New Otani Hotel this time, and the experience was excellent! Our itinerary was mainly spread over two days, with the third day spent purely at the airport preparing for departure. Day 1: We landed at 10:30 AM and arrived at the hotel to drop off our luggage before 12:00 PM. We then visited nearby attractions such as Saga Castle Ruins and a shrine. For lunch, we ate near Saga Station, and in the afternoon, we took a train to Karatsu City. In the evening, we returned to Saga and went shopping and dining at You Me Town. Day 2: After having breakfast at a convenience store, we headed to Hizen-Kashima Station and took a bus to Yutoku Inari Shrine. We spent the afternoon exploring the shrine before returning to Saga, where we shopped and had dinner in the city center before heading back to the hotel.

Stay: Mercure Karatsu / Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture ◼︎ Enjoy the Sea! Spend your day at Higashi no Hama Beach, just a short walk from the hotel, until the evening. The sand here is incredibly fine and silky smooth! The kids loved it so much they ended up burying themselves in the sand like a sand bath 🤣 ◼︎ Indulge in the Hotel Relax in the large public bath and enjoy the buffet with a wide variety of dishes. Since it was the weekend (summer vacation period), there were also fun events like a festival and watermelon splitting! 🍉 This was such a delightful bonus! ◼︎ Hikiyama Exhibition Hall Near the hotel, in front of Karatsu Station, there is an exhibition hall displaying the Hikiyama floats from the Karatsu Kunchi Festival. Be sure to check it out! ✨

Introducing a 9-day road trip that starts in Fukuoka and goes around Kyushu in a counterclockwise direction! Kyushu is packed with hot springs, spectacular views, and delicious food, making it the perfect companion for a road trip. The scenery changes every time you drive, so it's like traveling through the world of a RPG, so we recommend it. Highlights of the Trip⭐️ ・Explore the World Heritage Site of Gunkanjima and the Amakusa-Goto region ・Enjoy delicious local cuisine ・Relax with a hot spring tour 📅Travel Itinerary Day 1: Fukuoka (Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Itoshima) Day 2: Saga (Arita Porcelain Park, Yobuko Squid) Day 3: Nagasaki (Gunkanjima and the night view of Mt. Inasa) Day 4: Kumamoto (Amakusa Shiro Museum) Day 5: Kumamoto (Kumamoto Castle and Kurokawa Onsen) Day 6: Kagoshima (Sakurajima and Kirishima Shrine) Day 7: Miyazaki (Sun Messe Nichinan, Takachiho Gorge) Day 8: Oita (Explore Yufuin and Beppu Hell Tour) Day 9: Fukuoka, Kitakyushu (Moji Port and Yaki Curry) 🏨 Accommodation Enjoy the local flavors of each prefecture. Check out the ryokans in Kurokawa Onsen and Ibusuki in particular! 🍴 Nearby Gourmet Spots Nagasaki Champon, Kumamoto Ramen, Miyazaki Chicken Nanban, Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork, and more—all perfectly aligned with the theme of "Conquering Local Cuisine." 📌 Useful Information Distance: Approximately 1,500 km (based on approximately 200 km per day) Highway Tolls: Approximately ¥20,000-¥25,000 (with ETC) Gas: Approximately ¥15,000 Accommodation: Approximately ¥10,000 per night Total Cost: Approximately ¥150,000 If you have the time, you can also travel from Kagoshima to Yakushima. Avoiding toll roads and staying in budget hotels will help keep costs down. Traveling around Kyushu is an essential route for any Japan trip. It's the perfect size for a long vacation. Experience this "divine journey" packed with hot springs, gourmet food, and breathtaking views during your next long weekend! #Kyushu Trip #Japan Travel Guide #Road Trip #Hot Springs Tour #Scenic Spots #Couple Trip #Local Food #Japan Travel Guide

1️⃣ Terraced Rice Fields of Hamanoura · A stunning natural landscape featuring terraced rice fields 🙇🏻♀️ · The scenery is so beautiful that it's a highly recommended spot 💛 2️⃣ Marine Pearl Yobuko · A place where you can enjoy breathtaking views while on a cruise ✨ 3️⃣ Mercure Karatsu Hotel · A highly recommended budget-friendly option when traveling in the northern region 💙 · The public bath facilities are very clean and perfect for relaxing 🥰 4️⃣ Ide Champon · Although it's a champon noodle restaurant, their rice dishes are also delicious!

⭐️Location: Kakami Mountain Observatory (Japan 〒847-0022 Saga, Karatsu, Kagami, 鏡山山頂) 🍯Details: ✔️Perfect for a leisurely walk while enjoying the serene lake view😇 ✔️Free admission and breathtaking scenery from the top💙 ✔️Not accessible by public transportation; renting a car is highly recommended🙌🏻 ✔️It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the observatory🔥

⭐️Location: Kankyo Geijutsu No Mori Park (667 Kyuragimachi Hirano, Karatsu, Saga 849-3115, Japan) 🍯Information: ✔️There is an admission fee to enter! ✔️This place is the result of one person's effort to create a beautiful environment, and it's especially stunning during the autumn foliage season📸 ✔️The garden's water is very clean, making it a perfect spot for taking photos👍🏻 ✔️Highly recommended for a stroll to fully experience nature✨

⭐️Location: Kankyo Geijutsu No Mori Park (667 Kyuragimachi Hirano, Karatsu, Saga 849-3115, Japan) 🍯Details: ✔️A quiet and scenic spot where you can enjoy a 15-minute walking course🌳 ✔️Especially beautiful in autumn, making it a perfect place for true relaxation🙌🏻 ✔️Located in the mountains, it's difficult to access via public transportation, so renting a car is recommended🍃 ✔️The garden is well-maintained, making it great for sightseeing and taking stunning photos✨

⭐️Location: Mercure Saga Karatsu (4 Chome-9-20 Higashikaratsu, Karatsu, Saga 847-0017, Japan) 🍯Details: ✔️The breakfast offers a wide variety of options, highly recommended! 👍🏻 ✔️Guests can enjoy the first-floor lounge for free. ✨ ✔️There is a large public bath, recently remodeled, making it very clean and spacious. 🔥 ✔️The view from the rooms is very scenic and beautiful, perfect for a relaxing stay. 😌

⭐️Location: Kakami Mountain Observatory (Japan 〒847-0022 Saga, Karatsu, Kagami, 鏡山山頂) 🍯Details: ✔️This observatory offers a stunning view of Karatsu city✨ ✔️A must-visit spot if you're exploring the northern Saga region😍 ✔️The walking trail leading to the observatory is incredibly scenic🍃 ✔️You can enjoy the beautiful color of the sea along with the town in one view💙

⭐️Location: Kakami Mountain Observatory (Japan 〒847-0022 Saga, Karatsu, Kagami, 鏡山山頂) 🍯Details: ✔️The view of the ocean from the observatory is absolutely stunning, making it worth the climb☺️ ✔️It takes about 10 minutes to walk up to the observatory‼️ ✔️The observatory is free to enter, which is a great bonus✨ ✔️There’s a café on the first floor of the observatory, perfect for a refreshing break😍

✒️ Convenient access from Fukuoka City! ✒️ Enjoy a luxurious all-inclusive stay✨ Some might think Karatsu is far, but many people commute to Fukuoka City from there, making it surprisingly accessible✨ Think of it like commuting from Kanagawa or Chiba to Tokyo🤔 Located in Karatsu, the Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort greets you with an impressive ceiling painting of Karatsu Kunchi as soon as you step inside! This time, I experienced their all-inclusive plan, which includes dinner, breakfast, drinks and snacks at the lounge, access to the large public bath, and activity experiences🥹 From the room, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Karatsu City🩵 The large public bath also has a sauna, and after your bath, you can relax in the relaxation lounge with a drink🧖 For dinner, you can savor local delicacies from Saga and Karatsu, such as "Saga Beef Yaki-Shabu" and "Squid Pressed Crackers," giving you a full travel experience. Saga is known for its delicious seafood, so make sure to indulge😋 The lounge available to guests also offers alcohol, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy some adult time! 📍 Address: 4-9-20 Higashi-Karatsu, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture ⏰ Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00

Experience the vibrant green reflections 💚 Unique experiences you can't have in Kyoto 🪑 It's not just Rurikoin! There's a place in Saga where you can enjoy exclusive green reflections 💚 "Forest of Environmental Art" is a private forest spread across the slopes of a mountain, designed to minimize artificial elements and create a pure "forest space" 🌳 The highlight here is undoubtedly the reflection at Fuyuu Sansou 🪞 You can capture the fresh green reflections reminiscent of Kyoto's Rurikoin while seated on a chair, especially when there are no other visitors around 🪑 Although the best season here is autumn for the foliage, it's unlikely you'll get a chance to sit during that time 😭 Take advantage of the quieter season during the fresh green period for this rare experience! Outside the building, the forest boasts over 10,000 trees including maples, Japanese maples, and ginkgoes, accompanied by the soothing sounds of waterfalls and streams, creating a serene atmosphere ✨ Including the walking trails, you'll need more than an hour, so plan your visit with ample time 🚗 📍 Address: 667 Hirano, Kyuragi-cho, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture 💰 Admission: 700 yen ⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

It is divided into the West Wing and the East Wing, the West Wing has a relaxing atmosphere, while the East Wing is newer and better equipped. As it is now a Chateraise Hotel, you can enjoy welcome cake and ice cream 😋 (if you check in by 17:30, you can enjoy welcome cake) The rooms are bright with light and have a modern and stylish interior. The spa lounge and infinity pool, which are only available to guests staying in the East Wing, are amazing, so a swimsuit is a must! ️You can drink as much natural water as you want in the large bath and spa. 📍 Karatsu Seaside Hotel 182 Higashikaratsu 4-chome, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, 847-0017 #Hotel Reviews

Here's my personal guide✅ to viewing the wisteria blossoms 🌸 at Saga's Karatsu Castle. I hope it helps with your trip! 📍Karatsu Castle, located on a hilltop in central Karatsu. The castle's upper tower and lower roofs resemble the head, body, and wings of a white crane, earning it the nickname "Dancing Crane Castle." 📅Bloom Time: Late April to mid-May, with the best viewing period lasting about two weeks. To see the wisteria in full bloom, be sure to check the bloom forecast for the year in advance so you don't miss the peak season. 🚗Transportation: From Fukuoka, take the JR to Karatsu Station. From there, it's about a 10-minute bus ride to Karatsu Castle. 💰Admission: Entry to Karatsu Castle Park is free. If you want to climb the castle tower, you'll need to purchase a ticket, which is very affordable and offers a panoramic view of the wisteria blossoms. 📷Photo Spots: The front of the castle tower is an excellent photo spot, where the ancient architecture and wisteria complement each other, creating photos with a historical ambiance. Under the wisteria tunnel, stand beneath the flower clusters and shoot upwards with the blue sky as your backdrop for stunning portraits. By the park's stone bridge, the water reflects the wisteria, creating a poetic and beautiful scene. 🍡Food: Try local specialties like Karatsuyaki tile crackers, which have a unique shape and crispy texture. There's also fresh kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), with various sashimi laid over rice for a sweet and satisfying bite. ❤️I hope everyone has a wonderful spring memory at Karatsu Castle!

Saga, Japan, usually refers to Saga Prefecture or Saga City. It is located on the northwest side of the Kyushu region of Japan, bordering the Genkai Sea to the north, the Ariake Sea to the south, Fukuoka Prefecture to the east, and Nagasaki Prefecture to the west. It covers an area of approximately 2,440.68 square kilometers. It has jurisdiction over 10 cities and 10 towns, with a population of about 832,800. The prefectural emblem is composed of three "力" characters, the prefectural flag features camphor tree flowers, the prefectural bird is the magpie, the prefectural tree is the camphor tree, and the prefectural flower is the camphor tree flower. Saga, Japan has many tourist attractions worth visiting. Here are some recommendations: Historical and Cultural Sites · Saga Castle: Located at 2-18 Jonai, Saga City, the remaining parts are important cultural properties. Here, you can experience Japan's rich history.  · Karatsu Castle: Also known as "Maizuru Castle," it was built in 1608 and took seven years to complete by the first lord of the Karatsu Domain. The fifth floor of the castle tower is an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the Genkai Sea and Matsuura Lagoon. Maizuru Park, surrounding the castle, is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing.  · Taku Seibyo: Along with "Ashikaga Gakko (Tochigi Prefecture)" and "Shizutani Gakko (Okayama Prefecture)," it is known as one of Japan's three major Confucian shrines. It has been listed as a National Important Cultural Property. The pillars and beams of the vermillion-lacquered buildings are decorated with auspicious patterns such as dragons, giraffes, and phoenixes, giving it a magnificent appearance.  · Yoshinogari Historical Park: Here lie the ruins of Japan's largest moat settlement from the Yayoi period. Surrounded by a 2.5 km-long moat, reconstructed observation towers, pit dwellings, and raised storehouses allow visitors to fully experience the atmosphere of the Yayoi period.   Hot Spring Resorts · Takeo Onsen: With a 1,300-year history, this is a mildly alkaline hot spring with clear and smooth water. The "Romon" gate, designed by Kingo Tatsuno, the same architect who designed the Bank of Japan and Tokyo Station, has also been designated as a National Important Cultural Property.  · Ureshino Onsen: One of Japan's three major "Bijin-no-Yu" (hot springs for beautiful skin), located at 2202-55 Shimojuku Otsu, Ureshinomachi, Ureshino City. Here, you can enjoy the beautifying effects of the hot spring.  Natural Landscapes · Niji-no-Matsubara: One of Japan's three major pine groves, with 1 million black pine trees growing along the coast. Planted by the first lord of the Karatsu Domain in the 17th century to protect against wind and waves, the top of the mountain is a natural oxygen-rich park.  · Mount Kagami Observatory: Located on Mount Kagami in Karatsu City, legend has it that Princess Sayohime bid farewell to her lover here. A bronze statue of Sayohime stands at the summit, and visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of "Niji-no-Matsubara" from above. Religious Sites · Yutoku Inari Shrine: Along with "Fushimi Inari Shrine" and "Kasama Inari Shrine," it is known as one of Japan's three major Inari shrines. Approximately 3 million people visit each year. The bright vermillion architecture stands out against the backdrop of green trees.

A cafe located about a 5-minute walk from Karatsu Station☕️ On weekdays, it's usually quiet even during the day, so you can relax. Since there are hardly any cafes like this nearby, it seems to get busy on weekends. Coffee and cheesecake cost around 1600 yen🍰 《KARAE TABLE》 📍Location: 1783 Kyomachi, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture ☎️Phone: 0955538067 💰Price: 1000 yen - 2000 yen ☕️Atmosphere: Easy to use even for one person 🔌Facilities: No outlets, Wi-Fi needs to be confirmed 🚗Parking: None (Look for nearby coin parking)

The first impression of "Karatsu Castle" is that it is small, cute and very exquisite! Before reaching the city gate, you can see Karatsu Castle on the hill in the distance. This castle was first built more than 400 years ago (i.e. in the early Edo period) by the famous Japanese general "Toyotomi Hideyoshi"✨ I really like the scenery from the castle tower. The beautiful scenery of the sea and islands makes people feel relaxed and happy. It is different from ordinary castles on land. If you come to Saga, don’t forget to take a walk here and feel the history🥰 #100WAYS TO TRAVEL #Karatsu Castle #SAGA Viewing Light

After exploring Saga, I decided to visit Tangjin. It was much more beautiful and comfortable than I expected. I recommend visiting on a sunny day, even though it's hot. 🚌 Taking a bus from Saga It takes about 90 minutes. I chose a bus because I wanted to see the countryside. There is a FamilyMart and a toilet at Saga Bus Terminal, which is located next to Saga Train Station. Take bus No. 71 from platform 5 at Saga Bus Terminal. The bus has a screen with Chinese. The fare is 1,200 yen from the starting point to the end point. You can use a Suica card. There is no toilet at Tangjin Bus Terminal. 🚂 Returning from Tangjin by JR I chose the 7:26 pm train, which takes about 65 minutes. The station is small and has a FamilyMart. Just check the screen for information (my train was at platform 1). This train only has 2 cars. You can use a Suica card and store your luggage. The train is very cartoon-like, and it seems that each train has a different design! It's very unique. If you're lucky, you can see a beautiful sunset on this train at night. You can sit anywhere. The facilities on the train look old, and there are fans, but it's clean and practical. There are no announcements in English. 🚶🏽‍♀️Citywalk 1⃣️ Old Tangjin Bank Free admission. You can visit on your own. Just don't touch anything inside. There are 3 floors. The basement floor is a model exhibition, the 1st floor is a counter display, and the 2nd floor is historical information (Japanese). The exterior of the building is very European, designed by a famous Japanese architect. Tour time: 30 minutes (if you don't understand Japanese, just look around) 📍 1535-15 Honmachi, Karatsu 2⃣️ Tangjin Shrine A shrine that blesses safe voyages. The shrine's fortune slips are very beautiful. The carp-shaped ones can be fished. The amulets are also very beautiful! Prices range from 500 to 1,000 yen. Tour time: 30 minutes 📍 3-13 Minamijōnai, Karatsu, Saga 3⃣️ Tangjin Castle A very beautiful castle! Comparable to Okayama Castle. The 1st floor of the main tower is free. You can get 2 stamps and shop. The admission fee for the main tower is 500 yen for adults. From the high point outside the castle tower, you can see the mountains and the beautiful ocean. It's a dream castle with mountains and sea. Tangjin is very photogenic from above. Tour time: 1-1.5 hours 📍 8-1 Higashijōnai, Karatsu, Saga 4⃣️ Nishi no Hama Beach I recommend going before sunset. You can watch the sunset here. There are almost no people. It's really comfortable listening to the waves. You can wade in the water, but I don't recommend swimming. There are also the ruins of the west gate of Old Tangjin Castle nearby. Tour time: 1-1.5 hours 📍 12-1 Fujimichō, Karatsu, Saga 🛍️ Shopping 1⃣️ Maeda Pottery An old shop from the Edo period! They have Arita porcelain, Tangjin porcelain, etc. The shop is large and you can take your time. Many items are on sale! You can buy them at 50% off or for as little as 100 yen. Sake cups, teacups, plates, etc. Credit cards accepted. 📍 1886 Nakamachi, Karatsu 2⃣️ Gofukumachi Shopping Street A small shopping street with pottery shops, craft shops, skincare shops, restaurants, and shops selling works by people with disabilities. Prices are reasonable and you can support them. 📍 1822-3 Gofukumachi, Karatsu 3⃣️ Ebisu Taiyaki Hanada Very cheap taiyaki! Closed on Sundays. Taiyaki prices range from 120 to 250 yen. There's also ice cream in the summer! 📍 1503 Katanamachi, Karatsu 4⃣️ Ohara Matsuro Manju Tangjin Main Store Tangjin's famous dessert is Matsuro Manju. This shop is located opposite the Old Tangjin Bank and is also recommended on the tourist map. I bought a few to try on the spot and they were delicious!! 📍 1513-17 Honmachi, Karatsu, Saga All of the above attractions and shops are within walking distance. The only regret is that I didn't get to eat live squid, which I guess is only available in the morning! Tangjin actually has a lot of hot spring guesthouses. Next time I come to Kyushu, I will definitely come back to Tangjin!

After reading Sanada Taiheiki, I was curious about Nagoya Castle, so I visited there. At first, I thought it wouldn't be a great place, but that's not the case. more I walked around, the more I thought how amazing it was. I think that by building a huge fortress in a place like this, this government would not last long, and it makes sense that it would soon fall. Since I noticed it, the generals at the time must have noticed it too. view is great and peaceful #songkran2024#mytravelhacks#cherryblossom2024#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip#trip#instatravel#goodfoods#langkawi#foodphotography#chinatown#ipoh#temples#siemreap#familyfun#คาเฟ่ห้ามพลาด#edinburgh

Kitahama Beach is a beach with fine sand under a clear blue sky. 🛟 It's early June and the beach and beach huts aren't open yet, but the sea is as beautiful as the ocean in Okinawa. ✨ The winter oyster huts have closed and the beach hasn't opened yet, so there were no people and we had the place to ourselves! It's a bit like a bay, so even though there was wind, the sea was calm and the water was very clean. ✨ There was a private shower room behind the beach hut, which was available for a fee, and it was a beach hut that was quite well equipped. The beach is also shallow, making it perfect for playing in the water with small children. 👌 5-12 Minatomachi, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, 847-0133 Parking available #Karatsu #Beach #Beach hut #Kitahama Beach #Saga Prefecture #Sea

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩*⋆✈Saga𓂃 𓈒𓏸Yobuko Morning Market, Yobuko Town, Karatsu City I went to the morning market in Yobuko Town, which has a history of 300 years and is said to be one of the three major morning markets in Japan. The market is open every day except New Year's Day, and it starts at 7:30, which is a slow time for a morning market, and gets busy around 9:00. Local seafood, seasonal vegetables, and squid gourmet food, which is a specialty of Yobuko, are available. Unfortunately, we couldn't eat live squid this time because of a poor catch, but we enjoyed grilled squid and squid shumai. 🦑 moc-coffee yobuko, located at the entrance of the street, is a cute cafe with a white base. ✔︎Lemon granita ✔︎Matcha latte It was extremely hot, so the cool granita brought me back to life. 🍋w The eat-in area is a little away from the shops. There were sweets and some food too 🙆🏻‍♀️ There's free parking on the north side of Asaichi-dori, so I recommend it 🚗 They also sell overnight dried fish and souvenirs It's about a 40-minute drive from Karatsushi Station! 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄𓊆𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𓊇From the Karatsu City Tourism Association website 7:30-12:00 ︎𓊆𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𓊇 From the official website Yobuko Morning Market Street, Yobuko-cho, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 #solotravel #trip #saga #sagatourism #sagatrip #karatsucity #yobukomorningmarket #yobuko #morningmarket #girlstrip #kyushutrip