My morning walk in Karatsu!

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I participated in the KIFF(Karatsu International Film Festival) the other day and a film maker from India asked me what is good to do in Karatsu.

I settled in Karatsu City, the second largest city in Saga Prefecture but still quite small with a population of 100,000, just 4 months ago. 

So, I'm still learning what is good to do, but I'm really engaged just by taking an hour walk around the city center of Karatsu.

I live in an Akiya, 60 years old but just 7 minute walk from Karatsu Station, and I love having a garden.

Life is much slower now, and just spending time in the garden and going for a walk gives me much joy. 

Today I want to talk about my morning routine, especially my one hour walk around the city center.

Love the Beach



Just a 5 minute walk from my house is the beach. Especially on a sunny day this already boosts my mood. I take a right and then I see Karatsu Castle.

There are quite a few locals choosing my same course for their morning exercize.

We say ohayo gozaimasu to each other and give each other a smile.

Can't ask for a better morning. It is free, too.

On Weekends, there are people enjoying beach volleyball.

I want to start beach soccer or tennis soon.

There are people fishing Japanese Whiting and people stand up paddling (SUP.) Yesterday I found an uncle enjoying SUP and fishing at the same time!

There is a nature guide that does SUP and fishing put together, and on summer you can fish loads of Japanese Whiting. Sounds nice and tasty.

The Karatsu Castle has a fabulous view




Karatsu Castle is built next to the sea, so when you go up you'll have a fabulous view of the sea and the city.

I love the Fuji Tree that is humongous. Wonder how many years it took to get this big.

The castle has 5-6 cats that stay there like guardians.

I love hanging out with the cats as well.


To the city center

Then I make my way to the city center.

There is a bridge that will give you a nice view of Karatsu Castle, and looking at the Matsura River gives me a great morning.
The city center has walls and roads that were part of the castle, which gives me a slight impression of being back in the samurai period.

The traditional shotengai(商店街）has fish shops that are famous, as it's a fishing town.

I stop by to have a look at what kind of fish was caught that day.

Going to my home temple


Passing by the city hall and the road to Karatsu Station, there are several temples. The temples are beautiful, as Karatsu was the point where a samurai lord gathered his daimyo or samurai lords from across Japan to expand to the continent.

The samurai lords brought their religion and put temples in Karatsu to protect their family and troops.

That left great temples in the area, and it's a pleasure to visit a few that I like.


That's about an hour!

This course is about an hour.

Just for your reference, I mapped the route on Google Maps so you have an idea of what you can find within the city center of Karatsu.

I usually cook meals at home, but will stop by for udon/soba breakfast occasionally at TaruTaru たるたる, it's a value and the owner is an elderly couple, very generous.
 
It's right near the supermarket at the city center where the bus center is from Central Fukuoka.

All are not fancy but it has its traditional charm, and I prefer that way.

Hope you come to check out the area as well. 

DM me if you want to go on a free walk with me, too!

Come see me in Choko Bar just in front of Karatsu Station

I work as a sake bartender at Choko Bar, a bar/cafe where you can try local sake and light meals with Karatsu dishes and cups.


I'm currently in charge of Thursdays, on Friday it will be someone who used to run a jaz kissaten cafe in Sapporo, and on weekends and public holidays a very nice and gourmet lady from Kitakyushu.

The owner wants me to make it a place for international travelers to know more about Karatsu, and I'll do my best to connect you with the local regulars that know a lot about this small but very interesting Bushido and foodie town!

Come join me on the journey at Karatsu. 

I moved into Karatsu on March, 2025 from the variety of fish it has.

But I want to try to work with the local businesses and the government to show you hints of the samurai town.

It has great traditional content that is interesting, but it's still hidden.

It will be my pleasure to show you the charms of the samurai city as an experience that we all can learn from to better our lives.

    Where to stay in Karatsu:

    松 Higher Class: Yoyokaku, Mizuno Ryokan
    Apartment style with kitchen: Hotel Nine States Karatsu

    Where to eat in Karatsu:

    What to do in Karatsu:

    Thanks for Reading! 

    Follow me on my journey discovering the best fish dishes of Japan. I will open a fish laboratory in my akiya abandoned house I'm going to live soon.

    I would love to connect with people interested in fishes, cooking, and Japanese food. Share me your interests, and let's hang out!

    This will be my long game, and I look forward to sharing what happens.

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