Have a relaxing stay at a wonderful inn. 11 recommended hotels and ryokan in Karatsu

Karatsu, located closer to Fukuoka in Saga, is a scenic area that is naturally full of gourmet food and pottery. You can drive or walk through Niji no Matsubara, one of the three largest pine groves in Japan. During your walk, you can also enjoy a karatsu burger, a staple gourmet food, in the pine forest.

Seeing the Hamanoura rice terraces in the setting sun will clear your mind. The stress and frustration of everyday life may just melt away when you see this magnificent view. Karatsu Castle, the symbol of Karatsu, is also known as the Mont Saint-Michel of Japan and is famous for its cherry blossoms and wisteria.

If you visit Karatsu, you should definitely try the fresh seafood caught in the Genkai Sea. The "Yobuko squid" is a must-try! This extremely fresh live squid sashimi has a crunchy texture that you can't get from regular squid sashimi, and the rich sweetness will make your cheeks drop...♡

Karatsu is full of charm, so you'll want to take your time to enjoy it to the fullest. If that's the case, it's best to do your research and choose a place to stay that will help you recover from the fatigue of your trip. In this article, we'll introduce you to some recommended hotels and ryokan in Karatsu where you can relax. Stay at a wonderful inn and enjoy a relaxing time!

Karatsu Seaside Hotel is a resort hotel located right in front of the majestic Karatsu Bay. It is also close to Niji-no-Matsubara, and is a relaxing space where you can enjoy both sea bathing and forest bathing. The hotel is divided into a west building and an east building, and has a full range of facilities, including three restaurants, two lounges, a pool, spa, and sauna! It looks like you can have a great time just relaxing in the hotel!

The East Wing, which opened in December 2019, offers ocean views from all guest rooms, with a spectacular view of Karatsu Bay. The spacious rooms are great for relaxing and unwinding. All the rooms are lovely, but the one we recommend is the "Luxury Twin" shown in the photo. With a large bath, two sinks, a comfortable bed, a sofa, a table, and even a terrace, you're sure to have an elegant time!

The appeal of the East Wing is that it offers access to several newly built facilities. Among them, the club lounge "Grand Bleu" is a special space that can only be used by guests staying on the club floor or in a suite room. You can use it as much as you like from morning to night, and the drinks and food on offer vary depending on the time of day: breakfast, coffee, dinner, and cocktail time. Enjoy a luxurious moment in front of the spectacular view of Karatsu Bay.
*Photo is for illustrative purposes only.

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Another recommendation for guests staying in the East Wing is the "Rooftop Thermal Bath"! The water is a natural hot onsen that springs from deep underground, and it is said to have a high moisturizing effect. You can bathe in a swimsuit, so couples can enjoy it together. The infinity style creates a romantic atmosphere.

source:Posted by Kachuko and Chiviko

It's nice to have your meal in the lounge, but we highly recommend "Matsukaze" in the West Wing. You can enjoy Japanese cuisine using seasonal ingredients, but the specialty "Ikizukuri squid" is highly recommended. After enjoying the sashimi, you can enjoy the squid tentacles in your preferred style of tempura, salt-grilled, or boiled. Why not spend a relaxing dinner time with some delicious local Saga sake?

"Karatsu Amimoto no Yado Shioyu Naginone" is the perfect inn for a relaxing trip for adults. The best thing about this inn is the large observation bath that uses shioyu! Not only is it in a great location where you can soak while looking out at Karatsu Bay, one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan, but it is also known as the "beauty bath" and has wonderful health benefits.

The inn's pride and joy, Shioyu, is seawater rich in minerals from the Genkai Sea that is pumped up, filtered, heated, and poured into the bath without adding any water. It is said that the efficacy of the seawater "surpasses all onsen," so Shioyu is truly a natural, high-quality spring! It can also be enjoyed in a private family bath, so please try it out when you want to spend some private time with your partner or friends.

Guest rooms are either ocean view rooms overlooking Karatsu Bay or rooms overlooking the Japanese garden on the premises. The rooms are decorated with seasonal flowers and come equipped with special bedding developed by the inn, providing a soothing atmosphere for all visitors. There are also colorful yukatas to choose from, so if you're staying with your partner, they might fall in love with you all over again when they see you looking different from usual ♡

Dinner is a Japanese kaiseki meal prepared with all the chef's heart and soul. The specialty, "live squid sashimi," is delivered directly from Yobuko, so it's exceptionally tasty. You can rest assured that you can enjoy it no matter which kaiseki meal you choose. What we recommend pairing this meal with is Saga sake. Saga sake is an outstanding product that was voted the best in the world in the sake category at the IWC (International Wine Challenge). This inn has a wide selection of sake, so alcohol lovers will love it!

The hotel's bar, Salon Tsuru, is a self-service bar that is only available to guests. All drinks available, including wine, shochu, and cocktails, are free and all-you-can-drink. They also offer light snacks such as prosciutto and nuts that go perfectly with alcohol, so why not spend some time here after dinner?

"ryokan Wataya" is a long-established ryokan that was founded in 1876. It is located in the center of Karatsu, and the "Karatsu Kunchi" festival, which is held every November, is just a minute's walk from the inn. The "Former Karatsu Bank" is also just a five-minute walk away, making it very convenient for sightseeing. Another great thing about the inn is that you can also experience pottery and painting inside the inn.

The guest rooms include those facing a Japanese garden that will make you feel the best of Japan, and those with a view of Karatsu Castle across the river. The most recommended room is the "8 tatami Japanese-style room" that comes with an open-air bath. The water is from Wataya's proud "onsen Onsen Kaguyahime no Yu", a natural hot onsen that is rare even in Karatsu. Why not spend some time relaxing in the hot water and listening to the sounds of nature?

Originally a traditional Japanese restaurant, Wataya serves up a wide variety of dishes made with local ingredients and seasonal flavors, such as Yobuko squid and Saga beef, to your heart's content.

Mizuno ryokan, with its purely Japanese atmosphere, is ryokan along the Stone Wall Walking Path, close to Karatsu Castle. When you arrive at the inn, you will be greeted by the samurai residence gate, which was moved from Nagoya Castle to this location 400 years ago. This gate is said to be of great historical value. Why not experience the dignity that has witnessed the history of Karatsu, a castle town?

There are only eight guest rooms in total. All rooms have a relaxing atmosphere, and the windows overlook the ocean. Just sitting by the window and staring out at the ocean is sure to soothe you. The bath attached to the room is made of cypress, and the gentle fragrance will envelop you and warm your heart.

Dinner is a multi-course meal filled with Saga delicacies such as fresh seafood from Genkai Nada, Saga beef, and rice from terraced rice fields. What's more, they bring you each dish, so it's nice to be able to eat everything fresh. Karatsu ware is used for the vessels, and you can spend a meal time that is fun for the eyes.

Yoyokaku is a traditional Japanese ryokan you can enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional ryokan. Upon entering the building, which still retains the atmosphere of the Meiji and Taisho periods, you will find a quiet and calm space waiting for you. After receiving a heartwarming welcome, walk through the traditional corridor to your room. There is a small bookshelf in the lobby, providing a spacious space where you can relax.

There are a total of 10 guest rooms. The rooms are decorated with seasonal flowers, which will soothe your tired body and mind. The spacious Japanese-style rooms allow you to stretch out and relax. Another thoughtful touch from the inn is that there is a writing box in the room containing tourist brochures and city maps.

There is also a charming Japanese garden on the premises. Most of the pines there are 200 years old, giving you a sense of history. You can take a walk around the garden, so it's nice to take your time and enjoy the slow pace of life. The baths at the inn are not onsen, but they are said to have the same effects as onsen, making them perfect for refreshing.

Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort is a hotel that is full of the charm of Saga. The hotel is located about a 3-minute walk from Niji no Matsubara, making it the perfect place for sightseeing! At the entrance, an image of Karatsu Kunchi, a Karatsu specialty, is displayed, which is very impressive. In the gallery space, there are also exhibitions and sales that will let you learn about new charms of Karatsu. You can also try painting Karatsu ware, so why not give it a try?

There are many types of guest rooms, but the Deluxe Suite Room is the one we recommend, as it is packed with the charm of Saga. The room is themed around Saga's three major pottery styles, Karatsu ware, Arita ware, and Imari ware, and each type of pottery is featured in the room. Please enjoy the charm of Saga's beautiful pottery to your heart's content.

Breakfast is a Japanese and Western buffet style, which can be enjoyed while taking in the panoramic view of Karatsu Castle, Matsuura River, Karatsu Bay, and Niji no Matsubara. The hotel's recommendation is "Asakarazu Ochazuke" (Asakarazu Chazuke), which uses rice, tea, seafood, and vegetables from Karatsu. This dish is packed with the best of Karatsu, and is sure to lift your spirits in the morning!

Located just a two-minute walk from Karatsu Station, this stylish building is located close to the station. HOTEL KARAE opened in November 2019 and is a wonderful hotel where art is scattered throughout the building, honing your senses.

The hotel is located inside a commercial facility called "KARAE" and is on the third floor. In the lounge, there is a big table made from beams from a sake brewery that was built over 100 years ago before the facility was built, and you can feel the warmth of the wood.

There are eight types of rooms to choose from, including "Executive Rooms" and "Deluxe Rooms" perfect for group trips, "Standard Twin" and "Superior Double" perfect for couples and girls' trips, and "Standard Double" perfect for solo travelers, as well as six types of private rooms and women-only and mixed-gender dormitories, so you can choose the room that best suits your travel style. The simple yet stylish atmosphere is sure to excite you!

The first floor of the building houses a dining and book cafe, a Chinese restaurant, a movie theater, and an antenna shop. "KARAE SHOP" is a store filled with the charms of Karatsu, Saga, and Kyushu, and sells sweets, miscellaneous goods, KARAE original goods, cosmetics made with natural materials from Karatsu, and more. With a lovely storefront, you'll have a feeling you'll find a cute souvenir even before you enter...♩

At "KARAE TABLE," you can enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Karatsu and Kyushu. For breakfast, choose from a "toast set," "French toast," or "fig, strawberry, banana, and honey smoothie" at this cafe. They look so cute, they're sure to get you excited in the morning!

"THEATER ENYA" is a mini-theater that opened in Karatsu for the first time in about 30 years. Many great movies are screened there, so you might think that watching a movie at a local movie theater while traveling is not such a bad idea.◎ The theater is small, with only 62 seats in total, so you can relax and enjoy the movie.

"ryokan Uohan" is an oceanfront inn facing Karatsu Bay. It's also a great base for sightseeing, as it's only a 15-minute walk from Niji-no-Matsubara. There is also a pool on the premises that can only be used by guests, so it's also recommended for summer stays. All guest rooms have an ocean view, and are divided into two buildings: the Japanese-style "Nagisakan" and the modern "Moeller House."

If you want to spend your time relaxing, we recommend booking a room with an observation bath on the balcony. Whether you soak while gazing at the ocean while it's still light out, or soak after dark while listening to the sounds of the waves, either way will provide a wonderful way to relax.

Uohan was originally a fish shop, so you can be sure that the meal is delicious! The seafood from the Genkai Sea and the squid from Yobuko are kept fresh in a tank until the moment you eat them, and the deliciousness will seep into your body with just one bite... The venue is either the "MAURA CAFE" or the banquet hall inside the building. There is plenty of space between the seats, so you can enjoy your meal at your own pace while enjoying conversation.

Nagisakan Kimura Karatsu Chaya is a long-established seaside inn founded in 1894. The inn is about 6 minutes from the entrance to Karatsu Castle, and is also close to Nishinomonkan and Karatsu Shrine, so be sure to enjoy a stroll around the area after checking in. After enjoying yourself to the fullest, refresh yourself in the large public bath. Although it is not onsen, it is a medicinal bath with forest bathing effects, so it is sure to soothe the fatigue of your journey.

All guest rooms have a great view of the white sand and ocean from the windows. You can see the whole of Karatsu Bay from the rooms, and you can hear the fresh ocean breeze and the sound of the waves from the windows. Walking barefoot on the shore is very refreshing.

meal is a private room by the sea, so let's enjoy it at your own pace without worrying about the surroundings. In addition to the fresh, transparent, crunchy texture and sweetness of the squid, there are plenty of fresh seafood and seasonal foods from Karatsu. The meal that you can enjoy in a room where you can relax with the sound of the waves and the scent of the tide in the garden of the west beach will make you feel very happy... ♡

Karatsu Daiichi Hotel Liber is a hotel overlooking the Matsuura River. There are three types of rooms: single, double, and twin, so you can choose a room that suits your travel style, whether you're traveling alone or with friends. The rooms facing the river offer a panoramic view of Karatsu Castle and Niji no Matsubara, which is sure to put you in the travel mood during your stay.

It's very important to relax in a large bath ◎ The large public bath on the first floor of the hotel is the perfect place for that. Stretch your legs, soak and let your body warm up from the inside out, leaving you feeling refreshed.

Breakfast is a Japanese and Western buffet style. Among them, the "squid shumai" is a must-try, a Yobuko specialty! It's great that you can have it for breakfast! They also serve "asa karatsu chazuke," a local delicacy that was first popularized by accommodation facilities in Karatsu, so be sure to give it a try. As you can see, this hotel is perfect for people who want to travel on a budget, as it offers a wide range of facilities despite being cheap.

Yobuko is a particularly famous place in Karatsu. Most people who visit Karatsu must be thinking of going to Yobuko as well. However, Yobuko is located a little far from Karatsu, so some people think, "Why don't I stay in Yobuko anyway? Some of you may be thinking, "Let's stay in Yobuko anyway! In such a case, I recommend this cuisine ryokan "Daibokaku".

Taibokaku is located on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Genkai Sea. The ocean side of the guest rooms is completely made of glass, giving you a refreshing feeling with an overwhelming sense of openness! From the windows, you can see the Yobuko Bridge and Nagoya Bridge. Choose from Japanese-style rooms and Japanese-Western style rooms.

The large public bath on the top floor of the building is an observation bath overlooking the sea! There is an indoor bath and an open-air bath, and you can soak while looking at the Yobuko Bridge in the women's bath and the Nagoya Bridge in the men's bath. The view changes depending on the time of day, so you can soak and relax as many times as you like.

Speaking of Yobuko, it's squid! The squid is kept as alive as possible in the tank, so it's so fresh that it's still moving when it's brought to your table, and it has an excellent transparency and crunchy texture. After enjoying your fill of sashimi, you can have it made into tempura, so you can fully enjoy the charm of Yobuko squid♩The restaurant has private rooms, so you can meal at your own pace◎

Be sure to get up early and head to Yobuko Morning Market! This market is one of the three biggest in Japan, and is held every day except New Year's Day. Fresh seafood is sold at low prices, and you can sample seafood while walking around at reasonable prices, so be sure to go there with an empty stomach.

Saga is a destination where a car is essential. But that's why you can enjoy it at your own pace, and there are plenty of attractions, including nature, gourmet food, and tourist spots. If you're going to do a lot of sightseeing in Karatsu, make sure to stay at a hotel or ryokan where you can relax and unwind, and enjoy your trip even more!