Engaging in the San Sebastian of Japan, Karatsu.

Out of the major cities of Japan which includes Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, and Fukuoka, Fukuoka is the hub of our southern island Kyushu and is a smart city that has an international airport just 10 minute train ride away from the city center. For a big foodie like me, local food is very important when I visit a city. After living in Hokkaido which is said to be the food capital of Japan, and the kitchen of Tokyo Tsukiji and Ginza area, I learned Fukuoka is my favorite place for good food. I've just started discovering Fukuoka, but I want to share with you what I love about it so far. Smart and compact City When it comes to how smart the city is, Fukuoka is probably my favorite city in the world right now.  I'm always amazed how close the airport is to the city center, just 2 subway stations apart. Fukuoka Airport is still compact and not as big as Narita or Kansai, the two biggest airports of Japan, nor is as busy like Chitose in Sapporo. The city center, Hakata has...

When I was considering moving into Kyushu, the first thing that comes up to mind is the typhoon during the summer. We all see heavy rain flooding the rivers and sometimes cars being swept away. Winters tend to be warmer, but summers have this tropical climate with natural disasters and humid, sticky temperatures. But having lived in Karatsu, northwest of Kyushu Prefecture, it isn't necessary true. It all depends on which part of Kyushu I'm in. Today I want to summarize the 1 month weather forecast of North Kyushu including Fukuoka and Karatsu from 9th Aug, 2025. 7th of August was the "Start of Fall."(立秋） We take it as the peak of the hot season of Japan. It is actually the hottest timing, but we historically know that autumn breeze flow into the cities. This year 2025, it was clear sunny skies every single day, probably July. But interestingly, after the Risshu, it's been raining a lot. Temperatures are a lot lower, but the humidity from the rain makes it unpleasa...

I'm hooked with Karatsuyaki（唐津焼). When you buy ceramics it tends to end up just being an art piece because you are afraid of breaking it. Worst case scenario is you put it back in a box and it's forgotten. But these kitchen wares are originally meant to be used for a better dining experience.  Karatsu Ware has a sustainable way to upcycle it by laquering it together like this. So when it accidentally cracks, no need to cry but hey, congratulations. You're at the next phase of the whole Karatsuyaki journey. In life the whole journey is the reward, my foodie friends. A little bit about Karatsuyaki You can ask AI to learn more about Karatsuyaki, but let me briefly explain what it is. Karatsuyaki is a highly esteemed form of Japanese pottery traditionally produced in and around Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu. Currently it has about 70 potters within the city, and a total of 100 when potters outside Karatsu are included. With a history spanning over 400 years, it's ...

  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 ...