Introducing Saga-ken
The smallest of Kyūshū's prefectures, Saga-ken occupies the isthmus linking Fukuoka-ken to the northeast and Nagasaki-ken to the south. Most visitors to this part of the island are here to browse, admire and study the local ceramics, still made using the techniques learned from captured Korean potters in the 17th century. Imari and Arita are two of the best 'kiln-towns' where the local kaolin clay is transformed into beautiful porcelain ware. The larger town of Karatsu is a charming spot to stop a while and scope some of the local ceramics, glazed in earthier tones than the bright colours of Arita or the classic blue-and-white of Amari. Don't make any expansive gestures while you're wandering the porcelain stores; if you knock over a vase it could set you back a cool ¥5,000,000. And dudes, relax, if your idea of hell is porcelain grazing, Karatsu also offers some of Kyūshū's best surfing.Advertisement
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Sushi bars with conveyor belts
by Kaminoge 25 September 2009
Conveyor-belt sushi restaurants are everywhere, even in the smaller burgs (I had lunch at one when I was in Karatsu, a small city in Saga…
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RE: ROAD TRAVEL AND CAR HIRE ON KYUSHU/FUKUOKA
by Spendthrift 27 February 2009
I have rented a car from Tocoo before and it worked out fine, their rates seem to be the best: http://www2.tocoo.jp/?file=rentcar_inbound/m…
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Reasonable/practical to rent a car LD in Japan?
by jacksan1 21 July 2007
Renting a car can be handy in some cases, but I also second all those who say that this is not a good way to cover a long distance, for…
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