It was a nice sunny day on the road.  First we dropped by two terraced fields along the way before arriving at the peninsula nearby Karatsu. 

 

 

Lunch in road station nearby the Nagoya castle ruins (名護屋城跡) – not to be mistaken with Nagoya city, Aichi Prefecture.

Nanatsugama (七ツ釜)

Visited Nanatsugama (七ツ釜) literally “seven caves” along the coast before arriving at Karatsu.  From the nearest parking lot it took about 20 min on foot via a few flights of stairs. Sea was in deep blue while waves were smashing against the tilted pillar rocks forming sea caves – of which there were about six. Guess one was blocked from our viewpoint.  Upon return we discovered an easier short cut without stairs sloping downhill.  From April sightseeing boat tours are available though subject to weather conditions. 

 

 

Karatsu Seaside Hotel

Arrived at Karatsu Seaside Hotel, where we stayed 11 years ago. However, this time we stayed in the new East wing with its own onsen and dining place. Stayed in its luxury twin bedroom of 62 sqm with balcony on high floors with sea view.  Our room was equipped with a coffee machine and thus we had coffee with 2 pieces of delicious cakes – complimentary upon checkin from the lounge 🙂

Dashed downstairs to soak in onsen with a sea view rotenburo. It was windy outdoor while clouds were rolling in.  While spa areas are available (for staying customers), we did not enter as swim wears are required.  Though swim wears are available on rental we’re not comfortable with it.  Besides, the outdoor pool (if opened) would be too cold to enjoy. 

Dinner was in buffet style with good food – whole squid sashimi (typical in Karatsu) was made to order and delivered to our table, grilled beef was tender, not fatty and delicious. And so were the tempura items.   

 

 

 

 

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