KARATSU, JAPAN
The Story Of Tea + Ceramics with Local Makers In Southern Japan with Prairie Stuart-Wolff
May 30 - June 6, 2025
All photos by Prairie Stuart-Wolff
Join us in the beautiful southern region of Japan, off-the-radar of the tourist masses, as we explore the intersections of food, tea, and ceramics. Karatsu pottery has long been collected by chefs and home cooks alike for use at the table as ell as by practitioners of tea ceremony. We’ll explore it’s use at the table by experiencing many different styles of meals plated on local pottery and about the origins and tastes of green tea itself through meeting a tea farmer on his estate.
This intimate behind-the-scenes experience will be curated and lead by Prairie Stuart-Wolff. Prairie is a writer and photographer, who will bring you on a journey of epicurean ideals from the heart of Japan.
May is a wonderful time of year to visit Karatsu. The days are generally warm and sunny. The first cicadas begin to stir and the lavender color of wild thistle blossoms in the fields marks the entrance into summer. It’s the season of fragrant citrus blossoms and fresh garden vegetables, and the tea harvests are underway.
Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
May 30 - June 6, 2025 ∙ 8 Days, 7 Nights
PRICE
Twin Shared Room $5795 USD
Partial Private Room $6295 USD
Private Room $6795 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Guided workshops and tours by Prairie Stuart-Wolff
Pottery studio tours
Visit to the historic Porcelain town of Arita
Specially curated meals
Green Tea Tasting and educational class
Ikebana Flower Arranging Workshop
Transport during tours and return train transfer from Fukuoka to Karatsu
Prairie Stuart-Wolff
Prairie is the founder and host of the Mirukashi Salon where she welcomes guests for seasonally tailored sessions that focus on the captivating flavors and beauty of Japan's culinary landscape. In her dedicated salon space high on a hilltop in the heart of Japan’s countryside, she introduces guests to the origin of ingredients, the craft of the cook, and the rituals of the table. You can follow Prairie @mirukashisalon on Instagram
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Travel Day
Make your own way to our arrival hotel in Fukuoka, located a short walk from Hakata Train station.
The airport and train station (where the Shinkansen/bullet train stops) are easily accessed as they are just a few minutes away.
Due to many flight arrival times later in the day, there are no planned activities today. Take some time to settle in and relax this evening.
Day 2
This morning is free for you to explore Fukuoka, the hotel is within walking distance of the Shofukuji temple complex, completed in 1195 it is the oldest Zen temple in Japan.
Late morning, we will meet at the hotel and enjoy a casual meet and greet lunch. After lunch we will take the train 2 hours south to Karatsu.
Dinner this evening at Tamatori. A female forward establishment that features Hanako Nakazato’s pottery.
Day 3
Our morning begins with a visit to Hanako Nakazato’s personal studio and workshop also known as monohanako. Established in 2007, Hanako apprenticed under her father at Ryutagama. Here we will see an example of a production studio. Each piece is wheel thrown by hand and Hanako will demonstrate her throwing technique, throwing off the hump with a gyubera (bull’s tongue tool). She’ll explain the technique’s efficiency and history particular to Karatsu.
This afternoon we visit a century old space that carries pottery by a variety of Karatsu potters; enjoy a cup of tea while you shop beautiful wares. Here we will also have a flower arranging workshop. Also known as Ikebana, this is a systematic and storytelling Japanese way of picking, preserving and arranging buds and branches.
Dinner this evening will be ShabuShabu at Yoyokaku
Day 4
Today we venture to the Ukiha region of Khyshu. Ukiha is known as a remarkably progressive and creative community where you will find resident creators and food producers in all fields from woodworking to fruit + tea farming.
Our morning takes us to a collective site of artisans and makers. You’ll learn about kimono fabric and fabrication with Hiroshi Tanaka and enjoy a creative lunch at TanenoTonari.
This afternoon we will a 1200 year old family Tea Estate. We will learn about the land, the historical house and the family history of the property.
This evening we enjoy dinner at Hirata where Tomohaya Hirata, a Kyoto kaiseki trained chef, assisted by his wife Rika, serves a course menu of elegant dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients in local ceramics.
Day 5
This morning we visit the home, garden and studio of local potter Masahito Minamimori. Minamimori-san did not follow a traditional path into the world of Karatsu ware. He became fascinated by it later in life, retired from his job and built himself a kiln and pottery studio. His work is rustic, simple and beautiful. His curiosity provides the motivation for his pottery. Minamimori-san also takes great pride in his gardens and grows flowers for local ikebana artisans.
For lunch we’ll visit ‘Karatsu Burger’. Nestled inside a pine forest, the Karatsu burger is consistently rated as one of the best in Japan. This magnificent forest of black pines dates from the 17th Century, when the first lord of the Karatsu domain, Terazawa Hirotaka, planted black pines along the dunes as protection against wind and tides.
We’ll wander through the pine forest back to your hotel and you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and explore Karatsu on your own.
Day 6
Our journey today takes us to the small historic town of Arita, to see a very different kind of pottery - mold made porcelain tableware. With the discovery of Kaolin clay in 1615 the first Japanese porcelain, Aritayaki, originated in the town of Arita, and enabled the manufacture of fine porcelain in Japan for the first time.
We will also visit the studio of local artist Sadamu who has found a contemporary approach to vessels. As well as wander the village of Okawachiyama in Imari which will showcase a variation on traditional porcelain ware.
Casual Izakaya dinner with the group at one of our favorite spots in Karatsu
Day 7
This morning we visit a historical local property. The Former Takatori Residence is a Japanese-style wooden structure constructed along the west shore of Karatsu Castle by Takatori Koreyoshi in 1905. It’s a fascinating architectural mix of modern Japanese architecture including Western-style rooms based upon the Japanese style, as well as a Noh stage built in the grand hall, and has unique internal designs, "Sugito" cedar doors, and "Ranma" transoms.
Lunch at Karae Cafe
This afternoon we will visit with another ceramic artisan, Mito Rui, who will share their process and work within the community.
Dinner this evening will take place at Arutokoro where we will also enjoy a traditional washoku course meal. Arutokoro is located in a farmhouse at the foot of mount Kagami that has been renovated with care. Kaiseki trained chef Hirakawa serves a course menu of traditional Japanese food using local, seasonal ingredients. Meals are prepared in an open kitchen visible from the the dining table using techniques such as grilling on binchotan white charcoal and cooking rice in an iron pot over an open flame.
Day 8
Departure Day
This morning we pack our bags, say our farewells and take the train back to Hakata Station in Fukuoka for departure. Thank you for joining us on this incredible and often unexpected journey to the heart of Karatsu.
さようなら !
Where We’re Staying
YOYOKAKU
Located in a delightful corner of Karatsu, between the estuary and the beach, Yoyokaku is a small, charming ryokan - a traditional Japanese inn - with a history stretching back over a hundred years. Yoyokaku features superb food, beautiful ikebana, Japanese baths, a traditional garden, and warm hospitality.
An important note about the beds at Yoyokaku
Here you will sleep on traditional Japanese floor futons in tatami mat rooms (not a western style mattress). All rooms feature elegant, traditional Japanese design and décor, a garden view and ensuite bathroom.
KARATSU SEASIDE HOTEL - WEST WING
This classic oceanside western style Japanese hotel features spectacular sea views from every room. The hotel is located at the foot of the spectacular Saga Pine Forest, also known as Nijinomatsubara. This magnificent forest of black pines dates from the 17th Century, when the first lord of the Karatsu domain, Terazawa Hirotaka, planted black pines along the dunes as protection against wind and tides.
ROOMING OPTIONS
There are THREE different styles of rooming on this trip.
Please read the room options and notes below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking page
Group Size: Maximum 11 guests All Prices are in USD.
OPTION 1 - TWIN SHARED ROOM
The fee for this trip is $5795 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $2195
Final Payment due January 25, 2025: $3600
Room Details:
Shared rooms have two twin beds. You will share a room with one other guest for the duration of the trip. The beds at Yoyokaku are traditional Japanese floor futons. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
OPTION 2 - PARTIAL PRIVATE ROOM PRICE
The fee for this trip is $6295 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $2195
Final Payment due January 25, 2025: $4100
Room Details:
You will have a private room and bathroom for 5 nights (1 night in Fukuoka and 4 nights at Seaside hotel) followed by 2 nights in a shared twin room with one other guest at Yoyokaku Ryokan.
The beds at Yoyokaku are traditional Japanese floor futons. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
OPTION 3 - PRIVATE ROOM
The fee for this trip is $6795 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $2195
Final Payment due January 25, 2025: $4600
Room Details:
You will have a private room for the duration of the trip. The beds at Yoyokaku are traditional Japanese floor futons. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Important Trip Notes + Details
Culinary Notes
Unfortunately we are unable to handle specific dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances on this trip. This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional foods.
While we won’t be challenging you with the strangest aspects of the food culture, even day-to-day eating in Japan can taste quite different to someone unfamiliar with the cuisine.
Accessibility
Please note this Ace Camp includes several walking tours, you may be on your feet for a couple of hours at a time. We ask you are comfortable walking or standing for long periods.
You should also be comfortable being seated on the ground during certain meals and workshops.
Our ryokan has several sets of stairs to reach rooms.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on with a local, rural community of skilled artisans and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Travel Health
Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel. If you have any pending health concerns you should contact your health care provider prior to registration of this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and ends in Fukuoka, Japan.
There are several ways to arrive in Fukuoka. Via plane, train or bus from other areas in Japan such as Tokyo or Kyoto. Our arrival point hotel is conveniently located a few minutes walk from Hakata Train Station in Fukuoka.
Weather
May is a wonderful time of year to visit Southern Japan. Days are mostly temperate with trees and plants in bloom.
Temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F, which means you should pack layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket + umbrella to prepare for possible showers as the rainy season is on our heals.
Included in this Trip
Visit with local ceramic artisans
Discover the art of porcelain wear in Arita
Explore green tea farming + tasting
Floral arranging Workshop
Carefully handpicked accommodations in Western + Japanese style hotels all with onsen springs
Transport during workshops, tours and included meals
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will email you when it is time to make your travel arrangements. This email will be sent 90 days or more before your trip departs unless you book within 90 prior to the camp. We will also send you an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information and more.
Questions + FAQ’s
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQ’s here.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the start date of the trip will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests have Travel Insurance.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws including various Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During our trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness there may be a need to mask, distance, self isolate, or remove yourself completely from the trip which will be determined by the Ace Camps Travel Host with the best interests of the group health and safety as the main priority. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Booking Terms + Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payments, Cancellations and Trip Changes.
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities and the desires of the group.