KARATSU, JAPAN
The Story of Food + Ceramics with Local Makers in Southern Japan with Prairie Stuart-Wolff
November 5 - 12, 2025
Join us in the beautiful southern region of Japan, as we explore the intersections of food and ceramics. Karatsu and surrounding areas are filled with bold culinary flavours you won't find in other parts of the country and sought after pottery, such as earthy Karatsu stoneware—the roots of Japanese ceramics. We will meet with local makers, chefs, food producers, and harvesters—think soy fermentation, modern ceramic artists, traditional potters, washi paper makers, and more.
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 of epicurean ideals from the heart of Japan.
You will enjoy Yakitori, Tempura, Shabushabu and different versions of kaiseki. Traditional kaiseki is a course menu of specialty dishes utilizing fresh, local ingredients presented in fine vessels made of ceramic and lacquer. Autumn is a wonderful time of year to visit Karatsu. The ginkgo leaves are turning yellow and beginning to fall. The persimmon trees are heavy with fruits and festive. The yuzu is ripening and the daidai (Seville oranges) are turning from green to orange. It’s the season of mushrooms, new rice, autumn snapper, persimmon, ginkgo nuts, and lotus root, to name but a few.
Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
November 5 - 12, 2025 ∙ 8 Days, 7 Nights
PRICE
Twin Shared Room $5,795 USD
Partial Private Room $6,295 USD
Private Room $6,795 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Guided workshops and tours by Prairie Stuart-Wolff
Visit to the historic Porcelain town of Arita
Multiple pottery studio tours with a variety of local artisans
Washi Paper Making workshop
Hands-on Onigiri workshop
Guided tour of Soy Brewery to learn about the production of soy sauce and miso
Specially curated meals including kaiseki, shabushabu, yakitori + more
Accommodations in a ryokan—traditional inn—and an oceanside hotel
Transport during tours and return train transfer from Fukuoka to Karatsu
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet your fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations and questions
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 learn more about Prairie @mirukashisalon
Day by Day Itinerary
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.
Day 1
Wednesday, November 5
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
Thursday, November 6
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 local train together two hours south to Karatsu.
Welcome dinner this evening with Prairie in Karatsu
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Friday, November 7
We start this morning with a private, hands-on cooking class at a beautiful farmhouse home with a local chef. You will learn basic Japanese kitchen techniques which include the proper way of cooking rice and making dashi and hand make onigiris. Our lunch will consist of the dishes we prepare this morning.
This afternoon we visit Hanako Nakazato’ 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 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Saturday, November 8
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Sunday, November 9
Today 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Monday, November 10
This morning we pack our bags, and move from the Seaside Hotel to our traditional Japanese Inn—Yoyokaku.
Our day takes us to the Saga region to visit and learn with local makers. We begin with a visit Soy Brewery to tour the facility and learn about the traditional methods of making items such as soy sauce and miso.
From here we make our way to a Washi Paper making studio, with more than 300 years history. This handmade Japanese paper is made using the strong bark of local mulberry trees. Gain a rare look into a paper-making workshop with detailed explanations from the craftspeople themselves, and make washi with the same tools and methods the master artisans use.
Return to Yoyokaku later this afternoon with time to settle in and enjoy the beautiful property and onsen.
Dinner this evening will be a traditional shabu shabu hot-pot featuring local produce.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Tuesday, November 11
This morning we will visit the ceramics studio of Naoto Yano + Mayumi Hamano. Yano, alongside a small group of potters in Karatsu, is dedicated to furthering the traditions of Karatsu-yaki in a style that could be described as looking forward through looking back. Inspired by the ancient traditions of Karatsu pottery that were lost for hundreds of years, he looks to history as a guide when making his work. He fires in a kiln that he inherited from his father and runs his pottery studio alongside his wife, Mayumi Hamano who makes decorated porcelain works in a style originating in nearby Arita.
Lunch today is a local specialty of tempura squid.
This afternoon we head out to the Chinzeimachi Nagoya peninsula to visit the historic Hizen-Nagoya Castle Ruins. Built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi in the 16th century, today, the stone walls and ruins of the generals’ battle camps are all that remains of the castle. Later on we venture to Nanatsugama for a walk along the coast to view a group of 7 natural sea caves formed in a black basalt cliff.
Dinner this evening is a traditional washoku course meal 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Wednesday, November 12
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 !
Meals included: Breakfast
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:
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: Minimum 7 guests, 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 May 9, 2025: $3600
Room Details:
Shared rooms have two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom. 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
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 May 9, 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). The final 2 nights you will share a room with one other guest at Yoyokaku Ryokan. The ryokan room has two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom.
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 May 9, 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 flavors and textures.
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
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking 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
November is a wonderful time of year to visit Southern Japan. Days are mostly temperate with a real sense of autumn chill mornings and evenings. Temperatures range from 45°F to 70°F, which means you should pack layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket + umbrella to prepare for the odd shower.
Included in this Trip
Guided workshops and tours by Prairie Stuart-Wolff
Visit to the historic Porcelain town of Arita
Multiple pottery studio tours with a variety of local artisans
Washi Paper Making workshop
Hands-on Onigiri workshop
Guided tour of Soy Brewery to learn about production of soy sauce and miso
Specially curated meals including kaiseki, shabushabu, yakitori + more
Accommodations in a ryokan - traditional inn- and an oceanside hotel
Transport during tours and return train transfer from Fukuoka to Karatsu
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet your fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations and questions
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 send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include 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 trip start date 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 to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
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 any Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During the 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 the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
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.