Sasebo Port Guide

Go beyond a standard pottery class with this immersive cultural experience in Karatsu, an area renowned for traditional "Karatsu-yaki" ceramics. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will work side-by-side with a local artisan in an authentic kiln to learn the history and techniques of this craft. You will receive personal attention as you create your own unique piece of kitchenware, which will be professionally fired and shipped to your home.

Join the "Real Sake Brewery Study Abroad" program for a short-term immersive experience where you enter restricted areas to brew sake like a professional. You will taste the freshest possible sake within the brewery and have the bottles you helped produce delivered directly to your home. A guide provides a tour of the facility and LSG will take photos of your experience, ensuring you leave with special memories of your time as a brewer.

Experience the fusion of tradition and innovation at Riso Pottery, where fourth-generation artisan Shinji Terauchi creates vessels combining early Imari techniques with modern design. During this tour, you will visit historic Arita ware sites, including the Tengudani kiln, to observe the craftsmanship of artisans up close. This opportunity allows you to engage all five senses while exploring the new possibilities of Arita ware, which pursues both function and beauty.

Indulge in an extraordinary dining moment with the "Seasonal Chef's Tasting Menu," featuring dishes prepared with the best local ingredients that reflect the Japanese four seasons. Beautifully presented on traditional Arita and Karatsu porcelain, the course changes seasonally and concludes with a signature Sea Bream Chazuke. This 110-minute experience highlights exceptional flavors and the artistry of Japanese tableware in perfect harmony.

Create memories with the refined "Saga Tai-meshi Set – Yorokobi," a luxurious dining experience featuring premium ingredients, sashimi, and two chef’s special dishes. Guests can choose their preferred style of Sea Bream Rice for the second dish, though groups of ten or more will enjoy a shared large Donabe pot version. Every meal is artfully served on Arita and Karatsu porcelain or antique tableware, balancing local Saga flavors with an elegant atmosphere.

Embark on a fascinating journey to the Yoshinogari Ruins, one of Japan's most important archaeological sites, to explore reconstructed buildings and sacred spaces. With the guidance of a local expert, you will uncover the mysteries of early Japanese civilizations and witness the profound cultural heritage that shaped the nation. This unique tour offers a chance to step back into history and connect with the mystique of Japan’s earliest societies.

Enjoy a walking tour of the Karatsu Port area that includes a visit to a mansion with exquisite carvings and Karatsu Castle facing a beautiful pine grove. After exploring, you will stop by a sake bar featuring Karatsu ware, where you can purchase pottery or optionally create an original art frame using ceramic pieces. This day offers a chance to immerse yourself in Japanese charms such as castles, pottery, and sake.

The Genemon Kiln Special Experience offers a rare opportunity to visit a normally closed workshop and observe skilled craftsmen performing 150-year-old techniques. You will also enjoy a guided tour of the non-public Imari Pottery Museum to view historical works before relaxing with hospitality served in beautiful vessels. This exclusive visit allows you to engage all five senses while learning about the history and technology of Gen-emon Pottery.

Feast on an exquisite kaiseki lunch prepared with rich local ingredients and served on fine Arita ware in a restaurant owned by an antiques dealer. While dining in a private tea ceremony room, you will meet the owner to view his prized collection and learn about the specific porcelain pieces used during your meal. The experience concludes with a visit to Gen-emon Kiln to see where some of the tableware from your lunch is produced.

Ideal for special occasions, the "Saga Sea Bream Set – Kirameki" offers a premium dining experience upgraded with Saga beef steak and grilled eel for a total of nine exquisite dishes. You will choose one of three types of Sea Bream Rice to enjoy, although groups of ten or more will be served a shared Donabe pot version. This 100 to 120-minute course showcases the finest ingredients and breathtaking presentation for a memorable culinary journey.

This special tour of the Kakiemon kiln offers a rare opportunity to enter a workshop normally closed to the public and observe the 400-year-old tradition of "Akae" overglaze enameling. You will see skilled potters creating the distinctive milky white "Nigote" porcelain bodies, showcasing a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation. The General Manager will explain the history of the Kakiemon style, after which you will be treated to tea and sweets served in the kiln's own pottery.

Designed as a perfect "travel feast," the "Saga Sea Bream Set – Iwai" features seasonal ingredients and sea bream from the Genkai Sea for an authentic yet compact dining experience. Guests can select their preferred style of Sea Bream Rice, though groups of ten or more will receive a shared Donabe pot preparation. Beautifully presented on Arita and Karatsu ware, this 40 to 60-minute meal allows you to enjoy Japanese culture through food and hospitality.

Experience the true spirit of Tosu with an exciting 2-hour bar-hopping tour that takes you to two hand-picked local establishments. You will receive 1,000 yen per stop to sample food and drinks like grilled skewers, local sake, or ramen without extra cost. Accompanied by a friendly local guide, this tour offers a fun and tasty way to explore the city's vibrant nightlife and culinary culture.

Discover the tradition of Koransha, a famous Arita porcelain manufacturer founded in 1879, through a special visit to their insulator factory which is normally closed to the public. You will learn about the innovative technology behind Japan's first porcelain insulator and enjoy a tea ceremony in the exclusive VIP room. This experience offers a unique look at the fusion of traditional Arita-yaki beauty and the industrial technology that supports modern infrastructure.