Discover the everyday life, local culture, and meaningful connections that only locals can share.

Nakatsu is home to a historic castle town, the breathtaking landscapes of Yabakei, and a rich food culture that has earned it the nickname “the home of Japanese karaage (fried chicken).”

But this journey is about more than visiting famous sights.

Your guides are Kanae Nakajima, owner of TATEYA, a unique inn that connects travelers with the local community, and Hirotsugu Mikumo, a forester and regional producer dedicated to shaping the future of the area. As lifelong residents who deeply love Nakatsu, they will introduce you to the town through their own perspectives and personal connections.

Stroll through the everyday streets of the castle town. Experience the natural beauty of Yabakei. Share drinks with locals at neighborhood bars and gather around the same table for conversations that can’t be found in any guidebook.

Over two days, you’ll discover the people, places, and stories that reveal the true spirit of Nakatsu.

Experience Highlights

• Explore the everyday life of Nakatsu’s historic castle town with local host Kanae Nakajima
• Discover the natural beauty of Yabakei and the traditions of satoyama life with Hirotsugu Mikumo
• Taste Nakatsu’s renowned karaage and fresh seafood from the Buzen Sea
• Raise a glass with local residents and enjoy genuine connections through shared meals and conversation

Meet Your Host

Discover the Heart of Nakatsu

Nakatsu: A Living Castle Town

Nakatsu is a historic castle town that flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868) as the seat of the Nakatsu Domain. At its center stands Nakatsu Castle, a landmark closely associated with the renowned samurai strategist Kanbei Kuroda. The city is also known as the birthplace of Yukichi Fukuzawa, one of Japan’s most influential thinkers and educators, whose former residence and memorial museum can still be visited today.

Yet Nakatsu’s appeal extends far beyond its historical landmarks.

Traditional shopping streets, family-run businesses, neighborhood cafés, and local eateries continue to shape everyday life in the town. In recent years, a new generation of entrepreneurs has opened cafés, accommodations, and creative spaces, bringing fresh energy to the community while preserving its character.

During your walk with Kanae Nakajima, you’ll visit not only Nakatsu Castle and sites connected to Yukichi Fukuzawa, but also the shops, cafés, and hidden corners that locals enjoy in their daily lives. It’s an opportunity to experience the castle town through the eyes of someone who calls it home, where history and everyday life naturally blend together.

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Yabakei and Yamakuni: Where Nature and Community Thrive

Stretching across western Nakatsu, the Yabakei and Yamakuni region is known for some of Japan’s most spectacular natural scenery. Famous viewpoints such as Hitome Hakkei and Aonodomon showcase dramatic rock formations, deep valleys, and landscapes that have inspired travelers for generations.

But the true character of this region lies beyond the scenery.

In these satoyama landscapes, where forests, farmland, and villages exist in close balance, forestry and agriculture remain an important part of everyday life. Local residents continue traditions that have been passed down for generations while also creating new opportunities that support the future of their communities.

As you explore the region with Koji Mikumo, you’ll enjoy the iconic scenery of Yabakei while meeting local producers, hunters, and community builders who are shaping the area’s future. Through these encounters, you’ll discover the stories, livelihoods, and connections that bring this landscape to life and gain a deeper understanding of Yabakei and Yamakuni beyond what can be seen from a viewpoint alone.

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The Flavors of Nakatsu

Nakatsu is known throughout Japan as the “home of karaage,” but its food culture extends far beyond its famous fried chicken. From Tsunoji Hamo, a prized conger eel caught in the Buzen Sea, to Higata Bijin, a premium local oyster, the region offers a rich variety of flavors shaped by both the sea and the surrounding mountains.

Local ingredients play an important role in everyday life here. Seasonal seafood, produce from the satoyama countryside, and regional sake all reflect the character of the region and the people who call it home.

Throughout this journey, you’ll visit restaurants and food spots recommended by Kanae Nakajima and Koji Mikumo, experiencing Nakatsu through the flavors that locals love. In the evening, you’ll gather around the table with local residents, sharing food, drinks, and stories. A lively debate about who serves the best karaage in town may even become part of the experience.

In Nakatsu, food is more than something to eat. It’s a way to connect with people, culture, and community.

Nakatsu: The Home of Karaage

Nakatsu is famous for its many karaage specialty shops, each with its own secret seasoning and frying style. Ask local residents where the best karaage can be found, and you’ll likely hear a different answer from everyone.

During the tour, you’ll stop at one of Kanae or Koji’s favorite spots to experience this beloved local specialty for yourself.

Tsunoji Hamo from the Buzen Sea

Large conger eel caught in the Buzen Sea off the coast of Nakatsu is known locally as Tsunoji Hamo. The name comes from the way exceptionally fresh hamo naturally curls into the shape of the Japanese character “tsu.”

Known for its rich flavor, delicate texture, and tender flesh, it is considered one of the region’s signature summer delicacies.

Higata Bijin Oysters

Raised in the vast tidal flats of the Buzen Sea, Higata Bijin is Nakatsu’s signature oyster brand.

The area’s dramatic tidal changes help create firm, flavorful oysters with a rich umami taste and creamy texture. They are among the most celebrated seafood products of the region.

Local Sake and Izakaya Culture

A night in Nakatsu is about more than great food.

Together with Kanae, Koji, and local residents, you’ll visit izakaya pubs and standing bars where people naturally gather after work. Over local sake and shared dishes, conversations flow easily between travelers and locals.

These spontaneous encounters and shared moments are an important part of what makes Nakatsu special.

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A Town Connected by People

One of the first things you’ll notice in Nakatsu is how naturally people connect with one another.

Whether it’s a shop owner in the shopping district, a local producer, or a regular at a neighborhood izakaya, new encounters seem to happen wherever you go. Walking through town with Kanae Nakajima and Koji Mikumo opens doors to conversations and connections that most travelers would never experience on their own.

In the evenings, you’ll share drinks with local residents at izakaya pubs and standing bars. Before long, you may find yourself chatting with the person sitting next to you, exchanging stories, and perhaps even deciding to visit one more place together.

The memories that stay with us after a journey are not always the famous sights or the meals we enjoyed. More often, they are the conversations we shared, the people we met, and the moments of laughter around the same table.

The connections that Kanae and Koji make possible are what make this journey truly special. Through the people of Nakatsu, you’ll discover a side of Japan that can’t be found in guidebooks.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Discover Everyday Nakatsu with Kanae

Your journey begins in Nakatsu, where you’ll be welcomed by Kanae Nakajima, owner of TATEYA.Glocally HOTEL and one of the people helping shape a new generation of local tourism in the city.

Together, you’ll explore Nakatsu beyond its famous landmarks. Stroll through the historic castle town, visit sites connected to Yukichi Fukuzawa, wander shopping streets and hidden alleyways, and stop by cafés, shops, and local favorites that reflect everyday life in the community.

The pace and route are flexible, allowing Kanae to tailor the experience based on the season, weather, and your interests.

In the afternoon, you’ll check in to TATEYA.Glocally HOTEL, a unique accommodation designed to connect travelers with the local community.

As evening approaches, it’s time to experience Nakatsu’s social side. Join Kanae, Koji Mikumo, and local residents for an evening of food, drinks, and conversation. Enjoy Nakatsu’s famous karaage, share stories with locals, and explore neighborhood izakaya pubs, standing bars, and hidden local hangouts.

The destination is never completely fixed. The best nights often unfold naturally through the people you meet along the way.

Day 2: Explore Yabakei and Yamakuni with Koji

After breakfast, you’ll head into the mountains with Koji Mikumo, a forester, regional producer, and lifelong resident of the area.

This is not simply a sightseeing tour. Instead, you’ll discover the people, industries, and landscapes that shape life in Yabakei and Yamakuni today.

Along the way, you’ll visit some of the region’s most celebrated scenery, including dramatic rock formations and valley landscapes that have made Yabakei famous throughout Japan. More importantly, you’ll meet the people who live and work here.

Visit local entrepreneurs developing new tourism experiences, learn how regional resources are being transformed into opportunities for the future, and meet producers who continue to sustain the area’s agricultural and forestry traditions.

You’ll also visit a local black pork farm, stop at a beloved countryside karaage shop, and meet a local hunter to learn about wildlife, game cuisine, and the challenges of maintaining life in Japan’s satoyama landscapes.

By the end of the day, you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of Yabakei and Yamakuni, not only through the scenery, but through the people whose lives are intertwined with it.

The tour concludes at Nakatsu Station in the late afternoon.

Notes

• This is a sample itinerary and may change depending on the season, weather, and availability of local hosts.
• As a private and customizable experience, the itinerary can be tailored to your interests and travel schedule.
• Specific locations, activities, and timing may vary based on local conditions.

Practical Information

Travel Period	Available year-round
Price	From ¥220,000 per person (based on 2 participants) Special rates are available for groups of 3–6 guests. Please contact us for details.
What’s Included	・One night’s accommodation ・Meals (1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner) ・All experience and activity fees listed in the itinerary ・Travel accident insurance
Not Included	・Personal expenses ・Additional food, beverages, or purchases not specified in the itinerary
Meeting Point	JR Nakatsu Station
Group Size	Minimum: 2 guests Maximum: 6 guests
What to Wear	Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor activities.
What to Bring	No special equipment required.
Accommodation	TATEYA.Glocally HOTEL (Twin-share accommodation)
Booking Deadline	Bookings must be made at least 20 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy	20–11 days before departure: 20% of the tour price 10–1 days before departure: 50% of the tour price Same-day cancellation or no-show: 100% of the tour price
Payment	Credit card (Visa and Mastercard) Detailed payment instructions will be provided after booking.
Additional Information	Detailed travel information will be provided after your booking request has been confirmed. As this is a customized journey, the itinerary and host availability may vary depending on the season and local circumstances.