A Journey to Karatsu to Trace the “Food” and “Livelihood” Brought to Us by the Genkainada Sea
A tour to feel the blessings of the Genkainada Sea, human activities, and their connection to the future
Long ago, the technology of rice cultivation was introduced to Karatsu along with people from the continent. Blessed with abundant water and land, Karatsu eventually developed into a land of flourishing rice cultivation.
In this trip, we will trace the story of the blessings of the Genkai Sea and the lives of its people, with “rice,” the root of Karatsu's food culture, as the main ingredient.
The story of the blessings of the Genkai Sea and the activities of the people of Karatsu will be the focus of this trip.
In Matsurokan, the birthplace of hydroponic rice cultivation, we will encounter ancient rice called “Akamai”. Red rice was once the staple food of the people of Karatsu, and over the years it has evolved into the white rice of today.
At Iroha-jima National Guest House, lunch is prepared using the rich ingredients of Karatsu.
How did rice become the staple food of the Japanese people and shape today's Japanese food culture?
The people of Karatsu have devised various ways to make rice more delicious. Fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea and vegetables grown on the Uwaba Plateau became the best “side dish” to complement the rice.
Thus, the Japanese food culture of combining “rice” and “side dishes” was born and has been handed down to the present day.
The second day of the tour started with the Yobuko morning market. At the lively market, experience the fresh seafood and local specialties with all your senses.
Then, board a boat from Yobuko Port to the Genkai Sea. Feel as the fishermen do and experience the majestic ocean.
At Karatsu Shrine, you will learn about the deep history of the area and the “Karatsu Kunchi,” an autumn festival to thank for a bountiful harvest and dedicate the harvest to the gods.
At the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, we will see the floats that decorate the Karatsu Kunchi festival. The heroic floats symbolize the gratitude of the people of Karatsu for their “rice” and their hope for the future.
We hope that through this journey, participants will be able to experience the roots of Karatsu's food culture, “rice,” the livelihood of the people who support it, and the gratitude expressed in “Karatsu Kunchi.
Now, let's embark on a journey to experience the story of Karatsu, the blessings of “rice” and “the sea” that have been passed down through the ages!