Takatori House

Former Takatori Residence is the mansion of Takatori Koreyoshi, known as the owner of coal mines such as the Kishima Coal Mine, and it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Built in 1905 (Meiji 38) for use as both a private home and a guest residence, it showcases the pinnacle of Meiji-era building culture and techniques: a Noh stage with wooden flooring, ranma transoms decorated with animals and plants, and cloisonné door fittings, among many highlights. The cedar sliding-door paintings inside are said to have been completed by craftsmen brought from Kyoto who lived on-site. The property includes spaces for guests, the owner, the family, and servants; there was even a villa for wine within the grounds—revealing the wealth of a Meiji-era “coal king” merchant. Access: by public transportation, it is about a 15-minute walk from JR Karatsu Station; by bus, about a 10-minute walk from Karatsu Bus Center. By car, it is about 15 minutes (about 8 km) from Karatsu Chijigakayamada IC on the Karatsu–Imari Road via Prefectural Route 320.