Former Karatsu Bank

Former Karatsu Bank was founded in 1885 (Meiji 18), and the current building was completed in 1912 (Meiji 45). The project was overseen by architect Kingo Tatsuno (an engineering doctor who had taught at the Karatsu Domain English School and was connected to Korekiyo Takahashi and Kotaro Oshima). Design was handled by Minoru Tanaka of Shimizu-gumi, a disciple of Tatsuno, and decorations were undertaken by Kyoto Takashimaya. The architectural style is the “Tatsuno style,” which incorporates elements of the Victorian style Tatsuno encountered during his studies in the UK, adapted into a Japanese context. Typical features include red brick with white granite accents and a roof topped with small towers or domes. The building served as a bank for 85 years, from 1912 to 1997, and is now designated an Important Cultural Property of Saga Prefecture. Access: by car, it is about 30 minutes from Taku IC (Nagasaki Expressway), or about 20 minutes from the Nijo–Hamatama Bypass; also about 15 minutes from Karatsu IC (Nishi-Kyushu Expressway). By public transportation, it is a 10-minute walk from JR Karatsu Station, and about a 5-minute walk from Karatsu Oteguchi Bus Center.