The history of Mizuno Ryokan
(since 1953)

Our resort was originally a villa of a paper wholesaler in town. Operating with creative and innovative ideas since our establishment, we have set a huge corf in our resort as the very pioneer in Japan. Now, let’s take a deeper look at the history of Mizuno Ryokan.

With history and thoughts passed down from our respectful ancestors

Karatsu Castle
A tranquil castle by the sea
A tasteful castle town

Our samurai residence gate was relocated from the Nagoya Castle built 400 years ago. The quaint gateway awaits- a resort for an indulgence in the fresh seafood of the Genkai Sea and incredible sea views of Karatsu Bay. Also let Karatsu ware in our pure Japanese-style rooms calm your heart.
Our resort is located in the tasteful coastal castle town at the feet of the magnificent Karatsu Castle up on a hill. Visiting spots such as the Takatori Residence and Nijino Matsubara pine forest, along with many other awesome tourist hotspots are within reach.

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History

Resembling the quaint expression 400 years ago
Samurai residence gate

Mizuno Gate (samurai residence gate) is designated as a tangible cultural property in Japan

Mizuno Gate (samurai residence gate) is designated as a tangible cultural property in Japan
Kampuutei (yurinoma) is designated as a tangible cultural property in Japan

Set up the first corf ever in Karatsu town by pumping offshore seawater

The creation of first corf ever in Karatsu town by pumping offshore seawater in 1961 is a huge breakthrough from the common belief that “no corf can be set in Karatsu”. All are for providing the freshest seafood for our guests.

Corf
“Tonsan Namasu” (sashimi for the lord)

The story of “Tonsan Namasu” (literally “sashimi for the lord”) began when Hideyoshi Toyotomi stopped by a fisherman's town near Karatsu and be overjoyed by the sashimi.

Spear squid sashimi

Karatsu’s specialty- “spear squid sashimi”, followed by squid tempura, squid grills with salt or squid in vinegar miso.

Mizuno Ryokan’s timeline

  • 1953
    Establishment
  • 1961
    First corf ever in Karatsu
  • 1970
    Selected as the filming location of a TV drama
  • 1973
    Completion of the Mizuno gate
  • 1981
    Completion of main block
  • 1982
    New corf
  • 1996
    Inauguration of our 2nd president
  • 2003
    Awarded as “Soy sauce master”
  • 2003
    Refurbishment of the Mizuno beach
  • 2004
    Completion of the refurbishment of the cypress inner bath of “Himenoma”
  • 2017
    “Kanputei” (Yurinoma) and its gate were designated as tangible cultural properties in Japan
  • 2017
    Selected as a movie filming location
  • 2022
    Castle Side Villa Namishizuka open
  • 2023
    Inauguration of our 3nd president

  • 1953,Establishment

  • 1961,First corf ever in Karatsu

  • 1970,Selected as the filming location of
    a TV drama

  • 1981,Completion of the Mizuno gate

  • 1981,Completion of main block

  • 1982,New corf

  • 1996,Inauguration of our 2nd president

  • 2003,Awarded as “Soy sauce master”

  • 2003,Refurbishment of the Mizuno beach

  • 2004,Completion of the refurbishment of the cypress inner bath of “Himenoma”

  • 2017,“Kanputei” (Yurinoma) and its gate were designated as tangible cultural properties in Japan

  • 2017,Selected as a movie filming location

  • 2022,Grand opening of Indulge in Namishizuka, our castle side villa (rental vacation house)

  • 2023,Inauguration of our 3nd president

All for the pursuit of wonderful journey of our guests

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People

Hospitality
polished up in 70 years of history in Karatsu

With the first corf ever in Karatsu and the Mizuno gate, our signature, we always aim to pursue the better through trials and errors since our establishment.

We have been selected as the filming location for TV dramas and movies. We have become widely known when our 2nd president (\our current president) was awarded “Soy sauce master”. We are pleased to have guests from almost every part of Japan, including a lot of celebrities.

Led by our president, chairman, landlady, and landlady Jr., our team is united for the best service. It’s our honor to serve with hospitality passed down since our establishment.

Our team

PresidentMitsuru Tachibana
Landlady Jr.Chie Tachibana
LandladyFumiko Tachibana
ChairmanKenichiro Tachibana