Ryokan Matsunoi

We'd stayed in Karatsu many times, but this was our first visit to this inn, and the hospitality left such an impression that we want to return. My husband was given a commemorative chopstick rest for his birthday, which was very kind. The historic building was spotless, and the small bath was clean and relaxing. The landlady and waitresses were elderly, but attentive and quick, just as you'd expect at a long-established inn. Dinner came to our room. It wasn't flashy, but the flavors of the ingredients came through so well that I ate everything. The local rice was sweet enough to enjoy with just salt. Dessert was mildly sweet yogurt with strawberries and pears, a refreshing finish. Breakfast in the dining hall was just as memorable: hot tofu from a local shop, homemade dressing, dried baby sardines with sansho pepper, and dried barracuda were all delicious. The grilled rice balls with ochazuke (tea porcelain) and salted sea urchin were light and easy to eat, and I had more rice afterward. The food was served on Karatsu ware from various potteries, which I enjoyed.

The waitresses were so pleasant, and you could feel the appeal of a long-established inn. Each dish seemed carefully made by skilled artisans, and the elegant meal was served on a lovely collection of exquisite Karatsu ware. The whole place has a thoughtful, attentive atmosphere.

We came to Karatsu City for the first time at the end of last summer, hoping to eat plenty of fish, but a new infection-prevention ordinance had just been issued. There were cancellations, and only two other groups were there that day. Most attractions were closed, so we couldn't visit Karatsu Castle. With no tourists around, we watched the nearby ocean and walked on the beach, then relaxed in our room. The inn's tableware was mostly Karatsu ware. When I asked for a coffee cup, they brought out beautiful cups and plates, and all the dishes we ate from were Karatsu ware. I was surprised to learn some pieces were 70 years old, carefully used and repaired with gold. We usually use porcelain at home and rarely eat from earthenware, so it was fun to take in each dish as it arrived. The dish served with the rice was porcelain with a blue-and-white finish, which made me wonder if they should have been more consistent. It must have been hard for the waiters. Even the sink was Karatsu ware. Thank you for explaining the dishes! We had fried live squid sashimi, something we knew we'd eaten ＼(^o^)／ and probably wouldn't see at a specialty restaurant. The simmered red snapper was delicious, and we ate it all. The meal was fairly standard, but the portion was just right, neither too much nor too little. Breakfast the next morning was beautifully presented and well prepared, the best inn breakfast I've had. As we left, staff saw us off until our car turned the corner. I almost felt bad for them, but their hospitality really touched me. I'd love to come back in another season (^^).

The squid sashimi was especially excellent, and every dish was carefully prepared. We were very happy with both dinner and breakfast. The inn is quiet, near Rainbow Pine Grove, and looks out toward Karatsu Castle. Staff were attentive throughout. The bath isn't a hot spring, apparently, but it was small and relaxing. I'd happily stay here again on another visit to Karatsu.