Immerse yourself in a captivating two-night celebration of Western spirits, enchanting melodies, and luminous displays at the historic Taisho-era Maizuru Manor in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture.
Nestled near the serene Karatsu Bay, Maizuru Manor’s garden serves as the magnificent stage for this exclusive event. As the sun dips below the horizon, guests will be treated to a visual symphony of light that transforms the garden into a twilight tableau. A curated selection of fine champagne, aged cognac, and artisanal cocktails will be offered. These libations are paired with exquisite chocolates, crafted specifically for this event by a renowned chocolatier, alongside a variety of amuse-bouche that perfectly complement the evening’s drinks.
Guiding the festivities are the esteemed Mr. Randall Makanaki (Max), the distinguished Hennessy brand ambassador, and Mr. Kazuyuki Higuchi, the illustrious owner and bartender of Nakasu’s renowned Bar Higuchi. The event will also feature soul-stirring live performances by the Fukuoka-based jazz ensemble ‘Jazz Glasses’ and a soundtrack of vinyl classics curated by Karatsu’s own jazz aficionado, Mr. Toshiaki Suzuki. Adding to the cultural tapestry, an exhibit of whimsical illustrations by Karatsu’s comedic talent, Mr. Ohoshintaro, and a showcase and sale of the famed Karatsu pottery at GALLERY Ichibankan will be available, further enriching this fusion of music and art.
This exceptional banquet is a rare opportunity to revel in the luxurious ambience and timeless charm of Karatsu—a city where history and traditional culture are not just remembered, but vibrantly alive.
BAR Maizuru Manor
– Dates: November 18 (Sat), November 19 (Sun), 2023
– Time: 16:30 to 20:00
– Price: ¥8,000 (advance reservation), ¥9,000 on the day (limited to the first 10 people each day)
– Location: Maizuru Manor
– Address: 6-29 Kitajonai, Karatsu City, Saga
– Contact: 090-6069-7986 / k.igaki@tsugito-kyushu.co.jp (Ms. Igaki of Tsugito Kyushu Co., Ltd.)
Included in the entrance fee are drinks and food:
Drinks (one of each)
– Veuve Clicquot (Champagne)
– Ruinart (Champagne)
– Hennessy X.O (Cognac)
– Cocktails – such as Moscow Mule and hot cocktails
Food (tentative)
– Chocolates paired exclusively with Veuve Clicquot
– Approximately seven types of amuse-bouche, including homemade smoked dishes like cheese and chicken, and pâté de campagne
– An assortment of snacks or sweets that pair well with alcohol
On the day, champagne, whiskey, cocktails, and food will also be available for purchase on a cash-on basis.
Related Event: Former Takatori Residence Night Tour
In conjunction with the Bar Maizuru Manor event, a night tour of the “Former Takatori Residence,” a national cultural property located opposite Maizuru Manor, will be held. The “Takatori Residence,” called the residence of the coal mining king Takatori Koreyoshi, has parts dating back to the Meiji period and is a modern Japanese-style building with a mix of Japanese and Western styles. The mansion has a Noh stage in the grand hall and is also known for its luxurious designs such as fusuma paintings and transoms. Normally closed in the evening, it will extend its hours for two days only for this special event, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique charms of the mansion at night, such as shadow pictures of the transoms projected on the walls.
Former Takatori Residence – Night Tour
– Dates: November 18 (Sat), November 19 (Sun), 2023
– Times: 17:30 to 18:00 / 18:30 to 19:00
– Price: ¥1,000 (reservation required, limited to the first 10 people per session)
– Location: Former Takatori Residence
– Address: 5-40 Kitajonai, Karatsu City, Saga
