Arrive in Karatsu, a coastal castle town in Saga Prefecture facing the Genkai Sea, long known as a gateway between Japan and the Asian continent. Meet your guide at the starting point and get an immediate sense of how the evening will unfold — on foot, through streets where locals actually drink.

Head to the first bar, where you order, settle in, and get a feel for the venue before moving on. Each of the three stops sits within walking distance of the last, taking you through different pockets of Karatsu’s drinking district — from casual standing bars to intimate counter seats.

Decide what to order at each venue, with your guide on hand to help you navigate the menu and make the most of what each place offers. By the final stop, move through three distinct corners of Karatsu’s bar scene, try drinks and dishes you chose yourself, and spend an evening the way locals do.

Wrap up naturally after the third venue, leaving you with a grounded sense of the town’s nightlife and a few spots you can return to on your own.