Escape to the charming castle town of Karatsu in eastern Saga Prefecture, a destination renowned for its pottery, festivals, historical buildings, and delicious seafood.
A short walk from Karatsu Station toward a residential area, you’ll discover CALALI, an old and chic building with a tiny door. Step inside to find a tranquil yet lively atmosphere, complete with a friendly owner and a mix of local and traveling customers.
What is CALALI like?
It is a unique, multi-functional space combining traditional Japanese charm with modern design. By day, this beautifully renovated machiya-style building serves as a cozy cafe, inviting guests to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. By night, a group of travelers can rent out the space as a vacation rental, experiencing traditional Japanese living firsthand. From time to time, it also transforms into a venue for different small events.
The Japanese culture is renowned for its sensitivity. It is reflected in the use of onomatopoeia to describe various sounds, including the pitter-patter of rain and the rustling of snowfall. The business’s name, CALALI, is derived from the sound of a lattice door being opened, exemplifying the careful consideration of every detail of the Japanese language and culture.
Built in 1878 as a drug wholesaler’s store-cum-private house, CALALI retains many of its original characteristics of the building, making it a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
Travel back in time to life in the Meiji Era
In this building, the craftsmen’s ingenuity and unique characteristics of a typical machiya-style building can be seen here and there.
One such feature is an extensible entrance which looks like a small sliding door. In fact, it can be opened wider to accommodate large loads, and there is a structure to raise and lower these items into the second-floor storage room without using stairs.
The building also boasts a hidden moon-viewing room above the corridor, which is positioned at the perfect angle for viewing and enjoying the full moon. Moreover, the construction of the building itself is a testament to the traditional method of timber framing, with wooden pillars and flat roofs cleverly designed to support each other for more than 100 years.
A living house
A closer look at the back of the guest room alcove shows that it still needs to be finished. However, it is not a defect but a nifty craftsman’s idea to leave room for growth and hope that the business will still thrive in the future. The old pine wood used in the building is still breathing and producing sap, especially in the areas exposed to the air, more than a century after its construction.
The owner describes CALALI as “Calalida Familia”.
He is working on renovating the room as a new tea room and using his knowledge as a lighting professional to create a higher-quality space. Also, as an event space, it is used for a variety of events, from exhibitions and workshops to concerts and puppet shows.
The possibilities are infinite as the area is used flexibly according to the event’s concept, content, and scale.
Gallary
CALALI
- Official website
- 627, Egawamachi, Karatsu, Saga
- Free parking available
- Cash, Credit cards, and PayPay are acceptable.
- Open: 12pm to 6pm | Closed on Wednesdays
- Limited operations in every Jan and Feb. Check out the business days on Google or Instagram.
Sourced by CALALI
