Red Pig vs Black Pig! Limited-Time Stamina Menu Featuring Kyushu Brand Pork at Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort

Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort (Saga Prefecture, Karatsu City / General Manager: Eiichi Koyama), an all-inclusive resort hotel overlooking the 'Rainbow Pine Forest,' one of Japan's three great pine forests, and the sea, will offer a stamina-packed local menu from early summer through summer to help guests power through the hot season. As a 'red vs. black' pork showdown showcasing Kyushu's rich food culture, a juicy burger made with Kirishima Olive Red Pig and a luxurious rice bowl generously using Kagoshima Black Pig will appear at the breakfast buffet restaurant. This is a limited-time gourmet event where guests can enjoy comparing the two.

Background

Kyushu has a unique food culture rooted in each region. The Kirishima Olive Red Pig and Kagoshima Black Pig used this time are known as representative brand pigs of Southern Kyushu, characterized by their rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Furthermore, pork contains about 10 times more vitamin B1 than beef, which converts carbohydrates into energy and breaks down fatigue substances, making it an ideal ingredient for summer stamina replenishment. (*1) For the hot summer ahead, we have combined Kirishima Olive Red Pig and Kagoshima Black Pig with Karatsu soy sauce and locally sourced vegetables to create a Red Pig Burger and a Black Pig Rice Bowl.

These dishes can be compared at the breakfast buffet and are enjoyable for a wide range of ages, from adults to children. For family trips during summer vacation, we propose a dining experience that allows guests to enjoy menus using local ingredients while replenishing their stamina for summer.

*1 Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Burger Using Kirishima Olive Red Pig

A Red Pig Burger using Kirishima Olive Red Pig belly, slowly simmered with a chef's original seasoning based on Karatsu soy sauce and ketchup. The flavorful red pig slices and crispy hash browns are sandwiched between fragrantly grilled buns. Furthermore, by combining a tartar sauce made with Saga Prefecture's Shiraishi lotus root, it adds an accent of texture and flavor, allowing you to fully enjoy the richness of the red pig while maintaining a gentle taste that is not too heavy for breakfast. This is a dish that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, regardless of age or gender.

About Kirishima Olive Red Pig

The Kirishima Olive Red Pig used this time is a rare purebred Duroc breed raised around Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Unlike common three-way crossbred pigs, it has a strong red meat flavor and combines tenderness with marbling. It is also characterized by being rich in oleic acid, thanks to feed containing olive meal and seaweed. It is also called the 'phantom red pig' and is a high-quality Kyushu brand meat. (*2)

*2 Source: Kirishima Olive Red Pig

Rice Bowl Dish Finished with Sweet and Savory Sauce Using Kagoshima Black Pig

A Black Pig Rice Bowl using Kagoshima Black Pig belly, slowly simmered based on Karatsu soy sauce. Sliced black pork is combined with Karatsu-grown carrots and Kyushu-grown onions, carefully finished by slowly coating them with the chef's special sweet and savory sauce.

It is served in a style where guests can help themselves to their preferred amount on a bed of fluffy rice. This is a luxurious black pork rice bowl that allows you to savor a melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep flavor.

About Kagoshima Black Pig

Kagoshima Black Pig is a representative brand pig of Kagoshima, a symbolic ingredient of Kyushu with a history of about 400 years. It is a breed improved from the Berkshire, raised on feed including sweet potatoes, and is characterized by the sweetness of its fat and its crisp texture. It is strongly tied to the local cuisine culture of Southern Kyushu. (*3)

*3 Source: What is Kagoshima Black Pig? | Kagoshima Prefecture Black Pig Producers Association

[Offering Period] Until Wednesday, September 30, 2026

[Offering Time] 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM (Last entry at 9:00 AM)

[Location] Buffet Restaurant 'Locavore'

[Price] Included in the all-inclusive plan

[Notes] Ingredients, production areas, and offering period are subject to change depending on procurement conditions.

About Karatsu Local Menu

Summer Marche Cuisine to be Offered from May at Dinner & Breakfast Buffet

Exciting Summer Buffet themed 'World Street Food' Add-your-own-spice corner where you can adjust spiciness and flavor Signature menu offered year-round

Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort & Spa celebrated its 2nd anniversary on April 1, 2026. At the buffet restaurant 'Locavore', we will start offering new signature menus inspired by the concept 'Marche'. From May to October, following the two themes 'World Street Food' and 'Three Types of Authentic Curry', we will view early summer, midsummer, and late summer as a continuous 'summer season' and offer dishes that invigorate you by eating without succumbing to the heat. Enjoy them together with the local menu items, the Red Pig Burger and Black Pig Rice Bowl.

Details of the new concept/menu here

How to Enjoy Summer at 'Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort'

Pinecone shooting at Rainbow Pine Forest Treasure hunting in the sand of Rainbow Pine Forest using radio-controlled cars Enjoying table tennis on tatami mats

'Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort' is an all-inclusive resort hotel overlooking the Rainbow Pine Forest, one of Japan's three great pine forests, where approximately 1 million black pines grow over a total length of about 4.5 km, and the blue sea. It is located about 90 minutes by car from Saga Airport and about 90 minutes from Fukuoka City, the gateway to Kyushu, making it easily accessible whenever you feel like visiting.

This summer, we have prepared many in-house activities that families can enjoy. In the all-inclusive style, which includes the evening and breakfast buffet with seasonal dishes, as well as lounge access with alcoholic drinks and snacks, all included in the accommodation fee, the whole family can enjoy a carefree stay.

[Hotel Name] Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort

[Phone] 03-6627-4651 (Reservation Center)

[Price] All-inclusive from 22,500 yen per person per night (based on 2 people per room, tax and service charge included) *Some services are chargeable. Lunch is not provided.

[Details] https://mercure-sagakaratsu-resort.jp/

About Mercure

Inspired by the Roman god of travel, Mercury, Mercure Hotels have, since their founding in 1973, valued high-quality services that allow guests to deeply feel the charm of the region, not just as a place for a comfortable sleep. Through the 'Discover Local' program in Rio, Paris, Bangkok, and other locations worldwide, Mercure offers guests unique local experiences. From interior design to local cuisine and beverages, we provide spaces and hospitality where guests can experience the unique aspects of the area. Mercure Hotels operate over 1,000 hotels in more than 60 countries, including city centers, beaches, and mountain areas. Mercure is a member of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with over 5,800 properties in more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor, a booking platform and loyalty program offering various benefits, services, and experiences.

About Accor

Accor, headquartered in Paris, France, is a leading hospitality group operating over 5,800 hotels and residences and over 10,000 restaurants and bar facilities in more than 110 countries worldwide.