Sandwiched between Fukuoka and Nagasaki on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, Saga offers an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience for visitors who are looking to venture beyond the hotspots of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka – everything you’ve dreamed of for your next Japan adventure, all in one remarkable place.
A coastal prefecture dotted with islets and facing the Korean Peninsula, Saga was once a key trading center and home to many of Japan’s pottery tradition. Explore ancient settlements, majestic castles and soothing hot springs. Indulge in the rich flavours of Saga beef, savour the region’s famed saké and discover artisanal ceramics.
Located in Kyushu’s northwest, Saga offers plenty of natural wonders, history and artistry. It’s famous for being the birthplace of ceramics in Japan, chiefly in the historic pottery towns of Karatsu, Arita and Imari, and has been influenced by Chinese and Korean culture. The Saga Castle History Museum and Karatsu Castle hint at Saga’s feudal past, while natural attractions include the sea caves of Karatsu, and Rainbow Pine Grove, a Japanese black pine forest stretching five kilometers from east to west along Karatsu Bay. Hot spring areas include Takeo Onsen and Ureshino Onsen, prime spots for mental and physical relaxation.
Karatsu Kunchi Festival – a festival of massive floats to celebrate autumn
Karatsu in Saga Prefecture has been holding an autumn festival to celebrate bountiful harvests since the Edo period (1603-1867). The Karatsu Kunchi Festival is a massive three-day parade at the beginning of November featuring huge floats known as hikiyama toured through town and eventually from Karatsu Shrine to Nishino Beach.
The floats are impressive designs ranging from samurai helmets to mythical sea creatures and dragons. There are 14 in total, and the Karatsu Kunchi floats have been designated UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The event takes place at the same time as the Saga International Balloon Fiesta.
Yoshinogari Historical Park – a glimpse of a Japan you never knew existed
One of the most fascinating historical sites in the country, Yoshinogari Historical Park takes visitors to a Japan before Tokyo, tea ceremonies and Kabuki theater. The sites in Yoshinogari Historical Park have been preserved for future use as a nationally-managed park.
An opportunity to learn more about the prehistory of Japan, with reconstructions of prehistoric (Yayoi) Japan, interactive workshops that teach ancient techniques using fire and stone, and an exhibition room that displays various aspects of Yayoi prehistoric culture.
Ureshino Onsen – soak in a tea bath at Warakuen
Renowned for its sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride-rich waters, Ureshino Onsen is celebrated as one of Japan’s top hot springs for pampering your skin.
Ureshino is also one of Japan’s oldest tea-producing regions, with hillsides cloaked in thriving green tea fields.
Experience the heavenly combination of hot springs and green tea by soaking in a tea bath at Warakuen, a traditional hot spring inn that welcomes day visitors.
Cool down afterwards at Music Bar Oomuraya, which houses a collection of some 3,000 vinyl records and offers a drinks menu featuring Ureshino-cha Beer – a matcha-infused green beer.
