Travel / Tourism Spots in Saga Area

  • Karatsu Castle (Maizuru-jo “Dancing Crane Castle”)
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    4.0
    493 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Higashijounai 8-1
    This is a castle which could also be called a symbol of Karatsu, located in the northern part of Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Terazawa Hirotaka, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, spent seven years to build this castle. The inner citadel sits on Mt. Mitsushima which projects out into Karatsu Bay, while the outer citadel is on the west bank and the third citadel leads to a renkaku style flatland mountain castle. The inner citadel has now been turned into Maizuru Park, and also you can see the superb views of Matsuura Bay from that observation point, the current castle keep which was completed in 1966.

    We planned for a trip to Karatsu since 2019 bit was put on hold due to the pandemic.. Finally all cleared and we find ourself on the way from Meinohamma sta. That’s another 60+ mins ride over 20...

  • Yoshinogari Historical Park
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    4.0
    352 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Kanzakigunyoshinogarichou Tade 1843
    These are the ruins of a large-scale moat encircled settlement from the Yayoi period and are located on the Yoshinogari hills. This historic park is made up of National land and Prefectural land

    The Yoshinogari site is the largest archaeological site of the Yayoi era found in Japan to date. The Yayoi era is the period following the Jomon era until the Tumulus era represented by the large...

  • Saga Castle History Museum
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    4.5
    240 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Saga Pref. Sagashi Jounai 2-18-1
    Located on the site of Saga Castle, this history museum faithfully creates a portion of the castle’s inner palace. The first ever recreation in Japan of a castle’s inner palace, it is also one of the largest recreated wooden structures in the country. Inside, under the theme of Saga at the end of the Edo period and during the Meiji restoration, the museum presents information on the restoration of Saga Castle, the feats of Saga Domain personages during this time period, and the development of science and technology. The museum is filled with fun things to see and do, even for children—visitors can experience what the palace once looked like using 3D screens, there’s a quiz corner, and a station where museumgoers can try on period clothing.

    If you are in somewhere in Kyushu and near Saga, stop for a visit to the Saga Castle museum. Audio tours in English and other languages are available and its free too. There are several fun...

  • Takeo-jinja Shrine (The Great Takeo Camphor Tree)
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    4.5
    124 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Takeoshi Takeochou Takeo 5327
    This towering camphor tree is on the grounds of Takeo-jinja Shrine in Saga Prefecture. Follow the small path from the main hall through the bamboo grove and you'll find it. The seventh largest tree in Japan, it's 30 meters tall, 20 meters in diameter, and the branches spread for over 30 meters. The trunk is hollow, and the inside covers about 20 square meters. It's said to be 3,000 years old, and it's paid special respect as the shrine's sacred tree. A Shinto god known as Tenjin is enshrined in the cavity.

    Visited Takeo onsen temple and came across this giant tree. Nothing too impressive honestly it just a tree. One would probably spend 5 minutes to take a photo before headed to another spot. Can omit...

  • Yobuko Ohashi Bridge
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    4.0
    125 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Prefecture Yotsukocho, Karatsu

    平戸に行った帰りにイカを食べたくて呼子に来た際に通りました。天気がよかったため眺めもよくて、きれいでした。

  • The Former Takatori Residence
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    4.5
    128 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Kitajounai 5-40
    This is the mansion built as a home and for welcoming guests by the coal mine (including Kishima Coal Mine) baron, Koreyoshi Takatori. There are two large buildings on a vast plot of land of about 7613 square meters. It has modern Japanese-style building architecture with a combination of Western style rooms while also still having Japanese style as a keynote. A must-see is the reception hall for the Noh stage and 72 “Sugido-e” (painting on cedar-board doors) paintings by the painter of the Kyoto Shijyo Faction, Koho Mizuno. You can have a good tour of the mansion as there are also always tour guides stationed here. In 1998, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

    A visit to the Former Takatori Residence is an absolute must. It provides a true impression of how a wealthy Japanese businessman lived 100 years ago. The rooms are incredible, with 72 beautifully...

  • Hoto-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    114 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Takashima 523
    Visited by great throngs of people seeking luck due to this Shinto shrine’s name, which means “to strike upon treasure,” the numerous winners of large lottery prizes who attribute their good fortune to the shrine has resulted in it become famous almost overnight as the “lottery-winning shrine.” Today, the shrine is visited by some 200 thousand people annually. A reservation is required to engage in go-kitou (a prayer ceremony). The shrine’s Hitto-mamori (which provides luck with winning in games of chance and other situations) and other charms are also popular souvenirs.

    唐津湾に浮かぶ高島に鎮座する神社です。神社の名前から宝くじが当たるご利益があると有名で、宝くじが販売されると大勢の方がお参りに来られるそうです。なお、元々は島を海賊から守った野崎隠岐守綱吉公を祀った神社なので、宝くじは何の関係もありません。『宝当』と名付けたのも当島(高島)の宝、という意味で付けたものです。 境内は小ぢんまりしていて、拝殿と本殿が一体になったお社と社務所、藤棚がある程度です。お社も...

  • Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum
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    4.0
    100 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Chinzeimachinagoya 1931-3
    A museum situated along National Route 204 in Nagoya, Chinzei-machi, Karatsu City. The museum's standing exhibition looks at the history of exchange between the Japanese archipelago and the Korean peninsula, exploring Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasions at 1592 and 1598 as well as Saga's involvement with the Korean delegations to Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The museum also displays artefacts exhumed during excavations of the Special Historic Site-designated Nagoya Castle Ruins and Encampment Sites. Visitors can also walk the ruins of the castle and see what Nagoya Castle looked like in its glory using a tablet computer and computer generated graphics.

    肥前名護屋城跡に建てられている県立の博物館です。常設展示は無料で公開されていますが、無料とは思えないほどの充実ぶりでした。 展示内容は名護屋城のジオラマや豊臣秀吉公による朝鮮征伐前後と、江戸から近代にかけての国内と朝鮮半島の資料が展示されています。また、復元ではありますが秀吉公の黄金の茶室が再現されており、そちらも無料で見学できます。 私自身が歴史好きなこともありますが、資料はどれも見応えのあるも...

  • Roadside Station Tara
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    4.0
    73 Reviews
    Transportation
    Saga Pref. Fujitsuguntarachou Ifuku Kou 3488-2
    "A roadside station situated along National Route 207 in Ifuku Ko, Tara Town, Fujitsu County, Saga Prefecture. At the ""Tarafukukan"" farrmers market and local specialty products shop, visitors can purchase fresh, local vegetables, Tara mikan mandarin oranges, and other agricultural products; seafood from the Ariake Sea; and eggs from farms on the Taradake Highland. The station also sells medicinal herb ice cream, Saga beef croquettes, and other prepared foods. The Tajima ham sold here has received high praise in international competitions."

    竹崎蟹の1番高いのを嫁が奮発して買ってくれました。 ただ無知なので夏なのにメス蟹買わされて来まして中はスカスカ味は最低。 凄く残念… 最低な商売してます。 知らない人に売る時にプロとして恥ずかしくないですか? 売れ残りが無くなったから良かったですか? 夏はオスだと分かりきってるのに。

  • Karatsu Shrine
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    4.0
    98 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Minamijounai 3-13
    A Shinto shrine located in Minamijonai, Karatsu City. Records state this ancient shrine was established in the distant Nara period. Famous for the Karatsu Kunchi, a large autumn festival held each year from November 2 through 4, many tourists come to watch the festival parade consisting of 14 colorful traditional floats. This festival has also been designated a National Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property.

    The Shrine is a 20 mins walk from the JR station. It was a Monday early afternoon and good weather as we strolled along Karsatu streets otw to 唐津神社, chill & relaxing. Records stated that the ancient...

  • The Arita Ceramics Sato Plaza Arita-ware Wholesale Area
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    4.0
    87 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Nishimatsuragunaritachou Akasaka Hiei 2351-170
    This Arita ware specialist shopping mall deals in all kinds of porcelain, from daily use to business to gifts and fine art. In a 6,600 square meter facility, 22 shops are lined side-by-side along a 200-meter central road. Here one can enjoy a relaxing shopping experience, or take a break at a rest stop or restaurant. As the whole building is barrier-free, both wheelchairs and baby strollers are easy to use.

    Best place to see different types of ceramics made by different companies. Affordable also. An exhibition of different, but amazing porcelains. Some with the little spots or smudge will be sold much...

  • SAGA PREF. SPACE and SCIENCE MUSEUM
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    4.0
    77 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Saga Pref. Takeoshi Takeochou Nagashima 16351
    This is a science museum where one can learn and do activities related to the nature and history of Saga, as well as the evolution of the Earth, stars and space. It is divided into the permanent exhibits “Earth Discovery Zone,” “Space Discovery Zone,” and “Saga Discovery Zone,” with workshops, activities, and exhibits to experience including the “space trainer” used by real astronauts. The planetarium holds shows aimed at infants, families and the general public, and there is an astronomical observation meeting every Saturday evening. It is a facility where one can enjoy learning from many different angles.

    春休み期間中でしたが、平日のため? コロナの影響のため? 思ったほど人の入りは多くありませんでした。 身体を使って遊ぶタイプや化石などを学ぶタイプのブースがあって、楽しめました。 大人でも勉強になりますよ。 男性トイレの中には、あの名言が……。

  • Saga-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    85 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Sagashi Matsubara 2-10-43
    "Located around 25 minutes' drive from the Saga Yamato Interchange of the Nagasaki Expressway, Saga-jinja Shrine is dedicated to Nabeshima Naomasa, the 10th lord of the Saga domain, and Nabeshima Naohiro, the 11th lord. Nabeshima Naomasa created Japan's first reverberatory furnace for use in manufacturing large cannon, and is famous for his contribution towards ending Japan's self-isolation from the world in the early modern era; in recognition of his achievements, Saga-jinja Shrine was designated as an Imperial Shrine of Special Status. He has been deified as a god of culture, transportation and learning. It is said that if you pray at all eight individual shrines located within Saga-jinja Shrine's precincts, starting with Matsubara Shrine that is dedicated to the Nabeshima family's ancestors, then your wish will come true. At midnight on New Year's Day morning, a ""Cannon Salute Ceremony"" is held at which a historic cannon is fired eight times to mark the New Year."

    This Shinto shrine, located near Saga prefecture office, is dedicated to Nabeshima family, leader of Samurais, which governed Saga area before Meiji restoration. Like many other shrines, the entrance...

  • Sueyama Jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    72 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Nishimatsuura-gun Aritacho Odaru 2-5-1
    A shrine located in Odaru 2-Chome, Arita Town, Nishimatsuura County. The main venerated deity is Emperor Ojin. The founder of the Saga clan, Naoshige Nabeshima, and the originator of Arita ware, Yi Sam-pyeong, are also venerated here. It is also held as the god of pottery, and the grounds are spotted with pottery, primarily the komainu statues and big torii gate, which are both porcelain. Arita ware charms are also available for purchase.

    Tozan shrine, located on the top of a small hill, is dedicated to a god of creating ceramics. To climb stairs is tiresome, but it is worth visiting. It is remarkable that Torii gate and Komainu are...

  • YUTOKU-INARI Shrine
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    4.0
    7 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Kashima-shi Furueda-otsu 1855
    "A Shinto shrine located in Furueda Otsu, Kashima City. Counted as one of the three great Inari shrines alongside Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki, this Shinto shrine is dedicated primarily to Ukanomitama no okami, Omiyanome no okami, and Sarutahiko no okami. A guardian shrine of the life necessities of food, clothing, and shelter, the shrine is visited by some 3 million people annually. Due to its extravagantly adorned structure, the shrine is also known as the ""Nikko of West Japan"". The shrine's inner sanctuary stands beyond a series of crimson lacquered torii gates."

    祐徳稲荷神社は、谷の部分に駐車場があって、神社の社殿は、山に沿って建てられています。豪華なつくりの楼門は谷の部分にありますが、本殿は、石段を上った先にありました。さらに、たくさんの鳥居が並ぶ急な坂を上った頂上に、奥の院がありました。標高差はかなりあるので、頂上まではなかなかハードです。 頂上にある奥の院は小さな祠で、そのお社の前の鳥居には「奥の院命婦社」と書かれていました。山の中腹にあった命婦...

  • Roadside Station Kashima
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    4.0
    52 Reviews
    Transportation
    Saga Pref. Kashimashi Otonari Case 4427-6
    "A roadside station situated along National Route 207 in Otonari Kabuto, Kashima City. There's a farmer's market selling local agricultural and marine products as well as a sports park with a gymnasium and pool. Facing the tidal flats of the Ariake Sea, visitors can also get a sweeping view of the flats from the station's observatory and the station offers a Tanajibu local traditional fishing class and a class on the natural environment of the tidal flats. The annual ""Kashima Gatalympics"" are also held here."

    祐徳稲荷神社から、鹿島市の町はずれを通って島原半島へと向かう途中に、道の駅鹿島に立ち寄りました。 お目当ては、酒どころ、鹿島のお酒です。鹿島市には、肥前浜宿という地域があって、そこには酒蔵が建ち並んでいる酒蔵通りがあるんです。道の駅の館内には、私たちのもくろみ通り、肥前浜宿のお酒が並んでいるコーナーがありました。いままで飲んだことのない銘柄2本を購入しました。 建物の海側に行ってみると、有明...

  • Roadside Station Imari
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    3.5
    51 Reviews
    Transportation
    Saga Pref. Imarishi Minamihatachou Ideno 2754-9
    "A roadside station situated along National Route 202 in Ideno Minamihata-cho, Imari City. Facilities include a local specialty products hall which sells fresh, local fruits and vegetables and local products; a farmer's market selling Imari beef; and ""Yakiniku no Mori"", an Imari beef specialty barbecue corner. An adjoining restaurant serves set meals, rice bowls, and other dishes made with Imari beef and seasonal vegetables."

    伊万里牛のステーキを提供するレストラン、焼き肉屋、精肉販売所などがあります。大きな黒牛のオブジェもありました。また、梨が特産ということで、ジャンボな梨のほか、梨チップスや梨ドレッシングなど関連商品が並んでいました。

  • Imari Nabeshima Pottery Gallery
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    4.0
    30 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Imari Okawachicho Otsu 1806
    "This pottery town showcases ""Nabeshima porcelain"". In 1675, the Nabeshima clan relocated a pottery kiln from Arita to Okawachiyama, and many kilns were created there. At the time, the technique of firing glazed porcelain in a high temperature kiln was kept secret, and for that reason, the Nabeshima feudal clan established checkpoints to strictly control the entrances and exits of Okawachiyama. Even today traces of the old town and checkpoints remain scattered around the city. Many potters still produce pottery and visitors can observe kilns and purchase ceramic wares."

    伊万里焼の窯元が集まる大川内鍋島窯跡にある伊万里鍋島焼会館 軽食・喫茶コーナーです。 伊万里牛すじカレーを頂きました。 1300円のドリンク付きセットをオーダー。カレーにはトロトロの牛スジがたっぷりで、程よいスパイスのカレーと良く合います。ホットコーヒーも美味しかったです。 器は伊万里焼きが使われており、伊万里で伊万里牛を伊万里焼きで頂けて良かったです。

  • Mitsuse Le Vert Donguri Village
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    4.0
    53 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Sagashi Mitsusemurayuzuriha 2234-67
    This is a theme park with the feel of a southern French village, where one can enjoy bountiful nature and contact with animals. On the huge site there are cattle barns and pastures, a small animals building where one can pet hamsters and chipmunks, as well as restaurants, a wine shop and a souvenir shop. There is also a wealth of activities on offer including cow-milking, horse riding, and caramel and wiener-making, making it a great place to spend time and have fun.

    地元の家族連れの方がメインの観光スポットと言えます。散策を楽しむ事もできますが、お子様が多くにぎわっておりました。

  • Kunenan
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    4.0
    65 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Kanzakishi Kanzakimachikuha
    "A National Place of Scenic Beauty located in Ikuwa, Kanzaki-machi, Kanzaki City. The site consists of a garden and a villa which was built by Saga businessman Yataro Itami in 1892. Its name literally means the ""Nine Year Hermitage,"" a reference to the nine years it took to complete the garden. The site is opened to the general public each year in the fresh verdure of spring and the autumn foliage of fall."

    When you are in Fukuoka/Hakata in autumn, be sure to visit the villa at Kunanen Garden if the timing is right. The garden and villa are open only 9 days in the autumn so you have to check online to...

Saga Areas

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Away from the fast-paced cities of mainland Japan, Kyushu’s Saga prefecture offers quaint towns and cities known for their traditional crafts, particularly ceramics. Rich in kaolin (a type of clay), Saga became the homeland of Arita ware, a delicate, decorative porcelain that is now celebrated worldwide and can be discovered in the towns of Arita, Imari, and Karatsu.

Saga Photo Album

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