Looking to boost your luck? Begin your journey through Saga’s spiritual hotspots at Hoto Shrine, famous for bringing good fortune—maybe even a lottery win! After securing your limited-edition “goshuin” shrine stamp, indulge in a mesmerizing Nagasaki cruise and illumination show. Be sure to savor the stunning coastal views and sweets along the Omura Line.
Duration: 2 days with 1 overnight stay
Transportation: Train, Bus, Walking, Boat
Create Memories That Will Last a Lifetime! Discover Saga’s Best Train Experiences!
The “Futatsu Boshi 4047” is a sightseeing train that runs along the coastal route between JR Takeo Onsen and Nagasaki Station. It operates mainly on weekends and holidays, with one round trip per day, following different routes in the morning (Ariake Sea course) and the afternoon (Omura Bay course). While on board, immerse yourself in the scenic beauty outside, find comfort in the lounge, or sample regional specialties from the area. The train’s pearl metallic finish sparkles against the blue ocean, and the serene, sophisticated interior adds a touch of luxury to your journey.
Day 1:
Karatsu Castle
The symbol of Karatsu City
Let’s start from the castle of Karatsu City: with its impressive five-story keep, Karatsu Castle is also known as “Maizuru Castle.” From the observation deck on the fifth floor, enjoy breathtaking views of the Genkai Sea and Matsuura Bay.
Hoto Shrine
Takashima’s nature and the shrine of luck
A short 10-minute boat ride from Karatsu takes you to Takashima’s Hoto Shrine, a sacred site established more than 450 years ago in honor of Nozaki Okinokami Tsunayoshi, the hero who drove off pirates threatening the island. The name “Hoto,” whose ideograms can be read as “Treasure Obtaining,” has turned the shrine into a hotspot for those seeking to boost their luck, particularly in lotteries. This association with wealth and success has led to an influx of thank-you letters and winning ticket copies, making it a must-visit for those looking to enhance their fortune.
Lunch at Hoto Oyasumidokoro
Enjoy fresh local seafood
Located right by the port, this spot is popular for its variety of dishes, including seafood bowls and sashimi sets. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite while waiting for your boat.
Fukumo Hachimangu
A shrine known for stunning floral water basins
Established in 866, Fukumo Hachimangu Shrine has a rich history spanning over a millennium. It is aptly described as “the shrine where the mother of fortune resides,” with Empress Jingu as the central deity.
This shrine features several exquisite “hanachozu” — purification water basins adorned with floating floral arrangements. These floral displays are regularly changed, ensuring a delightful sight at every visit. Additionally, the shrine provides unique monthly goshuin and custom stamp books made from Saga’s “hinoki” (Japanese cypress) wood. Make sure to grab a keepsake from your visit. In the right period, you might even find a special paper-cutting goshuin too.
Lodging at Takeo Onsen
Your accommodation for the night
Takeo Onsen, with a history spanning over 1,300 years, is famous for its striking red gate, which is reminiscent of Ryugu Castle—a legendary dragon palace from Japanese folklore. The hot spring water here is crystal clear and alkaline, with a silky-smooth texture that is highly effective in relieving fatigue. Known for its excellent heat retention and gentle touch on the skin, it has been referred to as the “Beauty’s Bath” for centuries.
Check out the Takeo City Tourist Association for more information.
Mifuneyama Rakuen
A fantastical space where nature meets light art
At the western base of Mount Mifune, also known as Tosen due to its resemblance to a Chinese ship, lies the garden Mifuneyama Rakuen. It was constructed over three years by Lord Shigeyoshi Nabeshima, the 28th lord of the Takeo Domain, as part of a villa.
In the fall, the garden is a marvel, with 170-year-old maple trees, and well-known sites like the Azalea Valley and Furimuki slope. The changing atmosphere, as autumn leaves spread across the pond, shifts beautifully between day and night.
From July to November, the garden is transformed by the world-renowned art group teamLab, whose projection mapping adds an extra layer of magic.
Among the largest of Japan’s autumn foliage light-up events
During autumn (early November to early December) , the pound is surrounded by dense foliage and lit up, enchanting visitors from the warm hues of dusk to the dark tones of night. Also, the Hagino Ochaya Tea House opens its doors during the light-up period.
Day 2:
Takeo Onsen Romon Tower Gate
Exclusive one-hour morning tour to view the four zodiac carvings
The striking red tower gate at the entrance to Takeo Onsen, with its vivid colors and design reminiscent of the mythical Ryugu Castle, is a unique architectural masterpiece known as a “Tenpyo-style Tower Gate.” What makes it even more special is that it was constructed without using a single nail!
Designed by Kingo Tatsuno, the architect behind Tokyo Station, this gate’s second-floor ceiling features carvings of four of the twelve zodiac signs in its corners. It was recently discovered that these carvings, along with the eight zodiac reliefs in the north and south domes of the restored Tokyo Station (completed in 2012), together represent the entire zodiac.
Check out the Takeo City Tourist Association for more information.
Takeo Shrine and the Great Camphor Tree of Takeo
Revitalize your spirit with the power of Japan’s 7th largest tree!
Takeo Shrine, nestled at the eastern slope of Mount Mifune, is the city’s oldest shrine and holds significant historical value. It preserves ancient documents from the mid-Heian (794 -1185) to the late Muromachi (1336 – 1573) periods, recognized as Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property. The shrine’s “torii” gate, known as the “Hizen Torii,” stands out with its banana-like curve, making it a unique and precious artifact in the history of stone architecture.
Among its sacred trees are the “Meoto Hinoki,” married cypress trees symbolizing matrimonial blessings, and the “Great Camphor Tree of Takeo,” a colossal tree over 3,000 years old that leaves visitors awestruck with its magnificence.
Arita Uchiyama District
Stroll through the retro streets of Arita
The Uchiyama district stretches about 2 kilometers from an upper checkpoint (Izumiyama) to the lower checkpoint (Iwatanigawachi), established during the Edo period (1603 – 1868). This area features a harmonious blend of Japanese and Western-style buildings from the Edo, Meiji (1868 – 1912), Taisho (1912 – 1926), and Showa (1926 – 1989) eras, beautifully preserved along the main street. On the front streets, you will find merchant houses and shops, while the backstreets are home to the residences and workshops of pottery artisans. The entire district was designated as Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1991.
You can also experience a nostalgic stroll through the retro streets by dressing in a kimono:
Arita Kimono Walk Experience Program
Period: October to December, February to March
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Last check-in at 1:00 pm)
Pricing: 3,000 yen per kimono (includes kimono rental and dressing)
Reservation: Please make a reservation at Arita Tourism Association at least three days in advance.
Sueyama Shrine
Dedicated to Emperor Ojin as the main deity, Sueyama Shrine is also home to a monument honoring Yi Sam-pyeong, the founder of Arita’s pottery tradition. The shrine was established around 1658. As you climb the stone steps, you will be greeted by a beautiful torii gate made of porcelain, adorned with delicate pale blue arabesque patterns. Other than the porcelain torii, the shrine grounds feature various ceramic elements, such as the guardian dogs, large water jars, and decorative fences, all reflecting the rich pottery heritage of Arita. Locals affectionately refer to it as “Tozan Jinja” (from a different reading of the “kanji” characters).
Backstreets with Tonbai Walls
Tonbai Walls are made by compacting discarded firebricks (called “tonbai”) and used kiln tools with red clay. These bricks were originally used to build ascending kilns. Many of these unique walls along the backstreets can be found from the Great Ginkgo Tree near Izumiyama to the Arita Ceramic Museum in Odaru, adding a distinctive atmosphere that reflects the town’s deep connection to pottery.
The Great Ginkgo Tree of Arita
Located within the grounds of Izumiyama Benzaiten Shrine, this majestic ginkgo tree is over 1,000 years old and stands 40 meters tall. It is designated as a National Natural Monument. In late November, its leaves turn a vibrant yellow, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors. Nearby, the site of Kuchiya Guardhouse (an Edo-period guardhouse) serves as a reminder of the strict oversight once exercised by Saga domain officials over the export of ceramics and porcelain stones.
Eki Café Sarayama (Kami-Arita Station)
Take a break with fluffy powder snow delights!
Inside JR Kami-Arita Station, lies this shop specializing in “powder snow” shaved ice. This fluffy, powdery dessert, originally from Korea, offers a fresh and unique texture that’s different from traditional Japanese shaved ice. The shop also features a diorama of Arita Town with an N-gauge model train running through it.
The places highlighted here are just the beginning—there is so much more to see and do in Saga. Do not hesitate to visit often and uncover the beauty and charm that Saga holds! Check out the Saga Prefectural Tourism Federation for more information.
