Rich natural beauty, profound history, and exceptional hospitality – Saga Prefecture is a well-kept secret and a premium playground. From the mystical sea caves of Nanatsugama to historical parks that immerse you in ancient worlds, plus hands-on adventures at a ninja village, there’s no shortage of attractions in Saga that the whole family will love. The accommodations are equally impressive, ranging from luxury suites with private hot spring baths to upscale ryokan where you can savor the finest seafood. Why not come and uncover authentic travel experiences in Saga, where children find wonder and adults find renewal?
A designated national natural monument, Nanatsugama lives up to its Japanese name, as it is made up of seven dramatic sea caves that were carved into the basalt cliff by the relentless waves of the Genkai Sea over countless millennia. The view of the caves alongside the basalt pillars that seem to hold the cliff up is a stunning testament to nature’s incredible artistry.
The largest cave plunges 110 meters deep, and on days when the seas are calm, sightseeing boats can venture inside, allowing visitors to witness these natural sculptures up close. Some of these tour boats are whimsically designed to look like squid, guaranteeing excitement from the moment you step aboard. Above the caves, expansive grasslands offer observation decks and scenic walking trails that draw crowds of visitors.
Why not experience this breathtaking landscape – forged over eons – from both the land and sea?
The Yoshinogari ruins represents Japan’s most extensive Yayoi period moat-encircled settlements (3rd century BC to 3rd century AD), offering invaluable insights into how ancient communities flourished through rice cultivation and the adoption of bronze and iron technologies. This remarkable archaeological treasure is enclosed by an ancient moat that spans 2.5 kilometers, and features residential foundations, raised granaries, royal burial mounds, and over 3,000 ceramic burial jars. Excavations of mid-Yayoi period royal tombs have revealed bronze daggers with ornate handles, testament to active trade with mainland China and the Korean Peninsula back in the day.
©Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation
The expansive Yoshinogari Historical Park is divided into four distinct zones. The Ancient Forest Zone faithfully recreates Yayoi-era woodlands, while the Moat Encircled Village Zone allows visitors to explore the main ceremonial hall and watchtowers, immerse themselves in Yayoi culture and daily life, and examine authentic artifacts. The Ancient Field Zone provides wide-open lawns and large-scale playground equipment for active recreation. International visitors will appreciate the comprehensive English website and audio guide available in English, ensuring a rich experience regardless of language barriers.
The park also offers engaging hands-on workshops, including magatama bead crafting, traditional fire-starting, and stone tool making, that captivate visitors of all ages. Come discover Yoshinogari Historical Park and embark on an unforgettable journey into the living history of Japan’s Yayoi period.
Each year from late October to early November, the Kase Riverside in Saga City comes alive with the Saga International Balloon Festival – one of Asia’s premier hot air balloon events. What began modestly in 1980 with just 14 balloons has grown into a spectacular gathering featuring over 100 colorful aircraft. The evening’s highlight, “La Montgolfier Nocturne,” transforms the riverside into an enchanting wonderland as the hot air balloons glow against the night sky, illuminated by their burners’ flames. This beloved festival draws massive crowds who enjoy not only the aerial spectacle but also the bustling stalls selling all kinds of local specialties, making it one of Saga Prefecture’s most anticipated annual celebrations.
Located within the renowned “City of Hot Air Balloons,” Saga Balloon Museum offers year-round access to these magical aircrafts by providing an indoor sanctuary from unpredictable weather.
©Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation
Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of hot air balloons through a massive 280-inch ultra-high-definition theater and hands-on flight simulators that let you take the virtual pilot’s seat. The museum also houses a gift shop and cafe, perfect for unwinding after your aerial adventures. In Saga, let your imagination soar as you discover an experience that captures the romance of flight using all five of your senses.
Nestled in the hot spring resort town of Ureshino, Saga Ninja Village Hizenyumekaidou stands as Kyushu’s only ninja-themed adventure park. Set within meticulously recreated Edo-period streetscapes, this immersive destination offers thrilling ninja experiences and spectacular live performances. With on-site restaurants and souvenir shops, families can easily spend an entire day exploring this feudal fantasy world.
Don authentic ninja costumes from their rental collection and master traditional ninja skills like shuriken throwing and blow dart shooting. Daily ninja shows deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement, while the weekend and public holiday “Kids Ninja Academy” has become a favorite among young aspiring ninja. Step into the shadows at this theme park and embrace your inner ninja for a day!
©Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation
Arita ware encompasses the exquisite porcelain crafted in Arita Town and surrounding regions of Saga Prefecture. As Japan’s oldest porcelain tradition spanning over 400 years, Arita ware is renowned for its smooth texture and striking cobalt blue and crimson red glazes applied over pristine white ceramic. The artform encompasses everything from everyday dinnerware to museum-quality masterpieces, distinguished by luminous white surfaces adorned with intricate hand-painted designs and exceptional durability that has enchanted collectors worldwide for centuries.
To truly appreciate the craftsmanship of Arita ware, visit the historic Kouraku Kiln, established in 1865. This remarkable pottery kiln operates across a sprawling 3-hectare complex, creating an incredible variety of pieces, from signature ramen bowls for the famous Ichiran Ramen chain to bespoke works made in collaboration with international artists.
Their English-language tours provide fascinating behind-the-scenes access to traditional Arita ware production methods, revealing the meticulous artistry behind each piece. As for the treasure hunt experience, visitors can browse through their warehouse halls containing over 100,000 ceramic works – both vintage and contemporary – searching for that perfect discovery like modern-day archaeological explorers.
Wataya has been welcoming guests since 1876. This distinguished inn offers thoughtfully designed accommodations, including rooms that overlook their seasonal Japanese garden or have panoramic river views of the majestic Karatsu Castle, as well as premium suites featuring private ceramic outdoor baths. It is the perfect accommodation for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience.
Rest assured that there’s something for the whole family – they have wheelchair-accessible rooms as well as complimentary baby crib services.
The inn’s natural hot springs feature crystal-clear waters that are exceptionally gentle on the skin. Five distinct bathing areas each offer their own unique ambiance, from intimate garden views and serene Machida River vistas to ceramic and hinoki cypress baths that frame stunning Karatsu Castle panoramas, creating a deeply restorative sanctuary for the mind and body.
As for their meals, they showcase the finest of Saga Prefecture’s renowned ingredients in elaborate kaiseki courses: succulent fresh squid harvested from nearby Yobuko – celebrated as one of Japan’s premier squid fishing ports – alongside premium Saga beef prized for its exceptional marbling and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
For the ultimate luxury resort experience, check out Garden Terrace Saga Hotel & Resorts. The crown jewel of the accommodation is the Suite Room, where guests can bask under a canopy of brilliant stars. This top-floor sanctuary features a private jacuzzi for blissful relaxation and an exclusive terrace where evening breezes carry the fresh scents of nature. The guest-only swimming pool remains open well into the evening, ensuring you can savor every moment of your stay from dawn to dusk.
The resort’s restaurants showcase Saga Prefecture’s exceptional culinary heritage through carefully curated dishes featuring the region’s finest ingredients. The menus celebrate locally cultivated rice and premium Saga beef, alongside vibrant vegetables grown using sustainable, low-pesticide farming methods. Seafood catch available exclusively in Saga completes this gastronomic journey through flavors that have earned international acclaim.
Takeo Onsen stands among Saga Prefecture’s most celebrated hot springs, boasting 1,300 years of healing tradition through its crystal-clear, silky-smooth waters. It is revered as a “beauty hot spring” for its exceptional heat retention and skin-nourishing properties.
For the ultimate Takeo Onsen experience, head to Urari Takeo for an unparalleled retreat where every guest room features private hot spring baths. This exceptional resort masterfully blends traditional ryokan hospitality with contemporary hotel amenities, creating a sanctuary of tranquil luxury. They cater to every preference: lakefront rooms with private saunas and panoramic water views, pet-friendly spaces, and thoughtfully designed accessible rooms.
Don’t miss out on the breathtaking infinity spa, where thermal waters seem to merge seamlessly with the horizon. Sauna aficionados will also be delighted by the extensive variety of authentic sauna experiences they have to offer. When you’re done with the sauna, head to the outdoor terrace and embrace the Japanese art of “totonoeru” – that blissful state of complete relaxation and mental clarity achieved by cycling from hot to cold.
Nestled within Ureshino Onsen, one of Japan’s top three hot springs for beautiful skin, this intimate 10-room culinary haven is a great choice for families and groups desiring an unhurried, restorative escape. Its selection of rooms includes the sophisticated Japanese-Western spaces “Pine Room” and “Bamboo Room” featuring private saunas and in-room hot spring baths (exclusively for guests who are middle school age or older), as well as the spacious and accessible “Kasumi Room” that’s perfect for multi-generational families.
Their menu elevates dining to an art form, presenting a wide variety of meticulously crafted seasonal dishes on exquisite locally made ceramics, including Arita ware from Saga and Hizen Yoshida ware from Ureshino. Enjoy the local flavors of Ureshino – from Ureshino tea-infused brulee for dinner to hot spring tofu served at breakfast.
Hotel Kanigoten promises an extraordinary stay with 16 suite-style rooms, each offering breathtaking panoramas of the pristine Ariake Sea. The main building features rooms with semi-open-air baths and sweeping ocean vistas, while the annex offers private outdoor hot spring baths surrounded by nature’s tranquility.
The menu centers on premium local ingredients such as Takasaki crab sourced directly from local fishing boats. Try the kaiseki course meal, which presents an opulent feast featuring this prized crustacean alongside other regional treasures like Saga wagyu beef, charcoal-grilled sazae turban shells, and live abalone. Don’t miss out on savoring the bounties of Saga’s seas!
Saga Prefecture offers extraordinary destinations where unforgettable memories are born, and precious moments of liberation await. Visit with your family and friends to discover the premium experiences it has waiting in store!
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