Must-Try Experiences in Saga

Located in northern Kyushu, Saga Prefecture boasts a treasure trove of attractions for visitors, from hot springs and mouthwatering cuisine to breathtaking natural landscapes and a rich porcelain-crafting heritage. This article will introduce our picks for Saga’s best food, attractions, and accommodations worthy of your Japan itinerary!

Savor Saga Cuisine

Saga boasts thriving agriculture and livestock industries and borders the bountiful Genkai and Ariake seas. Saga specialties include the world-renowned Saga Beef, a premium Japanese black wagyu once served to a US president; the incredibly fresh Yobuko squid sashimi; the succulent Takezaki crab from the tidal Ariake Sea; and Ureshino Tea, known for its refreshing scent and rich flavor.

When visiting Yobuko for its famous squid, don’t miss the bustling morning market. Open daily from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm (except New Year’s Day), nearly 50 stalls offer fresh seafood, local produce, and regional products. Some vendors even grill your purchases on the spot for immediate enjoyment.

Information

Opening hours: 7:30 am – 12:00 pm
Closed: January 1

Address: Yobuko, Yobuko-cho, Karatsu-shi, Saga 847-0303
Parking: Available (128 cars, 100 yen within 1 hour)

Access:
Car: 60-minute drive from the Taku Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway
Train: 30 minutes by taxi from Karatsu Station (JR Karatsu Line, Chikuhi Line)
Bus: Take the Showa Bus bound for Yobuko from the Oteguchi Bus Center, get off at the Yobuko bus stop, walk 3 minutes.

Check out the Karatsu Tourism Association for more information.

Explore the Pottery Towns of Saga – The Cradle of Japanese Porcelain

Arita ware porcelain (also known as Imari ware) boasts a 400-year history and had an enormous influence on European porcelain, particularly the famous Meissen porcelain of Germany. Today, this pottery tradition continues to thrive in and around Arita, where you can find both traditional and modern masterpieces.

For pottery enthusiasts, the “Treasure Hunting” experience at Kouraku Kiln in Arita is a must-try! You’ll be given 90 minutes to fill a basket with whatever pottery you can find in their warehouse. Be sure to also visit Tozan Shrine, whose grounds flaunt beautiful torii gates, lanterns, and more crafted from Arita ware porcelain.

Tozan Shrine Information

Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (shrine office)
Closed: None

Address: 2-5-1, Odaru, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga 844-0004
Admission: Free
Group fee: Free

Parking: Aritakan (large vehicles, free), Tozan Shrine (regular vehicles, free)

Access:
20-minute walk from JR Kami-Arita Station
7-minute drive from JR Arita Station
10-minute drive from the Hasami Arita Interchange

Note: The shrine is sacred territory, please be respectful.

Kouraku Kiln Information

Opening hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Closed: New Year holidays

Address: 2512, Maruo Hei, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga 844-0023

Fees:
Treasure Hunting: 6,600 yen/13,200 yen (tax included)
Kiln tour: 1,100 yen

Parking: Kouraku Kiln (free)
Large vehicles: 3
Regular cars: 20

Access:
5-minute drive from JR Arita Station
15-minute drive from the Hasami-Arita Interchange
15-minute drive from the Mikawachi Interchange

Note: Several other pottery experiences are available. Rental campers and RV parking is available. There is no air conditioning in the kiln.

Stay in Luxury at Saga’s Finest Hotels

Here are our choices for Saga’s most exceptional accommodations for a truly lavish stay.

Furuyu Onsen Oncri (Furuyu Onsen Area)

This hotel boasts an impressive array of 15 different natural hot springs, separated by men and women. It sits in a mountain village filled with lush greenery and the songs of wild birds. Each room presents a glorious vista sure to make you lose track of time. The hotel contains three different restaurants serving Italian, Japanese kaiseki, and teppanyaki, all utilizing the finest seasonal ingredients from Kyushu.

Accessibility:
Furuyu Onsen Oncri is designed with accessibility in mind (few steps, two rental wheelchairs, wheelchair-accessible dining, allergy-friendly options, chopped food, assistance dogs are welcome).
Please note: wheelchair accessibility for dining may vary by location and there are steps at the entrance of the guestrooms. Please let the hotel know in advance about any allergies.

Wataya Besso Suimeiso (Ureshino Onsen Area)

This traditional Japanese-style hotel offers luxury in every room with private “hinoki” (cypress) baths. The crown jewel is Senshin, an exclusive suite housed in a relocated villa once belonging to Saga’s ruling Nabeshima clan. Guests are treated to exquisite meals crafted from local ingredients, served on bold Arita and Karatsu tableware.

Accessibility:
Please contact the hotel in advance for special meals such as allergy-free meals and vegetarian meals.

Ureshino Yadoya (Ureshino Onsen Area)

Ureshino Yadoya grants total immersion in the delights of Ureshino tea and Ureshino hot springs. All guest rooms are supplied with 100% pure source-fresh hot spring water, ensuring a fulfilling bathing experience. The expansive bathhouse also has a tea-scented loyly sauna and dry sauna, where invigorating tea aromas invite deep relaxation. Local tea farmers also conduct traditional tea ceremonies for guests.

Access:
Approx. 7-minute drive from the Ureshino Interchange
Approx. 3-minute walk from the Ureshino Bus Center

Pick-up from Ureshino Onsen Station:
Pick-up time: 2:30 pm, 3:20 pm, 4:20 pm (Ureshino Onsen Station→Hotel)
Pick-up time: 9:40 am, 10:40 am, 11:10 am (Hotel→Ureshino Onsen Station)

Okutakeo Onsen Kaze no Mori (Takeo Onsen Area)

This exclusive adults-only retreat is perfect for couples seeking a private getaway. 11 detached rooms are spread out over a sprawling 18,000 m² property, guaranteeing ultimate seclusion. Privacy is paramount, with both dinner and breakfast served in the comfort of your own room. Each is complete with its own unique open-air bath, letting you luxuriate in the gentle, therapeutic waters of Takeo Onsen to your heart’s content. The hotel also serves exquisite seasonal kaiseki meals, meticulously prepared using the finest Saga ingredients.

Access:
3-minute drive from the Ureshino Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway
5-minute drive from the Takeo Minami Interchange on the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway
60-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport
30-minute drive from Nagasaki Airport
60-minute drive from Saga Airport

*Kaze no Mori is an adults-only hotel. It is not available for junior high school students and younger.
*Groups of 5 or more cannot be accommodated as the hotel is aimed at couples.

Ryokan Yoyokaku (Karatsu Area)

Nestled in a quiet nook near Karatsu Castle, Yoyokaku is a classic Japanese-style inn boasting over a century of history. The traditional buildings are complemented by a serene garden of ancient pine trees. Dining is a feast for the palate and eyes, featuring seasonal fish from the Genkai Sea served on beautiful Karatsu ware, a local pottery style adored for its rustic elegance. Those captivated by these artistic vessels can browse and buy Karatsu ware at Yoyokaku’s own gallery.

Kanigoten (Tara Area)

Kanigoten treats guests to an open-air bath overlooking the Ariake Sea and Mt. Unzen. Meals of carefully cooked and seasoned Takezaki crabs purchased directly from local fishermen are served together with a platter of other seafood from the Ariake Sea, along with Saga Beef and other local ingredients. In addition to the main hotel, there are four private detached guest rooms each with their own unique quality.

Expressway
From Fukuoka (Approx. 2 hours)
Exit at the Takeo-Kitakata Interchange and head for Kashima City via National Route 498. Once in Kashima City, follow National Route 207 towards Nagasaki and Isahaya. It takes about 30 minutes from Kashima City to reach Kanigoden at the border of Saga and Nagasaki prefectures.

Train
From Hakata Station (Approx. 1.5 hours)
From Hakata Station, take the Limited Express Relay Kamome (bound for Takeo Onsen) and get off at Kohoku Station (approx. 50 min). Change to a local train to Hizen-Oura Station (approx. 45 min). Please call the hotel upon arrival to be picked up in approximately 5 minutes (only for those staying overnight).
Pick-up service:
You can be picked up from the nearest station, Hizen-Oura Station. Depending on the time, pick up from Tara Station may also be available. Please feel free to ask.

Airplane
From Saga Airport (Approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes)
Drive on Route 444 towards Isahaya and merge onto Route 207.
*Kyushu Saga International Airport Limousine Taxi:
There is a limousine taxi service available to the area around Kanigoten (3,000 yen one-way for adults/reservation required). For details, visit the Saga Airport website.
From Nagasaki Airport (Approx. 1 hour)
Drive on Route 34 towards Isahaya and merge onto Route 207.

Saga Attractions

Experience Seasonal Beauty at Mifuneyama Rakuen

Spanning an impressive 500,000 m², Mifuneyama Rakuen is a grand strolling-style pond garden opened in 1845 by Nabeshima Shigeyoshi, the lord of the Takeo domain. This magnificent landscape spreads out at the foot of Mt. Mifune, which is said to have emerged from the Ariake Sea around 3 million years ago. In spring, the garden bursts into life with 2,000 cherry blossoms and 50,000 azaleas. Come autumn, a spectacular array of trees, including a majestic 170-year-old Japanese maple, paint it in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.

Information
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (varies according to season)
Address: 4100, Takeo-machi, Takeo-shi, Saga 843-0022
Admission: Adults 400 yen, Children 200 yen (varies according to season)
Parking: 150 cars (free)

Access:
Car: 10-minute drive from the Takeo-Kitagata Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway.
Train: 30-minute walk from Takeo Onsen Station on the JR Sasebo Line.
Bus: Take the JR bus bound for Ureshino from Takeo Onsen Station (JR Sasebo Line). 1-minute walk from the Mifuneyama Rakuen-mae bus stop.

Sacred Trees at the 1200-Year-Old Takeo Shrine

Founded in the 8th century, Takeo Shrine boasts a rich history spanning over 1200 years. As you venture beyond the main hall along a bamboo-lined path, you’ll discover a majestic camphor tree believed to be 3,000 years old. Its powerful presence, with roots firmly gripping the earth, is truly breathtaking. Nearby stands another revered symbol – a pair of cypress trees joined at the base, growing side by side. Nicknamed “married couple trees,” they’ve become a popular site for those seeking blessings in their relationships.

Information
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (shrine office)
Address: 5335, Takeo, Takeo-machi, Takeo-shi, Saga 843-0022
Parking: Parking lot on the right (north side) facing Takeo Shrine; Visitors Parking Lot; Municipal Parking Lot.
Regular cars: 28 cars (free)
Tourist buses: Parking spaces in the Municipal Parking Lot across from the shrine (free)

Access: Approx. 10-minute drive from the Takeo-Kitakata Interchange.
Notes: Due to protection measures for the large camphor tree, please view from a short distance away.

Immerse Yourself in Nature at the Forest of Environmental Art

Sitting on the slopes of Mt. Sakurei, the Forest of Environmental Art presents a stunning display through the seasons. In spring, fresh green foliage envelops the landscape, while autumn sees over 10,000 maple trees burst into vibrant hues. Also in the forest is the Fuyu Sanso mountain villa, where lacquered tables reflect the scenery, creating an enchanting, surreal atmosphere begging to be photographed. Visitors can explore the forest on either a short 15-minute route or a longer 30-minute path.

Information
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Closed: Irregular holidays outside of seasons below:
Green season: Mid-April to the end of June
Autumn foliage season: Open every day in November
Address: 667, Hirano, Kyuragi-machi, Karatsu-shi, Saga 849-3115
Admission: Adults 700 yen; Elementary/junior high school students 300 yen; Children free; Groups 600 yen (from 20 people)
November: Adults 800 yen; Elementary/junior high school students 400 yen; Children free; Groups 700 yen (from 20 people)
Parking: Available (paid parking November 5- 25)

Access:
Public Transportation: approx. 15-minute taxi ride from Kyuragi Station (JR Karatsu Line).
Car: approx. 20-minute drive from the Taku Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway. Approx. 40-minute drive from the Karatsu Interchange on the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway.

The Mystical Scenery of Ouo Shrine

The submerged torii gates of Ouo Shrine, standing in the Ariake Sea, present ever-changing vistas with the ebb and flow of the tide, making them a photographer’s dream. Legend has it that about 300 years ago, a stranded local magistrate was rescued by a large fish. In gratitude, he built Ouo Shrine (which means Big Fish Shrine) and erected these torii gates. At high tide, the gates are partially submerged, flaunting a stunning contrast between their vermilion paint and the blue sea, best seen at sunrise and sunset when the shifting sky adds to the mystical ambience. Tara, where the shrine is located, has large tidal changes of up to 6 meters, and visitors can walk through all three torii gates at low tide.

Information
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: 1874-9, Tara, Tara-cho, Fujitsu-gun, Saga 849-1602
Fees: Free

Parking:
Regular cars: 10
Large buses: 3-4
Access:
Car: 50-60 minutes after getting off at the Takeo-Kitagata Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway.
Bus: Take the Yutoku Bus bound for Takezaki Port from the Kashima Bus Station at Hizen-Kashima Station. Get off at the Tara Sakae-machi (Sea Torii Gate) bus stop.
Train: approx. 10-minute walk from JR Tara Station.

Notes: Entry to the site is restricted during certain times of the year. Vehicles may be temporarily restricted during the nori fishing season in spring and autumn and the lantern event in August.

Check out the Tara Tourism Association for more information.

Wisteria and Other Blooms at Karatsu Castle

The majestic Karatsu Castle was strategically constructed in 1608 on Mt. Mitsushima enclosed by sea and rivers on three sides. After being demolished in 1871, the grounds were reopened as Maizuru Park, while the impressive five-tiered castle tower was reconstructed in 1966. From the 5th floor observation deck are breathtaking panoramic views of the Genkai Sea and Matsuura Lagoon. The castle’s beauty is further enhanced by the seasonal blooms of Maizuru Park. Late March brings a flurry of cherry blossoms, while late April sees it draped in elegant cascades of purple wisteria.

Information
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (admission until 4:40 pm)
*Opening hours may change depending on the season.
Closed: December 29-31
Address: 8-1, Higashijonai, Karatsu-shi, Saga, 847-0016

Admission:
Castle tower entrance fee:
General (15+): 500 yen per person
Elementary/junior high school students: 250 yen per person
*Free admission for preschool children.

Group admission fee
General (15+): 400 yen per person
Elementary/junior high school students: 200 yen per person
*Groups of 20 or more.

Maizuru Park Elevator fee:
General (15+): 100 yen per person, one-way
Elementary/junior high school students: 50 yen per person, one-way
*Free for preschool children and those over 70 years old.

Parking: Available (Paid)
Regular cars: 190
Large vehicles: 5

Access:
7-minute drive from JR Karatsu Station.
20-minute walk from JR Karatsu Station.

Check out the Karatsu Tourism Association for more information.

Sake in the Charming White-Walled Town of Hizen Hamashuku

Hizen Hamashuku flourished as a vital port and post town from the Edo period (1603-1687) through to the 19th century. It also boasts a rich history of sake brewing, nurtured by its economic prosperity, abundant underground water, and high-quality rice. Notable breweries include Fukuchiyo Shuzo, producers of the world-renowned Nabeshima sake, which took the top spot in the sake category at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in 2011; along with Mitsutake Sake Brewery and Sachihime Sake Brewery. Visitors flock to the town for free sake tastings, shopping, and brewery tours. The annual Kashima Sake Brewery Tourism event, held in late March, sees all local breweries open their doors to the public, filling the streets with a festive atmosphere. Hizen Hamashuku itself is also very picturesque, with its traditional white-walled buildings bringing one back to old world Japan.

Information
Address: Hamacho, Kashima-shi, Saga 849-1322
Parking: Available (Saga Bank side) Machinami Parking Lot on the Hama River (large bus parking available)

Access: 30-minute drive from the Takeo-Kitakata Interchange.
Notes: Restrooms available (Sake Brewery Street) at Yajuku Park, Machinami Parking Lot (equipped with ostomates)

Sake Breweries Open for Tours
Mitsutake Sake Brewery – Minematsu Kura (Hizenya)
Here visitors can join an immersive sake tour, pretending to do “kai-ire” traditional sake stirring, and sampling exclusive brews like Hizen Hamashuku, as well as specialties such as amazake (sweet, low-alcohol sake). During the summer months, the brewery offers sake served in cups made of ice.
Address: 2761-2, Hamamachi Otsu, Kashima-shi, Saga
Opening hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Closed: Mid-August, New Year’s period, other holidays

Sachihime Sake Brewery
Established in 1934, Sachihime Sake Brewery holds the prestigious role of producing sacred sake for Yutoku Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s three big Inari shrines. Visitors are treated to a complimentary tasting featuring approximately 10 varieties of sake. The selection includes freshly pressed “nama-zake” (unpasteurized sake), umeshu (plum wine made with sake), and amazake.
Address: 599, Furueda Kabuto, Kashima-shi, Saga
Opening hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed: January 1-3

Unwind in the 1300-Year-Old Ureshino Onsen

Ureshino Onsen is an ancient hot spring resort renowned for its “beauty-enhancing waters.” The spring’s clear, colorless sodium bicarbonate-rich waters offer a silky-smooth sensation said to beautify the skin. Lining both banks of the Shiota River (also called the Ureshino River), numerous traditional inns offer a variety of distinctive bathing experiences. There are also free footbaths and affordable public bathhouses for a more casual bathing experience.

Be sure to also try Ureshino Onsen’s local delicacy, yudofu (hot spring tofu). Tofu is simmered in the resort’s mineral-rich hot spring water, breaking down the proteins resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Information
Address: Ureshino-cho, Ureshino-shi, Saga
Parking: Available at each accommodation

Access: (to the hot spring resort)
5-minute drive from the Ureshino Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway.
5-minute drive from Ureshino Onsen Station.

Check out the Ureshino Onsen Tourism Association for more information.

We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the best of Saga! Covering everything from where to stay, what to eat, and the must-visit attractions, use this article as your roadmap to make the most out of Saga and create unforgettable Japan memories! Check out the Saga Prefectural Tourism Federation for more information.