Saga is the prefectural city of Saga Prefecture. It is packed with its own charms both obvious and obscure. Saga City is more urban than the smaller, rural towns close by, so there is plenty of dining and nightlife. You can also get in touch with nature, enjoy some leisure activities, and visit various historical locations.
Group Attractions
Saga Castle Ruins
Standing out from many cultural assets is the plains castle within the city, Saga Castle. It is one of the rare castles in Japan surrounded by a wall rather than built on one. The castle itself was first constructed in the 16th century; however, it has been rebuilt and renovated several times. The last reconstruction was of the main keep in 2001, resulting in the largest wooden reconstruction in Japan. It now houses the Saga Castle History Museum. In 2006, Saga Castle was listed as one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation. (Image via Tokyo Creative)
Activities: Castle visit, Photo stop Fee: None Time required: Minimum 40 minutes
Furuyu Onsen
This quiet onsen region, nestled between the Sefuri Mountains, has a town that is 80% covered in forests, creating an abundance of nature, where you can be soothed by the murmuring of the river. The hot springs are characterized by their lukewarm temperatures of around 38 degrees, giving them a relaxing and comfortable feel. The temperatures are lukewarm so you can spend a long time soaking, and be warmed from your core throughout your body. (Image via Welcome Kyushu)
Activities: Onsen, Photo stop Fee: (bath depends on place) Time required: Minimum 1 hour
Saga Prefectural Museum
The Saga Prefectural Museum was first opened in 1970, across from Saga Castle, to promote the history and culture of Saga. Peruse the interesting collections of Saga's flora and fauna, archaeological objects such as hunting tools, Buddhist art, and Japanese swords. Saga Prefectural Museum adjoins the Saga Prefectural Art Museum, which features both traditional and modern art, including a permanent collection of works by the famous Saga painter, Okada Saburosuke. Admission is free to both museums, except for special exhibits.
Activities: Onsen, Photo stop Fee: (bath depends on place) Time required: Minimum 1 hour
Nearby Areas
Located in Kashima City, Yutoku Inari Shrine is considered one of Japan’s top three shrines dedicated to Inari alongside Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari Shrine in Aichi Prefecture. One of Shinto’s most popular deities, Inari is associated with rice, prosperity and foxes. (Image via Welcome Kyushu)
At the foot of Mount Mifuneyama are the remains of the villa of the feudal lord of Takeo, Shigeyoshi Nabeshima (the garden was created in 1845). Within the garden, 2,000 cherry blossom trees bloom in late March, and 200,000 azaleas, wisterias (white and purple) and rhododendrons give the gardens brilliant colour from mid-April to early May. (Image via Official Website)
In the early 17th century, pottery stone was discovered in Arita and porcelain was created for the first time in Japan. From then, a townscape called “Arita Senken” or “A Thousand of Houses of Arita” was formed and the area thrived to the utmost. The townscape has been selected as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the government of Japan.
Takeo Onsen is a hot spring town that is said to have a history of over 1300 years as an onsen destination. Takeo’s waters feel silky smooth on the skin thanks to a high concentration of sodium bicarbonate. They have attracted a lot of people over the centuries, including powerful feudal lords, craftsmen and soldiers. (Image via Kyushu and Tokyo)