Saga Travel Recommendations

Saga Prefecture is located on the island of Kyushu in southwestern Japan. It is known for its beautiful nature, cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. The prefecture has a long history and is home to many historic sites and festivals.

Getting to Saga from Tokyo

To get to Saga from Tokyo, visitors can take a flight to Saga Airport, which is located in the city of Saga. Alternatively, visitors can take a train from Tokyo to the city of Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture, and then transfer to a local train or bus to Saga

The best season to visit Saga

The best time to visit Saga is during the spring and fall seasons. In the spring, visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms at several parks and temples throughout the prefecture. In the fall, visitors can enjoy the colorful autumn leaves at the many hiking trails and parks.

Must-see places in Saga

Takeo Onsen: This hot spring resort has a history of over 1,300 years and is famous for its therapeutic waters. Visitors can relax in the various indoor and outdoor baths and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Yutoku Inari Shrine

This Shinto shrine is dedicated to the god of agriculture and is known for its beautiful torii gates and impressive main hall.

Karatsu Castle

This historic castle was built in the 17th century and is now a museum. Visitors can learn about the history of the castle and enjoy the beautiful views from the top.

Mifuneyama Rakuen

This beautiful garden is located near Takeo Onsen and is famous for its stunning autumn foliage.

Yoshinogari Historical Park

This archaeological site was discovered in the 1980s and dates back to the Yayoi period (300 BC – 300 AD). Visitors can see the reconstructed village and learn about life during that time.

Saga Balloon Museum

This unique museum is dedicated to hot air balloons and their history. Visitors can learn about the science of hot air balloons and even take a ride in one.

Arita Porcelain Park

This park is dedicated to the famous Arita porcelain that is produced in the region. Visitors can see exhibits of porcelain and even try making their own.

Ogi Folk Museum

This museum is located in the town of Ogi and showcases the traditional crafts and customs of the region.

Kyushu Ceramic Museum

This museum is dedicated to the ceramics of Kyushu and showcases both traditional and contemporary works.

Imari Shrine

This Shinto shrine is located in the town of Imari and is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Cuisines you can enjoy in Saga

Saga beef

Saga beef is a type of wagyu beef that is renowned for its high quality and taste. The beef is characterized by its marbling, which gives it a tender texture and rich flavor. The cows are raised in a stress-free environment, fed with high-quality feed, and are given plenty of room to roam. You can enjoy Saga beef at local restaurants in Saga prefecture, where it is typically served as steak or shabu-shabu.

Sashimi

Saga prefecture is surrounded by the sea, so it’s no surprise that sashimi is a popular cuisine here. Sashimi is a Japanese dish that consists of raw fish or seafood that is sliced thinly and served with soy sauce and wasabi. Some popular types of fish used for sashimi in Saga include tuna, squid, octopus, and mackerel.

Karatsu Kaki

Karatsu Kaki, or Karatsu oysters, are a type of oyster that are cultivated in the sea near Karatsu City in Saga prefecture. These oysters are known for their rich and creamy taste and are often enjoyed raw or grilled. They are also used in a variety of dishes such as oyster hotpot and oyster rice.

Champon

Champon is a type of noodle dish that originated in Nagasaki but has become popular throughout western Japan, including in Saga prefecture. The dish consists of noodles, vegetables, seafood, and meat, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. It is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for colder months.

Recommended Accommodations in Saga

Arita Onsen Seifuso

Arita Onsen Seifuso is a traditional Japanese ryokan located in the historic pottery town of Arita. The ryokan features spacious Japanese-style guest rooms with tatami floors, futon beds, and private outdoor hot spring baths. Guests can enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine made with local ingredients and relax in the ryokan’s indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

Furuyu Onsen Oncri

Furuyu Onsen Oncri is a luxury ryokan located in the hot spring town of Takeo. The ryokan offers spacious Japanese-style guest rooms with private outdoor hot spring baths and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and relax in the ryokan’s indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

Karatsu Royal Hotel

Karatsu Royal Hotel is a modern luxury hotel located in the historic port city of Karatsu. The hotel features spacious guest rooms with contemporary furnishings, high-speed internet, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves a variety of Japanese and Western dishes made with fresh local ingredients.

Suginoya

Suginoya is a luxury ryokan located in the hot spring town of Ureshino. The ryokan features spacious Japanese-style guest rooms with private outdoor hot spring baths and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and relax in the ryokan’s indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

Hotel Morino

Hotel Morino is a modern luxury hotel located in the city of Saga. The hotel features spacious guest rooms with contemporary furnishings, high-speed internet, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves a variety of Japanese and Western dishes made with fresh local ingredients.

Yoyokaku

Yoyokaku is a traditional Japanese ryokan located in the historic hot spring town of Tosu. The ryokan features spacious Japanese-style guest rooms with tatami floors, futon beds, and private outdoor hot spring baths. Guests can enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine made with local ingredients and relax in the ryokan’s indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

Hizenya

Hizenya is a luxury ryokan located in the hot spring town of Ureshino. The ryokan offers spacious Japanese-style guest rooms with private outdoor hot spring baths and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and relax in the ryokan’s indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

Takeo Century Hotel

Takeo Century Hotel is a modern luxury hotel located in the hot spring town of Takeo. The hotel features spacious guest rooms with contemporary furnishings, high-speed internet, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves a variety of Japanese and Western dishes made with fresh local ingredients.

Yumoto Kankou Hotel

Yumoto Kankou Hotel is a traditional Japanese ryokan located in the hot spring town of Ureshino. The ryokan features spacious Japanese-style guest rooms with tatami floors, futon beds, and private outdoor hot spring baths. Guests can enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine made with local ingredients and relax in the ryokan’s indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

Forest Inn Imari

Forest Inn Imari is a modern luxury hotel located in the historic pottery town of Imari. The hotel features spacious guest rooms with contemporary furnishings, high-speed internet, and flat-screen TVs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Saga Prefecture is a beautiful and culturally rich destination that offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty, rich history, and delicious cuisine of the region. With its easy access from Tokyo and many must-see attractions, Saga is definitely worth a visit.