History / Culture / Tour Spots in Saga Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Karatsu Castle (Maizuru-jo “Dancing Crane Castle”)

4.0

493 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Higashijounai 8-1

This is a castle which could also be called a symbol of Karatsu, located in the northern part of Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Terazawa Hirotaka, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, spent seven years to build this castle. The inner citadel sits on Mt. Mitsushima which projects out into Karatsu Bay, while the outer citadel is on the west bank and the third citadel leads to a renkaku style flatland mountain castle. The inner citadel has now been turned into Maizuru Park, and also you can see the superb views of Matsuura Bay from that observation point, the current castle keep which was completed in 1966.

We planned for a trip to Karatsu since 2019 bit was put on hold due to the pandemic.. Finally all cleared and we find ourself on the way from Meinohamma sta. That’s another 60+ mins ride over 20...
Yoshinogari Historical Park

4.0

352 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Kanzakigunyoshinogarichou Tade 1843

These are the ruins of a large-scale moat encircled settlement from the Yayoi period and are located on the Yoshinogari hills. This historic park is made up of National land and Prefectural land

The Yoshinogari site is the largest archaeological site of the Yayoi era found in Japan to date. The Yayoi era is the period following the Jomon era until the Tumulus era represented by the large...
Saga Castle History Museum

4.5

240 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Pref. Sagashi Jounai 2-18-1

Located on the site of Saga Castle, this history museum faithfully creates a portion of the castle’s inner palace. The first ever recreation in Japan of a castle’s inner palace, it is also one of the largest recreated wooden structures in the country. Inside, under the theme of Saga at the end of the Edo period and during the Meiji restoration, the museum presents information on the restoration of Saga Castle, the feats of Saga Domain personages during this time period, and the development of science and technology. The museum is filled with fun things to see and do, even for children—visitors can experience what the palace once looked like using 3D screens, there’s a quiz corner, and a station where museumgoers can try on period clothing.

If you are in somewhere in Kyushu and near Saga, stop for a visit to the Saga Castle museum. Audio tours in English and other languages are available and its free too. There are several fun...
Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum

4.0

100 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Chinzeimachinagoya 1931-3

A museum situated along National Route 204 in Nagoya, Chinzei-machi, Karatsu City. The museum's standing exhibition looks at the history of exchange between the Japanese archipelago and the Korean peninsula, exploring Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasions at 1592 and 1598 as well as Saga's involvement with the Korean delegations to Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The museum also displays artefacts exhumed during excavations of the Special Historic Site-designated Nagoya Castle Ruins and Encampment Sites. Visitors can also walk the ruins of the castle and see what Nagoya Castle looked like in its glory using a tablet computer and computer generated graphics.

肥前名護屋城跡に建てられている県立の博物館です。常設展示は無料で公開されていますが、無料とは思えないほどの充実ぶりでした。展示内容は名護屋城のジオラマや豊臣秀吉公による朝鮮征伐前後と、江戸から近代にかけての国内と朝鮮半島の資料が展示されています。また、復元ではありますが秀吉公の黄金の茶室が再現されており、そちらも無料で見学できます。私自身が歴史好きなこともありますが、資料はどれも見応えのあるも...
Hoto-jinja Shrine

4.0

114 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Takashima 523

Visited by great throngs of people seeking luck due to this Shinto shrine’s name, which means “to strike upon treasure,” the numerous winners of large lottery prizes who attribute their good fortune to the shrine has resulted in it become famous almost overnight as the “lottery-winning shrine.” Today, the shrine is visited by some 200 thousand people annually. A reservation is required to engage in go-kitou (a prayer ceremony). The shrine’s Hitto-mamori (which provides luck with winning in games of chance and other situations) and other charms are also popular souvenirs.

唐津湾に浮かぶ高島に鎮座する神社です。神社の名前から宝くじが当たるご利益があると有名で、宝くじが販売されると大勢の方がお参りに来られるそうです。なお、元々は島を海賊から守った野崎隠岐守綱吉公を祀った神社なので、宝くじは何の関係もありません。『宝当』と名付けたのも当島（高島）の宝、という意味で付けたものです。境内は小ぢんまりしていて、拝殿と本殿が一体になったお社と社務所、藤棚がある程度です。お社も...
The Former Takatori Residence

4.5

128 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Kitajounai 5-40

This is the mansion built as a home and for welcoming guests by the coal mine (including Kishima Coal Mine) baron, Koreyoshi Takatori. There are two large buildings on a vast plot of land of about 7613 square meters. It has modern Japanese-style building architecture with a combination of Western style rooms while also still having Japanese style as a keynote. A must-see is the reception hall for the Noh stage and 72 “Sugido-e” (painting on cedar-board doors) paintings by the painter of the Kyoto Shijyo Faction, Koho Mizuno. You can have a good tour of the mansion as there are also always tour guides stationed here. In 1998, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

A visit to the Former Takatori Residence is an absolute must. It provides a true impression of how a wealthy Japanese businessman lived 100 years ago. The rooms are incredible, with 72 beautifully...
Karatsu Shrine

4.0

98 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Minamijounai 3-13

A Shinto shrine located in Minamijonai, Karatsu City. Records state this ancient shrine was established in the distant Nara period. Famous for the Karatsu Kunchi, a large autumn festival held each year from November 2 through 4, many tourists come to watch the festival parade consisting of 14 colorful traditional floats. This festival has also been designated a National Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property.

The Shrine is a 20 mins walk from the JR station. It was a Monday early afternoon and good weather as we strolled along Karsatu streets otw to 唐津神社, chill & relaxing. Records stated that the ancient...
SAGA PREF. SPACE and SCIENCE MUSEUM

4.0

77 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Pref. Takeoshi Takeochou Nagashima 16351

This is a science museum where one can learn and do activities related to the nature and history of Saga, as well as the evolution of the Earth, stars and space. It is divided into the permanent exhibits “Earth Discovery Zone,” “Space Discovery Zone,” and “Saga Discovery Zone,” with workshops, activities, and exhibits to experience including the “space trainer” used by real astronauts. The planetarium holds shows aimed at infants, families and the general public, and there is an astronomical observation meeting every Saturday evening. It is a facility where one can enjoy learning from many different angles.

春休み期間中でしたが、平日のため？コロナの影響のため？思ったほど人の入りは多くありませんでした。身体を使って遊ぶタイプや化石などを学ぶタイプのブースがあって、楽しめました。大人でも勉強になりますよ。男性トイレの中には、あの名言が……。
Saga-jinja Shrine

4.0

85 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Sagashi Matsubara 2-10-43

"Located around 25 minutes' drive from the Saga Yamato Interchange of the Nagasaki Expressway, Saga-jinja Shrine is dedicated to Nabeshima Naomasa, the 10th lord of the Saga domain, and Nabeshima Naohiro, the 11th lord. Nabeshima Naomasa created Japan's first reverberatory furnace for use in manufacturing large cannon, and is famous for his contribution towards ending Japan's self-isolation from the world in the early modern era; in recognition of his achievements, Saga-jinja Shrine was designated as an Imperial Shrine of Special Status. He has been deified as a god of culture, transportation and learning. It is said that if you pray at all eight individual shrines located within Saga-jinja Shrine's precincts, starting with Matsubara Shrine that is dedicated to the Nabeshima family's ancestors, then your wish will come true. At midnight on New Year's Day morning, a ""Cannon Salute Ceremony"" is held at which a historic cannon is fired eight times to mark the New Year."

This Shinto shrine, located near Saga prefecture office, is dedicated to Nabeshima family, leader of Samurais, which governed Saga area before Meiji restoration. Like many other shrines, the entrance...
Sueyama Jinja Shrine

4.0

72 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Nishimatsuura-gun Aritacho Odaru 2-5-1

A shrine located in Odaru 2-Chome, Arita Town, Nishimatsuura County. The main venerated deity is Emperor Ojin. The founder of the Saga clan, Naoshige Nabeshima, and the originator of Arita ware, Yi Sam-pyeong, are also venerated here. It is also held as the god of pottery, and the grounds are spotted with pottery, primarily the komainu statues and big torii gate, which are both porcelain. Arita ware charms are also available for purchase.

Tozan shrine, located on the top of a small hill, is dedicated to a god of creating ceramics. To climb stairs is tiresome, but it is worth visiting. It is remarkable that Torii gate and Komainu are...
YUTOKU-INARI Shrine

4.0

7 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Kashima-shi Furueda-otsu 1855

"A Shinto shrine located in Furueda Otsu, Kashima City. Counted as one of the three great Inari shrines alongside Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki, this Shinto shrine is dedicated primarily to Ukanomitama no okami, Omiyanome no okami, and Sarutahiko no okami. A guardian shrine of the life necessities of food, clothing, and shelter, the shrine is visited by some 3 million people annually. Due to its extravagantly adorned structure, the shrine is also known as the ""Nikko of West Japan"". The shrine's inner sanctuary stands beyond a series of crimson lacquered torii gates."

祐徳稲荷神社は、谷の部分に駐車場があって、神社の社殿は、山に沿って建てられています。豪華なつくりの楼門は谷の部分にありますが、本殿は、石段を上った先にありました。さらに、たくさんの鳥居が並ぶ急な坂を上った頂上に、奥の院がありました。標高差はかなりあるので、頂上まではなかなかハードです。頂上にある奥の院は小さな祠で、そのお社の前の鳥居には「奥の院命婦社」と書かれていました。山の中腹にあった命婦...
Saga Balloon Museum

4.0

38 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Pref. Sagashi Matsubara 2-2-27

A museum dedicated to hot air balloons situated along Chuo O-dori Street in 2 Chome Matsubara, Saga City. The museum presents the history and mechanisms behind hot air balloons and also contains exhibits on international competitions and other ballooning events held in Saga. Here visitors can view the actual Icarus 5, Japan's first successful manned hot air balloon; try a balloon flight simulator; and experience the world of hot air balloons through a super high vision, 280-inch theater screen.

This museum is located near Central Post Office on Chuo Odori. If you walk from JR station, it takes about 20 minutes. In this museum, you can learn the history of balloon as well as the history of...
Hizen Hamashuku

4.0

36 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Kashimashi Hamamachi Otsu 2696

"A National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings located in Hama-machi, Kashima City. The area is also known as ""Sakagura-dori Street."" A popular tourist destination, the sake brewing industry developed rapidly in this area from the Edo period, and today visitors can walk amongst the townscape created by numerous white walled ""kura"" storehouses and breweries standing side by side. Three sake breweries continue to operate in the area, offering tours."

This is a historic and charming place if you like heritage architecture and japanese sake. There are few brewery you can visit. Then again, if you are good at japanese then make a reservation for...
Karatsu City Furusato Kaikan Arpino

3.5

38 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Shinkoumachi 2881-1

A local specialty products hall located close to Karatsu Station in Shinko-machi, Karatsu City. Here visitors can purchase famous Karatsu sweets like Shoro Manju buns; nori seaweed and other marine products from the Ariake Sea; Karatsu tea; processed agricultural products like yuzu pepper made with Kyuragi's specialty yuzu fruit; and other local specialty products and crafts. On the second floor, visitors will find a Karatsu ware display space and shop which also has a corner where you can try painting your own Karatsu ware piece.

１階は物産、２階は唐津焼を販売していました。唐津焼は少々品ぞろえが少ないと感じましたが、物産は面白かったです。駐車場は有料ですが、買い物でサービスチケットをもらえます。
Saga Prefectural Art Museum

3.5

28 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Pref. Sagashi Jounai 1-15-23

An art museum located inside Saga Castle Park in Jonai, Saga City. The museum's collection primarily consists of pieces by artists connected to the prefecture as well as modern paintings and sculptures. A standing exhibition introduces the works of modern Western-style painter Okada Saburosuke. The museum also holds a variety of special exhibitions. The museum is adjoined by the Saga Prefectural Museum.

JR佐賀駅からバス1本で15分程のところにあります。佐賀城だった土地の中に建っているのですが囲んでいる堀がとても広い！佐賀県立博物館の前の広場もとても広い！贅沢な土地の使い方にふさわしく佐賀県立博物館自体もとても広い！こちらの都合で3Ｆの３号展示室にしかお伺いできなかったのですがそこだけでも54点もの展示数がありました。壁面にずらっと肥前刀が並んだ展示室の真ん中で実際に肥前刀を持ってみようと...
Former Koga Bank

4.0

43 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Saga-shi Yanagimachi 2-9

The bank was founded in 1885 by Zenpei Koga, a money changer, and by 1919 it had become one of the five largest banks in Kyushu. It was later remodeled as a chamber of commerce, but has now been restored to its original 1916 appearance.

This is not just a museum inside just one block. It is a collection of 7 historical houses built in the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th. A glimpse into the enthnography of a part of...
Daikozenji Temple

4.5

35 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Miyakigunkiyamachou Sonobe 3628

"A Buddhist temple located in Sonobe, Kiyama Town, Miyaki County, Saga Prefecture. The temple was founded by the priest Gyoki in 717. Temple treasures include a wooden, eleven headed statue of the goddess Kannon created by Gyoki; the temple's principal object of worship. it is only revealed to the public once every twelve years. There's also a wooden standing statue of Vaisravana and of Virupaksa which are designated National Important Cultural Properties. Also known as the ""Azalea Temple,"" each year in spring some 50 thousand azalea plants come into bloom on the mountain behind the temple, and its grounds are also a renowned destination for fall foliage viewing."

We came to see autumn foliage and there is plenty of it here. 127 steep steps take you up to the temple. We had to wait a while at the bottom to be able to take a photo with no people on the...
Yodohime-jinja Shrine

4.0

37 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Sagashi Yamatochoukawakami 1-1

"A Shinto shrine situated along Prefectural Route 212 in Kawakami, Yamato-cho, Saga City. Founded in 564, the shrine has been revered as the most important in what was Hizen Province and what is now Saga Prefecture since 1161. A stone on the shrine's ground's known as ""Konsei-san"" is said to bless worshippers with children. Situated along scenic Kawakami Gorge, the grounds are also filled with natural beauty, including a huge camphor tree some 1,500 years old."

Yodohime Shrine, which is dedicated to a sister of Jingukogo, a legendary empress in the antiquity, was once the 1st shrine of this region. It is located near Kawakamikyo, a beautiful scenic spot...
Hizen Nagoya Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Saga Karatsu-shi Chinzeimachi Nagoya 1938-3 Nagoya Castle Ruins Tourist Information Office

These castle ruins are located at Nagoya, Chinzei Town, Karatsu City. Hizen Nagoya Castle was built during the battles of Bunroku and Keicho when Hideyoshi Toyotomi was invading the Korean Peninsula. At the time it was the second largest castle in size after Osaka Castle. The castle was used as a base camp for the invasion of the mainland and over 140 encampments for soldiers were located in the surrounding area. At present, the castle ruins, as well as 23 other camps in the area, are designated as national historic sites. Artifacts excavated at the site are on display at the Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum.
China on the Park

4.0

36 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Pref. Nishimatsuragunaritachou Harake Otsu 111

A porcelain theme park owned and operated by the Fukagawa Seiji company which was built to introduce visitors to the history and wonder of pottery making. Surrounded by the park's lush grounds, visitors can enjoy pottery from a variety of angles. The Chujikan museum displays company founder Chuji Fukagawa's treasured collection of pieces, including a large flower vase which was awarded a gold prize at the 1900 Paris Exposition. In the Jikigura shop, visitors can easily get their hands on products deviating from the regular line specs normally only ever seen inside the factory. There's also a special tearoom which has a view of the Paris Exposition vase, and a pottery painting activity area. The ground's English lavender, which comes into bloom in early summer, is also a must-see.

家内が深川製磁のファンなので、年に何度か訪問します。私の好みではないせいか、随分と高いという印象です。アウトレット店の前の階段を昇りつめたところにある展示場の２階のカフェは、たいへん良い雰囲気で、流れている音楽も私好みで、ここでケーキとコーヒーのセットをいただくのは大好きです。

Saga

Tosu / Yoshinogari Around Saga City Karatsu / Yobuko / Genkai Arita / Imari Takeo Ureshino Kashima / Tara

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Saga Areas

Away from the fast-paced cities of mainland Japan, Kyushu’s Saga prefecture offers quaint towns and cities known for their traditional crafts, particularly ceramics. Rich in kaolin (a type of clay), Saga became the homeland of Arita ware, a delicate, decorative porcelain that is now celebrated worldwide and can be discovered in the towns of Arita, Imari, and Karatsu.