Nature Spots in Karatsu / Yobuko / Genkai Area

  • Niji no Matsubara
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Higashikaratsu / Hamakita cho
    A grove of some one million black pines grown along a 4.5 kilometer stretch of Karatsu Bay. Together with the Miho no Matsubara and Kehi no Matsubara, it is considered one of the three most beautiful pine groves in Japan and is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. The pines, planted to provide protection against winds and tides, have grown twisted into beautiful shapes. The grove’s “Seven Curiosities,” facts and legends relating to the grove which have existed since ancient times, are also fascinating.
  • Cape Hado
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Chinzeimachihado
    Cape Hato in Chinzai-cho, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, is located at the tip of the Higashimatsuura Peninsula and can be reached by car from JR Karatsu Station in about 40 minutes or by local bus. Facilities such as Cape Hato Seaside Park, a jarred turban shell hut, and the Genkai Undersea Observation Tower provide enjoyment for children and adults alike.
  • Nanatsugama Caves
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Yakataishi
    This is a group of seven sea caves which stand in a row along the coast of Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture. It is a scenic spot formed by the erosion of the basalt cliff face which reaches a height of 40 meters by the violent waves. If you board a pleasure boat, you can see the powerful rocks up close. In 1925, the caves were designated as National Natural Monuments as “the seven pots of Yakataishi”.
  • Mikaeri no Taki Waterfalls
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Ouchichouikisa
    "Mikaeri no Taki Waterfalls are on the Ikisa River, which has its source on Mt. Sakurei, in the northern part of Ochi Town. The falls have a drop of around 100 meters, and are included in the ""Top 100 Waterfalls of Japan."" Mikaeri no Taki Waterfalls are famous as a good spot for fishing, and also because of the many beautiful hydrangeas growing in the area near the falls. The first few hydrangeas were planted by an elderly lady whose family ran the nearby Seiryuso restaurant; other local residents subsequently planted more, and there are now approximately 40,000 hydrangea plants belonging to around 50 different varieties. ""Mikaeri no Taki Hydrangea Festival"" is held every year in June. There are hiking paths and a suspension bridge, and during the festival the hydrangeas are illuminated."
  • Mt. Kagamiyama
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Kagami
    Located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, this 284-meter-high mountain is known for its scenic beauty. The road to the top of the mountain is well maintained as a driving course, and there is an observatory at the top of the mountain where, on a clear day, you can see Niji-no-matsubara, Karatsu Bay, the city of Karatsu, and even the shadow of the Iki Islands.
  • Tategami-iwa Rocks
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Minatomachi
    "Located a 50-minute drive from the Taku Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway, these two huge basaltic pillars that are particularly eye-catching even among the many boulders lined up along the shore of the Minato district, a scenic area facing the Genkai Pass. The rocks, with circumferences of six meters and heights of 30 meters, were created by the erosion of waves and appear to stand side by side, which it why they are also called ""Meoto Iwa"" (the Wedded Rocks.) The coast just west of Tategami Rock is a popular spot that is said to be the birthplace of surfing in Kyushu. Throughout the year, there is an endless line of surfers fighting against the rough waters of the Genkai Sea."
  • Kabe Island
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Prefecture Yotsukocho, Karatsu
    An island in the Genkai Sea 500 meters from Port in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Thanks to the Yobuko Ohashi Bridge, which opened in April 1989, the island is easily accessible by car. An expanse of tranquil rural scenery and grasslands, Kazenomieruoka Park and a local specialty products market overlook Yobuko Ohashi Bridge, and the island is fast become a popular sightseeing destination. Visitors can also experience ancient history here - the early sixth century Hisagozuka Tumulus as well as Tashima Shrine, said to be the oldest Shinto shrine in the prefecture, are located on the north side of the island. In addition, visitors can enjoy fresh squid and other seafood cuisine.
  • Kashibaru Marsh
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Nanayamaikebaru
    This is a beautiful marshy area of 12 hectares at an altitude of 600 meters, also known as the “Ose of Kyushu.” Here, nature remains unspoiled with 60 species of marsh plant, insects and wild birds inhabiting the area. Beautiful flowers such as buckbean and water shield bloom among the seasons, with the best time being August when the fringed orchids are a must-see for their beautiful flowers that resemble a white heron opening its wings for flight.
  • Hamasaki Kaigan
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi Hamatamamachi Hamasaki
  • Nijinomatsubara Kaigan
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi Hamatamamachi Hamasaki
  • Hadomisaki Kaigan
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi Chinzeimachi Hado
  • Kannonnotaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi Nanayama Takigawa
  • Shiraitonotaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi Hizenmachi Agekura
  • Mt.Hinokochi
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi
  • Namise Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi
  • Sasabaru Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi
  • HotateBana
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi
  • Mt.Hidake
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi
  • Mt.Mizunomoto
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi Hata Shima
  • Mt.Kirisashi
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Karatsu-shi Ishishi

Saga Areas

around-area-map

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.

Saga Photo Album

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