Saga

Kouyaji Temple in the town of Kitagata in Takeo is a "Rhododendron Temple," where 1,000 rhododendron bushes of 20 varieties bloom in April. Also known as "Shakunage Temple," this unique temple also has a Shakunage Kannon statue, which casts away the misfortunes of worshippers, and Bokefūji Kannon statue, which is said to ward off dementia. This historic area was part of the Nagasaki Trail. It has many charms, including areas of beautiful flowers and delicious food offerings.

The carps in Ogi’s local specialty dish are exposed to the clear stream of the Kiyomizu River, which was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters, for about a month without feeding. Doing so removes its distinctive smell and the flesh becomes firm with tasty fat in the winter.

The Giant Camphor Park of Kawago is located in Wakaki Town, Takeo City. The most distinctive features about this park are the strikingly large Giant Camphor tree and the water wheel. In the adjacent Tametomo Hall, visitors can enjoy performances of karakuri puppets themed around local legends. There are also sales of vegetables harvested in Wakaki, processed goods, and “water wheel rice” that has been polished by the water wheel of the Giant Camphor Park.

Karatsu Castle was built by Terasawa Shima-no-Kami Hirotaka, vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, over seven years starting from 1602. It is said that materials from the dismantling of Hizen Nagoya Castle were used when building the castle. The sands extending from the east and west of the castle look like the outstretched wings of a crane, earning it the alternative name "Maizuru (Dancing Crane) Castle". It is also a famous place for cherry blossom trees and wisteria.

The most popular tourist attraction in Kashima City, Saga, is Yutoku Inari Shrine, also known as a spiritual site. You can also enjoy the specialty sake in the Hizen Hamashuku area as well as healing your mind and body at Torii Gates in the Sea and Takezaki Hot Springs in Tara Town.

Arita Town is well-known as being home to Arita ware, a Japanese traditional craft. A Korean potter named Sam-pyeong Yi and his colleagues discovered porcelain clay at Mt. Izumi early in the 17th century. That was when the first porcelain started being produced in Japan. Since then, porcelain production has gained momentum under the Saga Domain. The area, now called Arita Senken (literally, "a thousand houses of Arita"), thrived as the townscape developed in the valley.

The Yoshinogari Ruins, designated as a Special Historical Site, is Japan's largest moated settlement from the Yayoi period. In this spacious park, huge tumuli, Kamekambo tombs, pit dwellings, and watch towers have been restored, offering opportunities to gain first-hand experience of the Yayoi period. Here, you can also try building a fire and making comma-shaped bead.

Yoyokaku is an historic ryokan with a history of more than 120 years located in Karatsu Onsen, a hot spring resort town in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Enjoy popular meals featuring seasonal delicacies made from local ingredients, take advantage of the health benefits of soaking in the hot spring baths, and relax in delightful rooms featuring beautiful Japanese-style architecture.