Saga-prefecture travel guide
Saga-prefecture is located in the northern part of Kyushu and are adjacent to Fukuoka-prefecture
in the east and to Nagasaki-prefecture in the west. The north side faces Genkai Quasi-National
Park with scenic coast line. In the south, the Saga plain that is adjacent to Ariake Sea is spreading. The capital of the prefecture is Saga-city.
Location of Saga-prefecture
Where to Explore
It faces the Ariake Sea on the south and is home to Saga Airport. In the center of the city is
the Saga Castle History Museum, which also serves as the city’s symbol. The castle itself is no
longer standing, but the main keep has been reconstructed, resulting in one of the largest
wooden structures in Japan.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Located on the Higashi Matsuura Peninsula in the north-western part of Saga-prefecture,
have been prosperous from ancient times as an important point for trade with Mainland China.
Karatsu is a part of Genkai Quasi-National Park, and has many scenic spots.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Located in the western part of Saga-prefecture. The hot spring temperature is 18 to 52 degrees.
Spring quality is smooth with alkaline simple hot spring. It is said that the color is colorless and
transparent and has an outstanding effect on recovery from fatigue.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Ureshino Onsen is a hot spring town in southwestern Saga Prefecture. Its clear onsen waters
are high in sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride and feel extremely smooth on skin, giving
rise to its popularity as a “Bihada no Yu” ( beautiful skin waters). Ureshino is famous for its tea.
Terraces of tea fields sprawling out one after the next is a scene typical of Ureshino.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Famous for Arita yaki which is 400-years old porcelain. The piece is bright, elegant pictures
drawn in transparent white porcelain.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The porcelain town, has 400years history. Imari is most notable because of Imari porcelain,
which is the European collectors’ name for Japanese porcelain wares made in the town of
Arita, Saga-prefecture.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Located about 60 kilometers southwest of Saga-city. It borders the Ariake Sea to the east and
Nagasaki-prefecture to the southwest. Feature sightseeing spot is Yutoku Inari Shrine and also
Sake brewery visiting are recommended.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
And we would love to chat about your travel plans on the phone as well,
please ring our office a call in English Tel : +81-93-521-8897
Tour results
We are offering various types of tours, and the tour results up to now are shown links below.
Tailor-made tour Study tour Golf tour
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions
Karatsu Castle
Karatsu Castle is called Dancing Crane Castle. Karatsu Castle was built in 1608. This castle
is located facing the sea and is situated in the northern part of Karatsu City.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
It resembles the figure of a bird with its wings spread wide as there is a pine grove extending
left to right and because its donjon is thought to look like the head of a crane.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
In spring, the 500 cherry trees and the Wisteria flowers in Karatsu, designated a product of nature by
the city, are in full bloom.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
General information
Address | 1-1 Nishi-jonai, Karatsu-city, Saga-prefecture |
Access |
120 minutes by a vehicle from Kitakyushu-city 60 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city
5 minutes by a vehicle from JR Karatsu station 30 minutes by a vehicle from Yobuko 60 minutes by a vehicle from Saga-city 60 minutes by a vehicle from Takeo-city 50 minutes by a vehicle from Arita
100 minutes by a vehicle from Nagasaki-city |
Open hours | 9:00 to 17:00 |
Admission fee | No fee is required |
Days closed | December 29 to 31 |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
Tel : +81-93-521-8897, Fax : +81-93-521-8898
Address : AIM buiding 6th floor, 3-8-1 Asano, Kokura-kitaku, Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions
Hado-misaki Cape
Lovers’ sanctuary Cape. The main attractions of Cape Hado are the heart-shaped monument,
underwater observation tower, and the sunset. It is frequented by young couples who take
photos in front of the heart monument, and also by families who hang out at the wide, beautiful
grasslands by the sea.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The Cape was used as a Shooting location of Thailand drama.
General information
Address | Yobuko-cho, Karatsu-city, Saga-prefecture |
Access |
110 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city 110 minutes by a vehicle from Saga-city 140 minutes by a vehicle from Nagasaki-city |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
Tel : +81-93-521-8897, Fax : +81-93-521-8898
Address : AIM buiding 6th floor, 3-8-1 Asano, Kokura-kitaku, Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions
Kagamiyama Mountain
Panoramic view of Karatsu Castle, Karatsu bay and Nijino-matsubara. The height is 284 metre
from sea level and top of the mountain is flat and wide geographical feature.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The area is famous for cherry blossom and azalea flower in spring season. Magnificent
and panoramic view of the Karatsu Castle, Karatsu bay and Nijino-matsubara (Rainbow
pine forest) from the observatory on the summit can be enjoyed.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
General information
Address | Kagamiyama, Karatsu-city, Saga-prefecture |
Access |
110 minutes by a vehicle from Kitakyushu-city 60 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city 20 minutes by a vehicle from JR Karatsu station 40 minutes by a vehicle from Yobuko 70 minutes by a vehicle from Saga-city 60 minutes by a vehicle from Takeo-city 60 minutes by a vehicle from Arita 100 minutes by a vehicle from Nagasaki-city |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
Tel : +81-93-521-8897, Fax : +81-93-521-8898
Address : AIM buiding 6th floor, 3-8-1 Asano, Kokura-kitaku, Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions
Yobuko Asaichi
Fishery morning market called Asaichi. Asaichi opens from 7:30 to 12:00, every day at just next
to Yobuko Port. The street of 200 m borrowed from the eaves of the shopping street is named
“Asaichi Street”.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
50 to 70 stalls selling fresh vegetables, fish and shellfishes, and fruits line up. Morning market
BBQ is also going on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The place was used as a Shooting location of Thailand drama.
General information
Address | Yobuko-cho, Karatsu-city, Saga-prefecture |
Access |
90 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city 90 minutes by a vehicle from Saga-city 120 minutes by a vehicle from Nagasaki-city |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
Tel : +81-93-521-8897, Fax : +81-93-521-8898
Address : AIM buiding 6th floor, 3-8-1 Asano, Kokura-kitaku, Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions
Karatsu & Yobuko travel guide
Karatsu and Yobuko, located on the Higashi Matsuura Pe ninsula in the northwestern part
of Saga-prefecture, have been prosperous from ancient times as an important point for
trade with Mainland China. Karatsu is a part of Genkai Quasi-National Park, and has many
scenic spots.
Karatsu Castle is called Dancing Crane Castle. The Castle, which stands beside Karatsu Bay,
is unusual in that the stonework rises directly out of the water, using the ocean as a natural moat.
Panoramic view of Karatsu Castle, Karatsu bay and Nijino-matsubara (Rainbow pine forest)
The height is 284 metre from sea level and top of the mountain is flat and wide geographical
feature. The area is famous for cherry blossom and azalea flower in spring season.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The Shrine of Karatsu Kunchi. It is a Shinto shrine located about 1 km west of Karatsu Castle
and the original shrine was founded in 755. Karatsu Kunchi is held From November 2nd to
4th every year.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Town of Fishing industry, famous for Squid and Morning Market called Asaichi. Yobuko is
located northern tip of Saga-prefecture and is facing to Denkai-nada Sea. A lot of places
were as a Shooting location of Thailand drama.
Yobuko Port |
Fishery Morning Market called Asaichi and opens from 7:30 to 12:00, every day at just next to
Yobuko Port. The street of 200 m borrowed from the eaves of the shopping street is named
“Asaichi Street”. The place was used as a Shooting location of Thailand drama.
Entrance gate |
Shopping street |
Typical shop |
Cape of Lovers’ sanctuary. The main attractions of Cape Hado are the heart-shaped monument,
underwater observation tower, and the sunset. It is frequented by young couples who take photos
in front of the heart monument.
Hado-misaki beach |
Heart monument |
The north-west end |
Nagoya Castle Ruins
The Castle was a castle located in the old Hizen Province of Japan. The historic castle was
the base from which Toyotomi Hideyoshi launched his invasions of Korea.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Yobuko and Genkai Sea from the view of Nagoya Castle Ruins
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Location of Karatsu & Yobuko
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
And we would love to chat about your travel plans on the phone as well,
please ring our office a call in English Tel : +81-93-521-8897
Tour results
We are offering various types of tours, and the tour results up to now are shown links below.
Tailor-made tour Study tour Golf tour
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions
Kashima & Tara travel guide
Kashima is located about 60 kilometers southwest of Saga-city. It borders the Ariake
Sea to the east and Nagasaki Prefecture to the southwest. Feature sightseeing spot is
Yutoku Inari Shrine and also Sake brewery visiting is recommended.
Sake Brewery |
Sake Brewery |
Ariake Sea |
One of the most famous Inari shrines in Japan and located in Kashima-city, Saga-prefecture.
Dedicated to Inari, the deity whose messengers are foxes, it is the third largest of its kind
in Japan. It was constructed in 1688 as the family shrine of the Nabeshima clan who ruled
what would become the Saga area during the Edo period.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The Shrine was used as a Shooting location of Thailand drama.
Kaichu Torii gates in the sea have become a popular photo spot when the tide is high.The “Floating
Torii Gate” of Ouo Shrine stands on the shallow area of the ocean in Tara-cho, which has 6 meter
tide difference. It changes its appearance every time you look at it, and it is a famous tourist spot.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Takezaki crab is the local specialty of Tara, and is well-known for its rich flavor. Takezaki crabs
are available almost year around. From summer into fall the male crabs are delicious, with the
females and their eggs most delicious during the autumn and winter. You could even try one of each.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
From the observatory point of Takezaki Castle Ruins Lookout, one can gaze down upon workings
of nature such as this. This is the site where a castle was originally built 600 years ago in the
Nanboku-cho Period and a vantage point which offers spectacular views, including the mountains
of Unzen and Aso when the weather is fine.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Location of Kashima
General information
Address | City hall : 2643-1 Nodomibun, Kashima-city, Saga-prefecture |
Access |
30 minutes by a vehicle from Takeo 40 minutes by a vehicle from Arita 50 minutes by a vehicle from Saga 80 minutes by a vehicle from Karatsu 90 minutes by a vehicle from Yobuko 100 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city 70 minutes by a vehicle from Nagasaki-city |
Population | 29,000 Population density 260 |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
And we would love to chat about your travel plans on the phone as well,
please ring our office a call in English Tel : +81-93-521-8897
Tour results
We are offering various types of tours, and the tour results up to now are shown links below.
Tailor-made tour Study tour Golf tour
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions
Tsukiji Reflectance Furnace
This is the Japan’s first constructed Reflectance Furnace. In the late Edo period when the
necessity of maritime defense increased, the Saga clan built the Tsukiji Reflectance
Furnace for making cast iron-made Western cannons and completed in 1850. And then,
the cast iron cannon was manufactured the first time in Japan in 1851. The reflectance
furnace was greatly contributed for initial stage of Japan’s Industrial Modernization.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
General information
Address | Nagase-machi, Saga-city, Saga-prefecture |
Access |
110 minutes by a vehicle from Kitakyushu-city 80 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city
70 minutes by a vehicle from Karatsu 50 minutes by a vehicle from Takeo 60 minutes by a vehicle from Arita
90 minutes by a vehicle from Nagasaki-city |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
Tel : +81-93-521-8897, Fax : +81-93-521-8898
Address : AIM buiding 6th floor, 3-8-1 Asano, Kokura-kitaku, Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions
Kaichu Torii
Kaichu Torii gates in the sea have become a popular photo spot when the tide is high.
The “Floating Torii Gate” of Ouo Shrine stands on the shallow area of the ocean in
Tara-cho, which has 6 meter tide difference. It changes its appearance every time
you look at it, and it is a famous tourist spot.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
In August, Yukino Lantern Festival will be held, the view of 500 lanterns and torii on the
ocean is very romantic.
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
And we would love to chat about your travel plans on the phone as well,
please ring our office a call in English. +81-93-521-8897
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions
Takezaki crab
Takezaki crab is the local specialty of Tara, and is well-known for its rich flavor. Takezaki crabs
are available almost year around. From summer into fall the male crabs are delicious, with the
females and their eggs most delicious during the autumn and winter. You could even try one
of each.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
You can enjoy this wide variety of crab dishes including fried crab, grilled crab,
crab dumplings, crab chawanmushi (a Japanese egg custard dish), stir-fried crab,
creamy crab risotto, crab gratin, and steamed crab. The crabmeat gives you sweetness
with every bite. The best way to end a nice steamed crab is with “shell sake,” where
you drink sake from the crab shell. You should try this with hot sake, which lets you
enjoy the crab flavor more and warms your body.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail atinfo@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
And we would love to chat about your travel plans on the phone as well,
please ring our office a call in English Tel : +81-93-521-8897
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions