Yutoku Inari Shrine

 

One of the most famous Inari shrines in Japan

 

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.

 

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 General information  

 

Address	Furueda, 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 mnutes by a vehicle from Yobuko 100 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city 70 minutes by a vehicle from Nagasaki-city

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Southern Saga tour / Kashima, Yotoku Inari Shrine & Saga-city

 

 Where to Explore  

 

Kashima, Utoku Inari Shrine, Saga-city

 

 

General condition

・Departure and disbandment place is in Fukuoka-city

・Chartered vehicle is used

 

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 Itinerary  

 

8:30 Depart Fukuoka-city

Transfer to Kashima using Kyushu Expressway, 1 hour 30 minutes

Visit Yotoku Inari Shrine

transfer to Saga

Lunch at Saga-city

Exploring Saga-city

  Saga Castle History Museum. Saga Shrine, Mietsu Naval Dock

Transfer to Fukuoka using Kyushu Expressway, 1 hour  

18:00 Arrive at Fukuoka-city 

 

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Kashima

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

Yutoku Inari Shrine

The Shrine was used as a Shooting location of Thailand drama.

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. ​

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Saga-city

It faces the Ariake Sea on the south and is home to Saga Airport.

Saga is known as the plece where it has made a great contribution to the Japanese

Industrial Revolution.

 

Saga Castle History Museum

Japan’s Industrial Modernization activity was started here in Saga.

The largest restored wooden building in Japan at 2,500m2, the museum offers the unparalleled

chance to experience a Japanese castle from more than 175 years ago.

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Saga Shrine

The shrine is designated as the special government shrine.

The shrine dedicated to Naomasa Nabeshima, who oversaw the manufacture of Japan’s

first modern Cannon.

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Mietsu Naval Dock

World Heritage, Site of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution

Before Meiji Restoration, the Mietsu Naval Dock served as a venue for naval drilling and

maintenance of Western-style ship, as the naval base of Saga Clan.

Japan’s first practical steam ship, the Ryofu-maru was constructed there in 1865.

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Yoshinogari Remains

Lie on the spacious hilly area in the northeastern part of Saga. Remains of a ringed-dugout settlement

presumably dating back to the 3rd century B.C. were unearthed there, and excavation is still underway

at the site. They are among the largest archeological remains in Japan.

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Note : we can arrange any other destinations considering your preferences for making

           your own plan.

 

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Kashima 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

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Yutoku Inari Shrine

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.

 

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　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Location of Kashima

　　 

 

 

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 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

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8 days Northern Kyushu tour

 

 Where to Explore 

 

Fukuoka →　Saga →　Nagasaki →　Unzen →　Shimabara →　Kumamoto →　Aso

Okubungo region → Yufuin →　Beppu　→　Kitakyushu →　Fukuoka

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Itinerary 

 

Day 1   Saga

 

Saga is a prefecture in the northwestern part of Kyushu and is located next to Fukuoka-prefecture.

From Fukuoka-city many places can be traveled in a day.

 

Karatsu Castle Karatsu Castle is called Dancing Crane Castle

Yobuko Asaichi Famous for Squid and Morning Market called Asaichi

Hado-misaki Cape Cape of Lovers’ sanctuary, the heart-shaped monument

Imari The porcelain town, has 400 years history

Arita Arita porcelain, bright, elegant pictures drawn in porcelain.

Takeo The Onsen resort, has 1200 years history

Saga Great contribution to the Japanese Industrial Revolution

Kashima Exciting experience, Sake brewery visiting

Yutoku Inari Shrine One of the most famous Inari shrines in Japan

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Schedule

Arrive at Fukuoka

Karatsu →　Yobuko　→　Imari →　Kashima　→  Takeo

Stay at Takeo

 

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 Day 2  Nagasaki

 

Became a center of European influences in the 16th century and flourished as a trading

port & center of Christian missionary activities. The detonation for an atomic bomb over Nagasaki 

during the World WarⅡis a dark page in the cities turbulent history. 

Now, however the city has become a center of peace, blessed with beautiful natural scenery and

eclectic mix of historical sites and architecture.

 

Nagaaki Wharf  Elegant international & domestic  tourist harbour

Mount Inasa  Breathtaking panoramic view  of Nagasaki-city

Mount Inasa  One of the World’s three  beautiful night view

Glover Garden  UNESCO World Heritage, the  largest number of visitor here

Peace Park  Let’s make World Peace and  everyone’s happiness

Path in Minamiyamate  Various gift shops,   restaurants, Café lined the street

Oura Cathedral  The most significant Church,    Mother Teresa and Pope visited

Dejima    Only the trading port in Japan  during Natinal isolation

China Town  One of the three big China  town in Japan

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Schedule

Transfer to Nagasakio

Peace Park →　Ground Zero →　Atomic Bomb Museum

Lunch at China Town →　Glover Garden 　→　Oura Cathedral  →　Dejima

Stay at Nagasaki

 

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 Day 3   Shimabara and Unzen

 

Shimabara

Located in the Shimabara peninsuka, region spread in the foot of gentle mountain and facing to

calm sea. Shimabara is consist of two cities, Shimabara-city and Minami-Shmabara-city.

Offers various enjoyable things such as Nature, Onsen, Castle town of Shimabara-city,

Hidden Christian history as well as Local Gourmets. 

 

Shimabara  Nature, Onsen, Castle town,  Christianity history, Gourmets.

Shimabara Castle  Symbol of Shimabar, almost   rectangular flatland castle

Samurai Houses Even now, atmosphere in 18th   century is still remained

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Unzen 

Unzen is a beautiful highland Onsen Resort in Shimabara peninsula situated Unzen National Park 

The first area to be designated as a National Park in Japan and then the area has been developed

as Onsen Resort for both tourist Japanese and foreigner.

Even now, many tourist from all over the world are visiting here for enjoying Nature.

 

Unzen Highland Onsen Resort, different colour create seasonal beauty

Nita pass Magnificent scenery of mountain foot area & Ariake bay

Unzen jigoku   White smoke rising from the    ground over a wide area

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Schedule

transfer to Shimabara

Shimabara Castle →　Samurai Street

Lunch at Shimabara, local cuisine Guzoni

transfer to Unzen

Nita Pass →　Unzen jigoku

Stay at Unzen Onsen Resort

 

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 Day 4   Kumamoto

 

Amakusa

An archipelago located west side of Kumamoto, beautiful landscape, seafood and 

local delicacies and marine activities can be enjoyed.

Amakusa are connected to Shimabara by the Ferry and to Kumamoto by the bridges.

 

Amakusa 9 inhabited islands & numerous  islands floating on a tranquil sea

Amakusa Gokyu / Pearl line Main islands are connected with Amakusa Five bridge, Pearl line

World Heritage SIte Hidden Cristian site of Oe Cathesral and Sakitsu Village

Tomioka Castle Ruins The Castle in Amakusa Island built in 1605

Amakusa Cruise One of the most exciting exprience in Amakusa

Amakusa Onsen There are two Onsen, Matsushima and Shimoda

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Kumamoto

 

Situated roughly in the center of Kumamoto Prefecture, is the government and

economic center of the prefecture. From the early 17th century to the end of the 19th century,

Kumamoto was prosperous as a castle town.

 

Kumamoto The third most populous city in Kyushu, called city of the forest

Kumamoto Castle  One of Japan’s three great  Castle, built in 1600

After the Earthquake Under restoration work, can be  visited from the outside

Suizenji-koen Park  Imitated the beautiful scenery   of Japan

Shimo-tori Shopping street  The biggest shopping district in Kumamoto-prefecture

Kumamoto City Tram Main destinations are connected from JR Kumamoto Station

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Schedule

transfer from Shmabara to Amakusa by a ferry boat

Explore Amakusa

transfer to Kumamoto

Explore Kumamoto ; Castle, Suizenji-koen Park

Stay at Kumamoto

 

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 Day 5  Aso

 

The world’s largest caldera and the active volcano give a lot of excitements.

Aso Enjoy numerous unforgettable experiences in the rural area

Daikanbo The perfect spot view of Aso region, Caldera & Mount Aso

Kusaseri-ga-hama The beautiful prairie of 785,000 square meter in the crater

Mount Aso

The largest active volcano in Japan, and is among the largest in the world. Its peak is 1592 m above sea

level. Its caldera is 25 km across north to south and 18 km across east to west.

Mt. Aso, around the Crater

Look down the Crater

Nakadake Crater

Aso Shrine One of the oldest and most prominent shrines in Japan

Kurokawa Onsen The best places to enjoy the atmosphere of real Japan

Nabegataki Waterfalls Very unique waterfalls, can be climbed behind the falls

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Schedule

Explore Aso :  Daikanbo, Kusasenri-ga-hama, Mt. Aso, Aso shrine 
Local cuisine can be enjoyed at Ryokan’s dinner

Stay at Kurokawa Onsen

 

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 Day 6  Yufuin and Beppu  via  Okubungo region

 

Okubungo region

The region is on the way to Yufuin and Beppu from Aso, the travelling route can be proposed

as per your preference.

The area is a nature-blessed region at Ono River basin, and the northern part is surrounded by

Aso & Kuju Mountains

 

Kuju kogen Plateau A magnificent and beautiful scenery of Kuju plateau

Handa kogen Plateau  Yamanami Highway, best driving route enjoy Nature

Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, world’s 2nd

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Yufuin

Graceful Onsen Resort located in the Yufu basin surrounded by Mount Yufu and Tsurumi.

One of the most popular among ladies and International tourist visits to here are increasing. 

 

Mount Yufu  Gentle mount Yufu can be seen  graceful Onsen Resort

Yufuin Station Street  In front of JR Yufuin Station  a elegant street appear

Yunotsubo Avenue  70 shops, gift shops, galleries curiosity item shops, cafes

Shitan-yu The old public outdoor mixed bath with a thatched

Kinrinko lake The landmark in Yufuin, hot water gushes from the bottom

Yufuin Floral Village Reproduced the townscape of the Cotswold region in England

 

Beppu

The popular hot spring town nestle at the foot of volcanos, Mt. Yufu and Mt. Tsurumi.

Schedule

Transfer to Yufuin via Okubungo region

Exloring Yufuin

Trensfer to Beppu

Beppu Hell tour →　enjoy foot bath

Stay at Beppu

 

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 Day 7  Kitakyushu

Kokura Castle Kitakyushu’s land mark, walking distance of Kokura Stations

Uomachi Shopping arcade Down town shopping street, various shops, restaurants, bars

Hiraodai Karst Plateau One of the three largest karst plateau in Japan

Kanmon-kyo Bridge The suspended bridge crossing the Kanmon Straits

Mojiko Retro The exotic district, former trading port coal and other products

Kanmon Pedstrian Tunnel Only the place in the world, can be crossed the strait on foot

World Heritage Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution

Higashida district The birth place of Steel making Industry in Japan

Mount Sarakura The most dynamic night view in the world

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transfer to Kitakyushu

Mt, Sarakura

Kukura Castle →　lunch at Kokura

Mjiko Retro and Kanmo Strait

Stay at Kitakyushu

 

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 Day 8    Fukuoka

 

Fukuoka-city has a long history as commercial town and castle town, and prospered as important

district to Asian Continent for many years.   Now, Fukuoka-city is the International bub of Kyushu,

the nation’s fourth largest economic zone. 

In other words, Fukuoka-city is the heart of Kyushu against various things,

such as food culture, shopping, entertainment, economy and international business.

 

JR Hakata Station The largest and busiest JR train station in Kyushu

Sea Side Momochi The water-front resort area JR Hakata Station and Tenjin

Tenjin The biggest shopping district in Kyushu

Fukuoka City tour bus Fukuoka Open top bus tour, three courses for journey

Fukuoka Tower Japan’s highest coastal tower, magnificent view from the top

Tochoji Temple The oldest temple of the Shingon sect in Japan

Kushida Shrine Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival is held in the shrine

Kawabata Shopping Arcade 400 m down town street, 100 shops and restaurants

Nakasu One of the largest entertainment district in western Japan

 

Schedule

transfer to Fukuoka

Exploring Fukuoka

Stay at Fukuoka

 

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 How to make your customized tour  

 

1. Enquiry

 The tours we are offering are customized for private travel accordance with your preferences

 and date,  click the   Enquiry Form   to tell us what you are looking for.

 

2. Proposal

・Preliminary quotation which is guide line of the tour price as per the Enquiry.

・Basic suggested itinerary will be provided.

 

3. Clarifications

 All the tour conditions are to be clarified including the grade & type of accommodations,

 transportation, visiting placed, meals and other excursions, in order to meet your requirements

 and budget.

 

4. Final proposal

 The quotation and itinerary are provided based on the Clarification.

 

5. Make an agreement 

 The agreement for proceeding the customized tour is conducted.

 

6. Enjoy the customized journey 

  All the arrangement are made as per the agreement and operated the tour in

  accordance with the plan

 

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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.

 

 

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 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

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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.

 

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 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

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Northern Saga tour / Karatsu, Yobuko, Arita, Takeo

 

 Where to Explore  

 

Karatsu, Yobuko, Arita and Takeo

 

 

General condition

・Departure and disbandment place is in Fukuoka-city

・Chartered vehicle is used

 

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 Itinerary  

 

8:30 Depart Fukuoka-city

Transfer to Karatsu using Nishi-kyushu Expressway, 1 hour

Visit Karatsu Castle

transfer to Yobuko and Hado-misaki Cape

Lunch at Yobuko. enjoy fresh Squid

transfer to Arita and visit Arita Porcelain Park

Exploring Takeo

Transfer to Fukuoka using Kyushu Expressway, 1 hour 30minutes 

18:00 Arrive at Fukuoka-city 

 

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 Where to explore

 

 Karatsu 

 

Located on the Higashi Matsuura Peninsula in the northwestern part of Saga-prefecture,

have been prosperous from ancient times as an important point for trade with China.

Karatsu Castle

Kagamiyama Mountain

Karatsu Shrine

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 Yobuko 

 

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

Yobuko Asaichi

Fresh Squid

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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.

Hado-misaki beach

Heart monument

The north-west end

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 Arita 

 

Famous for Arita yaki which is 400-years old porcelain. The piece is bright, elegant pictures

drawn in transparent white porcelain.  

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 Takeo 

 

Onsen town, has 1300 years history. 

Takeo is located in the western part of Saga-prefecture and Takeo’s Onsen waters feel silky

smooth on skin thanks to a high concentration of sodium bicarbonate.

The town was used as a Shooting location of Thailand drama.

Romon Gate

Mifuneyama-rakuen Garden

Great Camphor tree

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Karatsu & Yobuko travel guide

 

Karatsu and Yobuko, located on the Higashi Matsuura Peninsula 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.

 

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Karatsu Castle

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.

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Kagamiyama Mountain

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.

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Karatsu Shrine

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.

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Yobuko

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

Fresh Squid

Fresh Squid

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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”.

The place was used as a Shooting location of Thailand drama.

Entrance gate

Shopping street

Typical shop

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Hado-misaki Cape

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

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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.

 

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Yobuko and Genkai Sea from the view of Nagoya Castle Ruins

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　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Location of Karatsu & Yobuko

　　 

 

 

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Yobuko

 

Fishing industry town famous for Squid and Morning Market called Asaichi

 

Yobuko is located northern tip of Saga-prefecture and is facing to Denkai-nada Sea.

 

Famous for fresh Squid, transparent in body and firm in texture. The squid has a sweetness that melt

upon the tangue. In the finely crafted style of sashimi known as Ikezukuri, the flesh of still-living

seafood is served.

 

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”.

A lot of places were as a Shooting location of Thailand drama.

 

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 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

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Karatsu Shrine

 

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.

In 1819, a man dedicated a beautiful and large papier-mache red lion statue to this shrine.

 

He traveled Ise Shrine, visit Kyoto on the way home, and saw Gion Festival. And he impressed

by the sight of beautiful floats, so he and his friends created such statue.

 

The statue was paraded at the annual festival of this shrine, and it has developed into the

festival “Karatsu Kunchi”.
From November 2nd to 4th, Karatsu Kunchi is held every year.

 

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 General information  

 

Address	3-13 Minami-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

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