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Saga Prefecture is a charming area where nature and traditional crafts harmoniously come together.
Famous worldwide for its pottery, Arita, Imari, and Karatsu ceramics showcase generations of history and craftsmanship. There are many pottery experience facilities where you can learn about the intricate techniques behind these beautiful works, allowing you to fully appreciate their depth.
The “Karatsu Kunchi” festival is a vibrant and energetic event, with majestic floats parading through the streets, offering a true taste of traditional festival spirit. In “Ureshino Onsen,” a historic hot spring destination known for its healing properties, you can not only relax your body but also enjoy its reputation as a beauty-boosting bath.
At the “Yoshinogari Ruins,” you can explore the remains of a large settlement from the Yayoi period, where the lifestyle of ancient Japan has been reconstructed, offering a tangible connection to the country’s rich history.
The Saga Plain stretches out with vast agricultural landscapes, allowing you to experience the beauty of nature through all four seasons.
Enjoy a rich and fulfilling journey in Saga, where history, nature, and cuisine come together in perfect harmony.
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Karatsu Kunchi The “Karatsu Kunchi” is an autumn festival with over 300 years of history, held annually from November 2nd to 4th at Karatsu Shrine in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. The main highlight of the festival is the parade of luxurious floats known as “Hikiyama.” These floats are around 6-7 meters tall and weigh 2-3 tons, featuring stunning lacquered finishes and gold leaf decorations. The floats are pulled through the city with spirited chants, and the events unfold over three days: “Yoiyama” on the 2nd, the “Otajisho Shinkou” on the 3rd, and “Machimawari” on the 4th. Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival is one of the most traditional and celebrated events in Kyushu, drawing many tourists from both Japan and abroad.Image search for「唐津くんち」
A musical tour exploring Saga through songs.
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Discover and Enjoy Saga! A Guide to Must-Visit Spots & Topics. 写真提供：佐賀県観光連盟 Yūtoku Inari Shrine Yutoku Inari Shrine, located in Kashima City, was established in 1688 and is known for bringing blessings such as prosperity in business and safety for the home. The shrine’s grand and colorful buildings, including the vermillion-painted gate and main hall, are built on the side of a mountain. Because of their beauty, the shrine is sometimes called the “Nikko of Chinsen.” Throughout the year, you can enjoy a variety of flowers in bloom, with the scenery changing with the seasons. A stroll through the charming town at the entrance of the shrine is also a delightful experience.
写真提供：佐賀県観光連盟 Karatsu Castle Karatsu Castle was built in 1602 by Terasawa Hirotaka, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and is located on Mount Manzo in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Known for its beautiful surroundings, it’s also called “Maitsuru Castle.” From the castle’s main keep (tenshukaku), you can enjoy panoramic views of the Genkai Sea and the Rainbow Pine Grove (Niji no Matsubara). The current main keep was rebuilt in 1966, and inside, you can find exhibits about the Karatsu clan and Karatsu ware, as well as various local historical artifacts displayed in the regional museum.
写真提供：佐賀県観光連盟 Arita Town & Arita Ware Arita Town is known as the birthplace of Japan’s first porcelain, Arita-yaki. The town is home to several museums and galleries that showcase the history and culture of Arita-yaki, offering visitors a deeper understanding of its significance. In spring and autumn, the Arita Porcelain Fair, Japan’s largest ceramics event, draws fans and collectors from all over. Additionally, there are plenty of hands-on experiences available, such as pottery workshops and kiln tours, where visitors can actually try their hand at the Arita-yaki production process.
写真提供：佐賀県観光連盟 Genkai Sea The Genkai Sea (Genkai Nada) is located in the northwest of Kyushu and is known for its stunning scenery and rich marine life. In Saga Prefecture’s Genkai Town, you’ll find the “Genkai Energy Park,” a facility where you can learn about nuclear power generation. From the observation room, you get a breathtaking view of the Genkai Nuclear Power Plant, as well as the beautiful sea and islands of Genkai Nada.
Speaking of Saga, it’s also famous for “Yobuko Squid,” which comes from the Genkai Sea. The squid caught here has translucent flesh, a firm and chewy texture, and a unique sweetness that’s absolutely delicious.
写真提供：佐賀県観光連盟 Takeo Onsen “Taketoh Onsen” is a historic hot spring area located in Takeo City, believed to have been established over 1,300 years ago, and it’s known for its skin-beautifying effects. The iconic gatehouse, designed by Kin’go Tatsuno in 1915, serves as a symbol of the hot spring town. Additionally, nearby attractions such as Takeo Shrine and Mifuneyama Rakuen are also popular spots worth visiting.
写真提供：佐賀県観光連盟 Nabeshima Ware Nabeshima ware is a type of high-end porcelain that was created during the Edo period, originally as tribute for the shogun and other dignitaries. In 2025, it was also presented as a gift to the Kingdom of Thailand. Today, the tradition continues in Okawachiyama, Imari City, where around 30 kilns are gathered. Known as the ‘Secret Kiln Village,’ Okawachiyama preserves the rich history of Nabeshima ware through its time-honored techniques.
写真提供：佐賀県観光連盟 Saga Castle Saga Castle, located in Saga City, is a flatland castle that flourished during the Edo period as the residence of the Nabeshima clan, who ruled over 360,000 koku of land. Key attractions include the ‘Saga Castle Honmaru History Museum,’ which faithfully reconstructs the main palace from the late Edo period, as well as historic structures like the Shachinomon Gate and the continuing turrets, which are designated as Important Cultural Assets.
写真提供：佐賀県観光連盟 Yoshinogari Ruins Yoshinogari Ruins is one of Japan’s largest Yayoi period settlement sites, spanning across Kanzaki City and Yoshinogari Town. It’s surrounded by a 2.5-kilometer-long outer moat. The site features reconstructions of watchtowers, pit dwellings, and elevated storage buildings. You can also participate in hands-on programs like fire-making, giving you a chance to experience life during the Yayoi period.
