Saga Trip Tips

History & culture

Saga Prefecture has played an important role in Japan’s history, with such sites as the Yoshinogari Ruins, a huge settlement site from the Yayoi period. Visitors can also experience the fascinating culture unique to Saga Prefecture, represented by the Saga International Balloon Fiesta, one of Asia’s largest hot air balloon competitions.

Yoshinogari Ruins

The Yoshinogari Ruins in Saga Prefecture are the remains of a huge settlement from the Yayoi period. It is attracting attention both in Japan and abroad as a valuable place that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of people approximately 2,300 years ago.

The ruins are also full of facilities that allow visitors to experience life in the Yayoi period. Visitors can learn about the Yayoi period while having fun at a corner where they can experience how people dressed in those days, try making a fire, and more.

Saga Castle

Built in the early 17th century, Saga Castle served as the residence of the Nabeshima clan, the feudal lord of the Nabeshima domain. Selected as one of the 100 best castles in Japan, the castle’s beautiful keep and historical buildings are highlights of the area. From the castle tower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Saga and the Saga Plain.

The Saga Castle Honmaru History Museum exhibits materials related to the history and culture of the Nabeshima clan. In addition, historical streets and samurai residences remain around the ruins of Saga Castle, allowing visitors to experience life in those days.

Balloon festival

The Saga International Balloon Fiesta, held annually in Saga City from late October to early November, is one of Asia’s largest hot air balloon events. More than 100 hot air balloons take off simultaneously in the early morning, creating a spectacular view of the morning sky.

Please visit Saga to experience the dreamlike world of hot air balloons.

Yobuko Morning Market

Yobuko Morning Market is a lively market known as one of the three major morning markets in Japan. About 80 stores line the streets every day, selling fresh seafood and local agricultural products, and the market is crowded with people from early in the morning.

It is one of the best tourist spots in Saga Prefecture, where you can experience fresh seafood and a lively market. We hope you will visit and enjoy Japanese culture and food to the fullest.

Saga beef

Saga beef is the pride of Saga Prefecture, known as one of the three great Japanese beef brands. It can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes such as steak, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu.

Yobuko squid

Yobuko squid is a generic name for squid caught in Yobuko Town, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. It is especially famous for its clear flesh and sweet taste.

Yobuko squid is recommended to be served live. The clear flesh dances and you can enjoy its crunchy texture. It can also be enjoyed in a variety of other dishes such as tempura, sashimi, squid somen noodles, and squid ink soup.

Sicilian rice

Sicilian rice is a local delicacy of Saga City, consisting of white rice topped with sweet and spicy stir-fried beef and raw vegetables and topped with mayonnaise.

It was created in a coffee shop in Saga City in the 1960s and later spread around the city. The ingredients and seasonings vary from store to store, so it is recommended to compare them.

Karatsu Burger

Karatsu Burger is a local burger born in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, and has a history of more than 50 years since its birth in the 1960s. It is available at many restaurants around Karatsu City, so please try it.

Experience life in the old days at the Yoshinogari Ruins

The Yoshinogari Ruins in Saga Prefecture are the remains of a huge settlement from the Yayoi period. Dotted with buildings and facilities that recreate life in those days, visitors can experience as if they have stepped back in time.

Watching hot air balloons color the sky at the Balloon Fiesta

The Saga International Balloon Fiesta, held annually in Saga City from late October to early November, is one of Asia’s largest hot air balloon events.

Over 100 colorful hot air balloons will color the Saga Plain in the early morning and evening.
During the event, visitors can also experience a hot air balloon ride to view the scenery of Saga from the sky.

Eating at Yobuko Morning Market

Yobuko Asaichi is one of the three major morning markets in Japan, located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Held every morning from 7:00 to around 12:00, it is a lively market where fresh seafood and agricultural products are on display.The most attractive thing about the Yobuko morning market is that visitors can enjoy eating fresh seafood. Visitors can enjoy various kinds of seafood such as squid, sea urchin, turban shell, shrimp, etc., as well as grilled squid and squid tempura.

Canoeing and SUP on the Kase River

The Kasegawa River in Saga Prefecture is a river with a rich natural environment. Canoeing or SUPing down the river allows visitors to enjoy nature in all four seasons. Canoeing and SUP tours range from courses for beginners to racing courses for more advanced riders.
Let the river flow by and enjoy the nature of the Kasegawa River to the fullest.

Spring

• Strolling through rape blossom fields: In spring, rape blossom fields spread out around the Yoshinogari Ruins, offering beautiful scenery.
• Enjoy cherry blossoms and hot springs: Takeo Onsen is home to many famous cherry blossom viewing spots. You can enjoy the luxury of viewing cherry blossoms while soaking in hot springs.

Summer

• Enjoy swimming and fishing: Yobuko has many swimming beaches and fishing spots.
• Spectacle of the magnificent Hikiyama at Karatsu Kunchi: Karatsu Kunchi is an autumn festival held in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, where 14 gorgeous floats are paraded through the city.

Autumn

• View hot air balloons coloring the sky at the Balloon Fiesta: A hot air balloon festival held every autumn. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic view of colorful hot air balloons floating over the Saga Plain.
• Enjoy Saga Beef: Saga Beef is one of Japan’s three major beef varieties. Autumn is the season of appetite, and we invite you to taste Saga beef.

Winter

• Hatsumode at Yutoku Inari Shrine: Yutoku Inari Shrine is one of the largest Inari shrines in Kyushu. Many people visit the shrine for Hatsumode.

Festival

• Karatsu Kunchi: Karatsu Kunchi, the largest festival in Saga Prefecture and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, is held annually from November 2 to 4. 14 gorgeous floats are paraded through the city.
• Nabeshima Dantsu Festival: Nabeshima Dantsu is a traditional Saga Prefecture rug. The festival is held every year in autumn, and the gorgeous rugs are displayed.

Traditional crafts

• Nabeshima Dantsu: Nabeshima Dantsu is a traditional Saga Prefecture rug with beautiful colors and delicate patterns.
• Hizen Bi-Doro: Hizen Bi-Doro is a traditional glass craft of Saga Prefecture, made using traditional techniques dating back to the Edo period.  

Airplane

It takes about 2 hours from Tokyo to Saga.

Shinkansen

The Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Saga Station takes approximately 12 hours. From Tokyo Station, passengers can change trains at Shin-Osaka Station to reach Saga Station.