Top Things to do in Saga Prefecture
The 9 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu
Discover the best top things to do in Saga Prefecture, Japan including Kagamiyama Observatory, Yutoku Inari Shrine, Saga Castle Hommaru History Museum, Yoshinogari Historical Park, Karatsu Castle, Mifuneyama Rakuen, Tosu Premium Outlets, Nagoya Castle Ruins, Tosu Stadium.
Restaurants in Saga Prefecture
1. Kagamiyama Observatory
2. Yutoku Inari Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By JimmySumKahWai - Singapore, Singapore
Yutoku Inari is one of three major Inari shrines in Japan. We have visited the other 2 so have planned for a trip here in our recent stay at Hakata. It was a 30 mins JR trip to alight at Kashima sta, a small station with 1 entrance/exit. The bus station is just a few steps outside of the station, From here we waited at a small bus terminal for Yutoku Bus and get off at “Yutoku-jinja-mae” bus stop. Not much luck as we waited for 50 mins for the 15 mins ride. So we alighted at the end of the approx. 500m long street that leads to the shrine. This traditional approach to the shrine is lined by shops that offer local snacks and souvenirs, many quite similar to each other. In fact 50% of the shops are closed, rather sad, compared to the bustling Fushimi entrance. But also nice since we could take photo without the crowd. We zoomed to the shrine direct, passing through few large tori gates The Shrine is built into the steep hillside of a valley, with its Main Holden stands on tall wooden beams well above ground level (think Kyoto's Kiyomizudera Temple). From the main hall's terrace one can hike up a walking trail leading further into the wooded hill behind the shrine. Sections of the path are covered by torii gates and lined by smaller shrines, make such a wonderful pictquese photo and IG shot! One can pay for the lift to go up to the Main Hall level, though the stairs/steps wasn’t difficult to reach this section. From here the next segment is moving up the Tori gates up the hill could be a bit challenging with steep slopes and uneven steps. Finally there’s a 3rd section, the most challenging with steep / rocks as steps only. This takes about 10 mins climb amongst the red Torii gates that lead to Okunoin (smaller inner shrine) at the top/summit where one will be rewarded with nice views over Kashima City and the nearby Ariake Sea. Without the large crowd we can enjoy a great nature in a quiet Zen-like ambience surrounding. Japan is endowed with beautiful flowers of the 4 seasons; cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and Momiji red in autumn. We are glad to be here in early Dec as during autumn the reds of nature matches the reds of the shrine buildings and torii gates so well. On the return trip we explore more of the shops and even took a udon lunch at one of the few home-style restaurants. Many boast simple local Japanese meal and expensive live carp fish sashimi. [see separate review on Kadoya ] A must-visit if you are nearby..
3. Saga Castle Hommaru History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
This museum building is a faithful reconstruction of the Saga Castle main palace, built by the tenth domain lord Nabeshima Naomasa in 1838. It was rebuilt based on archaeological findings, old photographs, and diagrams from the Edo Period. Only one-third of the original complex has been restored, but it is still the largest scale wooden building restoration project in Japan, and the first restoration of a castle’s main palace. More than 700 tatami mats cover the floor of this museum, and in this vast space, many exhibits introducing Saga in the 19th century can be seen in the form of historical materials, footage and models. You will find that this museum is completely flat; this is because it was originally designed as a flat-structured building on one level in the Edo Period. Now, allow yourself to slip back in time to Saga during the Edo Period. Please enjoy your visit.
Reviewed By 30milenag - Warsaw, Poland
Beautiful and worth seeing place with very nice staff, audio tour in English for free. Must see in Saga.
4. Yoshinogari Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 349 reviews
Reviewed By Bigfoot27 - Singapore, Singapore
I greatly enjoyed my visit to Yoshinogari historical park. Firstly, out from yoshinogarikoen Station, you can walk to the park with clear signage given along the way. Secondly, there is free shuttle bus in the park to bring you around. You can take free shuttle bus to various sites and the bus will come back every 20 minutes to fetch you back to other sites. Thirdly, the archaeological display has English subtitles that help you to understand the people and their lifestyle during the yayoi period. The most interesting sites is the ancient tombs or burial sites where you get to see the archaeological findings of the ancient tombs. Another interesting sites is the houses and lifestyle of the yayoi people. Fourthly, you can experience first hand yayoi lifestyle by making ancient instruments or weaving or dying a shirt in ancient ways. Lastly, the admission fee is only 420 yen which I felt the educational value and services provided had far exceeded my expectation. I'll sure recommend anyone who wants to have a glimpse of Japanese early history and culture to go there. Good job!
5. Karatsu Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 475 reviews
Reviewed By dimitrios110 - Chatham, United States
A visit to this elegant and tranquil castle is a great way to connect to the ancient history of Japan.
6. Mifuneyama Rakuen
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By Bunnysnaky - Hong Kong, China
From Takeo Onsen station, exit at entrance B and took the bus to Ureshino. Get off at Mifuneyama Rakuen and walked up the road until you see the ticket booth inside the souvenir shop and the vendors selling chestnuts and glutinous red-bean cake. We bought a combo ticket at 900 yen (day/night ticket at 600 yen each) which allowed us to stay from day till night. Despite early December was a bit late for the autumn foliage, there were still sights of red maples and yellow gingko along the way. The walk up the hill was clean, well maintained with clear signages - good enough for young children and physically fit elderly to enjoy hiking in such poetic atmosphere. We visited the various sightseeing points such as 500 Lohan (monks) cave and hanami pavilion at ease. Night time was another episode - the sky went pretty dark after six and the place was lit up. Illumination at the lake was marvellous like a Chinese painting. Despite many tourists around, we were still able to enjoy close-up of maple leaves under the spotlight. The walkway up the hill was not totally visible in the dark and children/elderly might not be suitable. An enjoyable walk with the family in the fall embellished with autumn foliage.
7. Tosu Premium Outlets
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By AqmarolR - Kuching, Malaysia
I overslept on my train from Nagasaki to Saga, so I ended up at a quiet station called Tosu. Since I arrived there, I might as well visit this local place. About 15mins bus ride (210 yen) from Tosu station, I arrived at Tosu Premium Outlets. I don’t normally go shopping while traveling, but the price here is very hard to pass. Try going there on the weekends when they usually have additional discounts. I was lucky, there was a massive sale at Coach, an additional 35% to the already discounted price. It’s tax free too. The crowd is okay, compared to other premium outlets in the big city. A nice break from temples and castles. Recommended to spend half a day here, if you’re into shopping. If you’re going with your wife or girlfriend, keep an eye on her!!
