Top Things to do in Saga Prefecture
Things to do in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Saga Prefecture, Japan including Mt. Sugitake Fudoson Daishoji Temple, Hompuku-ji Temple, Homan Shrine, Niiyama Shrine, Yutoku Inari Shrine, Kagami Shrine, Shugakuin Temple, Tozan Shrine, Shishi Ozan Myohoji Temple, Hoto Shrine.
Restaurants in Saga Prefecture
1. Mt. Sugitake Fudoson Daishoji Temple
2. Hompuku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
3. Homan Shrine
4. Niiyama Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
After exiting from Kunanen Garden and villa, head up the hill to the shrine. Be sure to go to Kunanen villa before going to the shrine in order to try to beat some of the crowds there. The path up to the shrine from the garden and villa passes an immense ancient tree. There is a torii at the entrance to the shrine complex, in addition to the one at the base of the hill. There was some nice foliage color here but nothing earth shattering. Once in the shrine complex you can wander around on that level photographing lanterns and such or stop at one of the food stalls there. Take the steep stairs up to the shrine itself or use the ramp which makes it an easier walk. Be sure to make your way around to the back of the shrine, where you will find a sacred spring attended by statues of monkey. The god of mountains and god of agriculture are enshrined here. There were several small shrines similar to those found at Inari shrines, but here at Niiyama there were tiny statues of monkeys and other animals placed around the auxiliary small shrines. When we left we walked down the broad staircase to see something different. We found more foliage and a bit more color near the stairs. This shrine combined with Kunanen Garden makes for a nice day trip from Hakata.
5. 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..
6. Kagami Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Related Jinja of The Tale of Genji. Tale of Genji Chapter 22 The Jeweled Chaplet "I vow to yhe Mirror God fo Matsura : If I break it he can do what he wants with me . "
