Saga is next to Fukuoka and famous for its important historical place, Yoshinogari Ruins. Yoshinogari Ruins is ancient city, which goes back to about the 5th century B.C. and had a history of over 600 years. Kyoto and Nara is famous Japanese ancient city. However, Saga is also famous for its long history and important city for Japanese history. If you have chance to read a Japanese history textbook, You can find the Yoshinogari Ruins and Saga before you find Kyoto and Nara.
Saga is also known for its fresh seafood because Saga is facing the ocean, Genkai-nada (玄界灘) and the Sea of Ariake (有明海). The most famous seafood in Saga is squid taken at Yobuko (呼子). Yobuko area of Karatsu city is famous for its squid dish. In the sashimi style known as ikizukuri (活き造り), the flesh of still-living squid is served.
The Sea of Ariake (有明海) is famous for Kaityu-torii (海中鳥居), which means a torii gate in the sea. The torii appears and disappear, depending on the time. This torii stands for the gravity of the moon. So this place is called the city where you can see the gravity of the moon. The view changes every time and you will enjoy various kinds of the Sea of Ariake. So here was a sacred place for ancient people.
Mutsugoro (ムツゴロウ), which means a mudskipper. The cute fish becomes a mascot. You can see Mutsugoro at the Sea of Ariake. Additionally, the Sea of Ariake is well known for delicious seaweed. Onigiri (おにぎり) with seaweed from the sea of Ariake is very nice.
Besides, Saga is known for producing Japanese traditional ceramics and porcelain (陶磁器), particularly in Karatsu city, Imari city and Arita city. Many Japanese people come to these cities to buy the works. The beautiful and well-crafted design is breathtaking. You will be at a loss for words.
The biggest event in Saga is Karatsu-Kunchi festival (唐津くんち), which celebrates a rich harvest and prosperity in business. This event features large floats called Hikiyama (曳山) that run through Karatsu city. This festival is held on November 2nd to 4th every year.
At the same time, the Saga International Balloon Fiesta is taken place. Hot air balloonists from many countries join this event. A lot of hot air balloons in the clear sky are so spectacular.
Mifuneyama (御船山) becomes a more and more famous spot in Saga. First, Mifuneyama has a teamLab event in every autumn. Second, Mifuneyama is located in Takeo (武雄) city, which is famous for the onsen spot. Besides, Mifuneyama is known as a Mecca for people who like a sauna. This is because the sauna of Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel (御船山楽園ホテル) wins a prize for SAUNACHELIN (サウナシュラン), which means the best of sauna in Japan for three years in a row and became the Hall of Fame.
写真 御船山楽園ホテル様へ使用許可の連絡
Saga has many attractive spots and is close to Fukuoka. So it is easy to plan to visit when you go around Kyushu. Saga is the city that has its long history and rural scenery. You can experience the good old Japan in Saga life.