About Saga

Saga Prefecture is located on the Kyushu island of Japan. There are ten cities within the Saga prefecture with Saga city being the capital. Saga prides itself on being blessed with spectacular nature spots that are rich in culture, history, and resources. Saga also has its own dialect known as Saga-ben.
Saga has mild climates providing a comfortable environment where there are plenty of hiking spots and places to relax. Saga also boasts some tasty places to eat and a relaxed country-like setting. The cities Arita, Imari, and Karatsu are also well-known for their production of beautiful porcelain and ceramics. Life in Saga is far more relaxed compared to the lifestyle of those on the main island.

Where To Go

---Yutoku Inari Shrine---
Yutoku Inari Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Saga and goes back all the way to the Edo period. The shrine is bright red and majestic looking and is visited by over 2.8 million people every year. The garden that is adjacent to the shrine is a known spot for viewing azalea flowers just adding to the beauty of the shrine. The shrine itself holds festivals including a spring festival called Tamage, and an autumn festival called Ohitaki.

---Yoshinogari Historical Park---
Yoshinogari Historical Park is a famous location due to having remains from the Yayoi era. The ruins include Japan's largest dry-moat, a watch tower, and pit dwellings, as well as artifacts such as bronze swords and glass cylindrical beads. Remains and tombs have also been discovered, and graves of the Imperial family. This is an educational and interesting spot to learn about Japanese history, and it allows people to get a glimpse into what life in Japan was like in the past. 

What To Eat

---Ureshino Hot Springs Boiled Tofu---
This dish is only available in Saga, in Ureshino Hot Springs to be exact. The soybeans are produced in Saga Prefecture so the ingredients are all local. The tofu is boiled in Ureshino hot spring water making for milky, soft tofu.

---Yobiko no Ika dishes---
Yobiko no Ika is essentially squid, but the squid is caught in the Sea of Genkai, and the dishes are made in a town called Yobiko where they are known to make good squid dishes. Squid is enjoyed raw and fresh, as well as grilled. The squid can also be made into tempura making for a scrumptious, crunchy dish, or made into dumplings for a unique and tasty experience.

Other dishes to try: Saga beef, Takezaki crab, Charcoaled Mudfish
 

Visit Kyushu