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What’s it like living in Saga prefecture?

a train running through rural Japan

Saga prefecture is located in the Kyushu island of Japan, surrounded by Nagasaki and Fukuoka.

 

With its mountains and proximity to Fukuoka and Nagasaki, Saga is a prefecture that has a surprisingly long history in Japanese culture. So what is it like living in Saga prefecture? 

 

 

 

Karatsu is another large city in Saga by the sea.
 

Places to Go in Saga Prefecture

 

Saga City

 
This city is the capital city, located in the central part of the prefecture. It is about an hour and a half drive from Fukuoka city. It is relatively large and holds all the amenities of a regular Japanese city. You’ll find plenty of history and scenery in Saga, alongside some unique art and pottery.
 
During the Edo period it was also the largest city in the former Hizen prefecture. The city also has a unique (rebuilt) castle as well as an International airport, making it easier to travel to and from.
 

Saga Castle

 
Saga castle was the former castle of the Nabeshima clan, who ruled over the Saga Domain during the Edo period. The castle itself is quite interesting as it is one of the few castles built behind walls as opposed to on top of the walls, which was the classic design of the time in Japan. 
 
The castle is worth visiting if you want to learn more about Kyushu’s history and has a museum on the grounds. Entry to the museum is free and audio tours in English are available.
 

Saga International Airport

 
Also available is the international airport, which although smaller than Fukuoka, does have flights domestically to Tokyo, as well as international flights to parts of Korea and China.
 
This makes it an attractive option if you are living nearby and wish to explore the rest of Asia while you spend your time in Japan.
 
 

 

Karatsu City

 

Karatsu is the second-largest city in Saga prefecture. It is famous for its castle by the bay, and its history of creating fine porcelain and other traditional goods.

 

The local Karatsu Castle is likely slightly more exciting to see than Saga Castle, as it is located on a small hill, surrounded by a sea of trees. The castle holds a museum that explains the history of the castle and the area.

 

In addition to the castle, there is also a lot to see with the nearby Niji no Matsubara Pine grove with over a million pine trees – it is quite the sight! However, if you suffer from hay fever, we would not recommend you go in spring. Seriously, don’t.

 

Finally, being on the Japanese coastline, Karatsu does have some interesting spots for surfing within the local regions. Although, they are more suited for the intermediate surfer.

 

If you are interested in surfing in Karatsu, you can find out more information here.

 

 

 Top 5 Things to Do in Saga Prefecture

 

Saga prefecture is also famous for a certain number of events and fascinating sights within the local regions. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Saga, if you have a free weekend!

 

Hot Air Balloon Festival

 

Every year, Saga prefecture holds its annual Saga International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

 

During this event, people from all over Kyushu gather together to see the hot air balloons fly up. The event usually starts on October 30th and lasts about a week. So there are many times for you to go if you miss a particular day.  The climate is typically cool, but not cold.

 

It can be a fun day to have a picnic with friends while admiring the hot air balloons.   

 

Yoshinogari Park

 

The Yoshinogari Park site is a fascinating and well-preserved archaeological site.

 

This park also hosts a village replica that was likely seen during the Yayoi period (300 BC to 300 CE). The site contains over 2000 tombs which were unearthed. As a result, it is one of the most important sites regarding of the Yayoi period.

 

If you are interested in finding out more about Yoshinogari Park, you can click here. 

 

 

This Shrine is one of 3 official shrines dedicated to the Inari.
 

Yutoku Inari Shrine

 

Located in Kashima city in south Saga prefecture, Yutoku Inari shrine is one of the top three shrines that are dedicated to the inari (supernatural fox-like spirits which would usually carry messages).

 

The shrine is beautiful and was built into a valley. What’s more, (similar to the Kiyomizudera in Kyoto) this shrine’s main hall is built on pillars that are 18 meters above the valley floor. This allows for some impressive photo opportunities! The shrine itself is free to visit and open most days. 

 

 

The Kunchi festival in Karatsu is a sight to see!
 

Karatsu O-kunchi

 

The Karatsu O-kunchi is a festival that Karatsu City holds every year in Saga prefecture. The festival is famous all over Japan and an estimated 150,000~500,000 visitors attend to see the large samurai and Yokai floats parade in the city.

 

The event is worth seeing regardless of where in Japan you may be living. However, if you do happen to live in Karatsu city, why not get involved beyond just observing?

 

Many locals contribute to the festival by making local delicacies to share, playing drums, or serving as the regional guide for guests who are visiting. Or, find out about Japanese national holidays.

 

Enviromental Art Forest

 

Although open throughout the year, the time you will want to go and see this is likely in the middle of fall. Surrounding the facility are various trees including the Japanese maple. This allows guests to enjoy the colors of the season.

 

If you enjoy the Japanese natural environment or are looking for inspiration, we recommend this place. 

*Bonus* Takeo City Library

 

Although not a natural or cultural wonder, the Takeo City Library is worth visiting once, whether you are a bibliophile or someone who appreciates good design.

 

The city library has a very contemporary design and a great open space with a variety of books available in Japanese or English. It is a great place to visit whether you live in the prefecture or are passing through. If you’re interested in reading, why not try a popular manga series?

 

What to eat in Saga?

 

Japan has many wonderful foods to try that are unique to its local regions, and Saga is no different.

 

Whether it is seafood, beef, or something else entirely, what local delicacy will you try when visiting Saga? Below are some of our favourites (foodies should also plan a visit to Osaka).

 

 

 

 Saga Beef

 

Saga beef is arguably the most famous local delicacy found in Saga prefecture. Although not as famous as Kobe beef, Saga beef also is a cut above the rest and Japanese locals enjoy it in a variety of different ways.

 

If you are keen to try out Saga beef we would recommend going to Kira, a restaurant chain that originates from Saga famous for its beef. Kira has both Lunch and Dinner menu options available, including teppanyaki courses.

 

Although not a restaurant most of us could dine at regularly, the quality of the meat and the options for dining make it one of the best places to enjoy Saga beef.

  

Saga Nishiki

 

This is a Baumkuchen-style like cake that is famous throughout Kyushu. The Saga Nishiki has a wonderful chestnut-like color and is the result of combining Japanese weaving style sweets with the Baumkuchen style cakes that are popular in Europe.

 

The cake also contains a special type of chocolate that serves to hold it together.

 

In summary

 

What do you think about visiting Saga prefecture in Japan? Although it is likely not the first prefecture on everyone’s list to visit, there is enough things here to keep you busy as a tourist or visitor!

 

However, just like more places in rural Japan, having a car is essential to one’s living environment.

 

If you are interested in living in Saga prefecture or Kyushu in general, why not consider a career in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher or ALT? We hope to help you with your Japanese journey.

About the Author

Brian McDonough is a consultant at Interac, Japan’s largest provider of ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers). Originally from the US, Brian has lived in Japan for over 25 years, giving him a unique perspective on the cultural differences and challenges people face when moving to Japan. He has first-hand experience of working in Japan as an American.