Saga, Japan
Saga, Japan, usually refers to Saga Prefecture or Saga City. It is located on the northwest side of the Kyushu region of Japan, bordering the Genkai Sea to the north, the Ariake Sea to the south, Fukuoka Prefecture to the east, and Nagasaki Prefecture to the west. It covers an area of approximately 2,440.68 square kilometers. It has jurisdiction over 10 cities and 10 towns, with a population of about 832,800. The prefectural emblem is composed of three "力" characters, the prefectural flag features camphor tree flowers, the prefectural bird is the magpie, the prefectural tree is the camphor tree, and the prefectural flower is the camphor tree flower.
Saga, Japan has many tourist attractions worth visiting. Here are some recommendations:
Historical and Cultural Sites
- Saga Castle: Located at 2-18 Jonai, Saga City, the remaining parts are important cultural properties. Here, you can experience Japan's rich history.
- Karatsu Castle: Also known as "Maizuru Castle," it was built in 1608 and took seven years to complete by the first lord of the Karatsu Domain. The fifth floor of the castle tower is an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the Genkai Sea and Matsuura Lagoon. Maizuru Park, surrounding the castle, is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing.
- Taku Seibyo: Along with "Ashikaga Gakko (Tochigi Prefecture)" and "Shizutani Gakko (Okayama Prefecture)," it is known as one of Japan's three major Confucian shrines. It has been listed as a National Important Cultural Property. The pillars and beams of the vermillion-lacquered buildings are decorated with auspicious patterns such as dragons, giraffes, and phoenixes, giving it a magnificent appearance.
- Yoshinogari Historical Park: Here lie the ruins of Japan's largest moat settlement from the Yayoi period. Surrounded by a 2.5 km-long moat, reconstructed observation towers, pit dwellings, and raised storehouses allow visitors to fully experience the atmosphere of the Yayoi period.
Hot Spring Resorts
- Takeo Onsen: With a 1,300-year history, this is a mildly alkaline hot spring with clear and smooth water. The "Romon" gate, designed by Kingo Tatsuno, the same architect who designed the Bank of Japan and Tokyo Station, has also been designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
- Ureshino Onsen: One of Japan's three major "Bijin-no-Yu" (hot springs for beautiful skin), located at 2202-55 Shimojuku Otsu, Ureshinomachi, Ureshino City. Here, you can enjoy the beautifying effects of the hot spring.
Natural Landscapes
- Niji-no-Matsubara: One of Japan's three major pine groves, with 1 million black pine trees growing along the coast. Planted by the first lord of the Karatsu Domain in the 17th century to protect against wind and waves, the top of the mountain is a natural oxygen-rich park.
- Mount Kagami Observatory: Located on Mount Kagami in Karatsu City, legend has it that Princess Sayohime bid farewell to her lover here. A bronze statue of Sayohime stands at the summit, and visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of "Niji-no-Matsubara" from above.
Religious Sites
- Yutoku Inari Shrine: Along with "Fushimi Inari Shrine" and "Kasama Inari Shrine," it is known as one of Japan's three major Inari shrines. Approximately 3 million people visit each year. The bright vermillion architecture stands out against the backdrop of green trees.