Exploring Saga
& Surrounds.
#SAGA.
Although it is probably best known for its International Balloon Fiesta, the city of Saga offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities year-round.
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Highlights: Koudenji Temple, Saga Shrine, Ushijima Tenmangu Shrine, Saga Castle Ruins, Former Koga Bank, Saga Balloon Museum, Okuma Shingenobu Memorial Museum, Saga Prefectural Art Museum.
#Day trips from Saga.
1. Ureshino.
Known for its green tea and skin-soothing waters, the picturesque onsen town of Ureshino is sure to delight visitors.
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Journey Duration: The Shinkansen runs between Saga and Ureshino Onsen Stations and takes around 35 minutes with a change at Takeo-Onsen Station.
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Highlights - JR Ureshino-Onsen Station: Toyotamahime Shrine, Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum, Saga Ninja Village Hizen Yumekaido, Todoroki Falls, Ureshino Onsen Park, Ureshino Public Hot Spring (Siebold's Bath), Siebold's Footbath, Shinyu Square.
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Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for travel between Saga and Ureshino Onsen.
2. Takeo.
Lying just a few minutes away from Saga City, Takeo offers natural and landscaped gardens along with some beautifully crafted buildings - all nestled amongst scenic countryside.
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Journey Duration: A Shinkansen will take around 3-5 minutes from Saga to Takeo-onsen Station.
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Highlights: Takeo Onsen Shrine, Mifuneyama Rakuen, Keishuen Art Museum and Garden, Saifukuji, Tenmangu (viewpoint), and Takeo Onsen Romon (pictured).
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Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for this journey.
3. Ogawachiyama
Nestled among the mountains, the historic and picturesque village of Ogawachiyama, best known for its pottery, is one of Kyushu's lesser-known gems.
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Journey Duration: Local trains run from Saga Station to Imari Station with a travel time of around 1 hour 40 minutes. From Imari Station, one can take the 大川内山 - 窯業団地線 Bus or a Taxi to Ogawachiyama Village.
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Highlights: Nabeshima Domain Kiln Bridge, Imari Village Aritayaki Traditional Industry Hall, Pottery Square, Nabeshima Clan Kiln Park, 唐臼小屋 (Mortar Hut).
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Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for travel between Saga and Imari Stations (change at Yamamoto) using the JR lines.