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.
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Bonus Tip: Consider bringing a small towel for the town's foot baths.
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.
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Bonus Tip: Stop in at the Takeo Information Centre/Gift Shop located inside the station where you can buy some lovely gifts to take back home.
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:
4. Karatsu.
With it's impressive castle and coastal views the scenic town of Karatsu makes for the ideal day trip from Saga.
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Journey Duration: Rapid Trains run between Saga and Karatsu with a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes each way.
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Highlights: Hikiyama Exhibition Hall (festival floats display), Former Karatsu Bank, Jonai Bridge, Karatsu Castle, Former Takatori Residence, Nishinohama Beach, Former Oshima Residence, and Karatsu Shrine
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Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for travel between Saga and Karatsu.
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Bonus Tip: For those planning to arrive early, note many of the sights will not open until 9 am.