Introduction to Instagram-Worthy Photos of Saga Prefecture
佐Saga Prefecture is rich in tourist spots where you can enjoy historical and natural scenery, such as Yoshinogari Historical Park, a large settlement site from 1,800 years ago, Ureshino Onsen and Takeo Onsen, which are representative hot springs of Kyushu, Rainbow Pine Grove, and Mifuneyama Rakuen.
Yoshinogari Historical Park
The Yoshinogari Ruins are known as the remains of a large settlement from the Yayoi period, about 1,800 years ago, and are now open to the public as Yoshinogari Historical Park. The park recreates the state of Yoshinogari in the late Yayoi period, allowing visitors to experience its history. Various experience programs and events are held weekly in the park, and there are also video facilities and restaurants available.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 16-minute walk from Yoshinogari Koen Station
Saga Castle Park
Saga Castle Park features fountains and lawns, a large camphor tree with over 300 years of history, and a moat where waterfowl and koi swim. Located near the Saga Prefectural Government, the park serves as a relaxation spot for citizens. Originally owned by the Ryuzoji clan, the castle was later renovated by the Nabeshima clan. The castle is characterized by its large moat and earthworks. The main enclosure has been restored in wood and is open to the public as the Saga Castle History Museum.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 9-minute bus ride from Saga Station
Karatsu Castle
Karatsu Castle is known as “Maizuru Castle” due to its elegant appearance, resembling a crane spreading its wings. Built over seven years starting in 1602 by the Terasawa clan, vassals of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle offers a panoramic view of Genkai Sea, Rainbow Pine Grove, Matsuura River, and the castle town of Karatsu from its keep. It is also famous for cherry blossoms and wisteria.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 22-minute walk from Karatsu Station
Ureshino Onsen
Ureshino Onsen is one of Kyushu’s most famous hot spring areas, flourishing as a post town on the Nagasaki Kaido since the Edo period. With over 60 inns lining the banks of the Ureshino River, the area retains the atmosphere of a traditional post town. The onsen has 17 sources, and the water, which is alkaline and contains salt and carbonate, is known for its high temperature of around 100 degrees Celsius.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Ureshino Onsen Station
Takeo Onsen
Takeo Onsen boasts a history of over 1,300 years, with records of historical figures such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Date Masamune, Miyamoto Musashi, Ino Tadataka, and Siebold having bathed here. The onsen water, a weakly alkaline simple spring, is known for its transparency and smooth texture, making it a popular “beauty bath.”
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Takeo Onsen Station
Mifuneyama Rakuen
Mifuneyama Rakuen is a beautiful garden located in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, set against the backdrop of the sheer cliffs of Mt. Mifune. Created by an artist invited from Kyoto at the end of the Edo period, the garden features about 140 types of trees. In spring, 2,000 cherry trees and 200,000 azaleas bloom, creating a landscape reminiscent of Chinese ink paintings. Various events, including tea ceremonies and photo sessions, are held during this season. In summer, visitors can enjoy projection art on the pond’s surface by the world-famous digital art group teamLab.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 32-minute walk from Takeo Onsen Station
Rainbow Pine Grove
Rainbow Pine Grove is a vast pine forest stretching along Karatsu Bay, with about one million pines planted for wind and tidal protection. The 4.5 km long, 500 m wide pine forest forms a beautiful arc like a rainbow, and the prefectural road 347 passing through the pine forest is ideal for a scenic drive.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 8-minute bus ride from Karatsu Station
Nanatsugama
Nanatsugama is a series of seven caves in basalt cliffs facing the Genkai Sea, formed over many years by sea erosion. The largest cave is 3 meters wide and 110 meters deep, and it is possible to enter by small boat depending on sea conditions. The cliffs, about 40 meters high, offer spectacular views harmonizing with the light blue sea. The upper part is equipped with grasslands, observation decks, and walking paths, providing a sense of nature’s grandeur. Additionally, the two caves at the southern end are interconnected, resembling a stone gate.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:27-minute bus ride and 25-minute walk from Nishi-Karatsu Station
Oouo Shrine Torii Gate
The Oouo Shrine Torii Gate, submerged in the Ariake Sea, offers a mystical landscape, floating in the sea at high tide and accessible at low tide, showing a completely different scenery. This tidal change creates entirely different expressions of the same torii. The torii is also known for the legend where an evil official reformed with the help of sea bream. It is said the official ordered villagers to worship the “sea bream” as a god, and the torii was built between Okinoshima and the mainland.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 11-minute walk from Tara Station
Yobuko Morning Market
In Yobuko, famous for squid, the morning market is held every day from 7:30 am to noon, except on New Year’s Day. Stalls line the 200-meter-long Morning Market Street, selling local seafood, seasonal vegetables, flowers, and more. This market offers a warm shopping experience, different from supermarkets, allowing you to enjoy conversations and interactions with local vendors.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 25-minute bus ride from Nishi-Karatsu Station
