The porcelain towns of Arita and Imari, the hot springs of Takeo and Ureshino, and Yoshinogari’s ancient village site.
Saga is between Fukuoka and Nagasaki. The Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen stops at Takeo-Onsen and Ureshino-Onsen.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesArita is the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, first made here over 400 years ago. Walk the Tonbai-bei walls made from kiln bricks, and visit galleries. Imari’s Okawachiyama has a valley of kilns.
The Arita Ceramic Fair at the end of April and in early May is very busy.
Read this area guide →Takeo Onsen has a red gate designed by Tatsuno Kingo and a striking library. Ureshino Onsen is known for smooth water and green tea, with yudofu tofu simmered in spring water.
Both towns are stations on the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen.
Read this area guide →The Saga International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky in early November. Yoshinogari Historical Park recreates a large moated village of the Yayoi period.
A temporary Balloon Saga station opens during the fiesta.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Shinkansen to Takeo-Onsen; visit the gate and library.
Lunch in Takeo, then train to Arita.
Porcelain galleries and the Tonbai-bei walls.
Overnight at Ureshino Onsen.
Try Saga beef, Yobuko squid, Ureshino tea and onsen yudofu.
Stay in Takeo or Ureshino for hot-spring inns; Saga City has hotels near the station.
JR limited expresses link Hakata with Saga and Takeo-Onsen, where the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen continues to Nagasaki.
