Saga Prefecture is known for its dramatic views of ocean and hills, for its seventeenth-century pottery kilns that continue to produce famous ceramics even today, and for its cultural legacy that includes the Yoshinogari ruins, discovered in 1989. Saga is the perfect place to explore the foundations of Japanese culture while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
Attractions
Yoshinogari Ruins
The Yoshinogari ruins date to the Yayoi Period (300 BC-300 AD). Restored as a municipal park covering 117 hectares, archeological work on the site continues today.
Restored ancient village at Yoshinogari Historical Park
Niji-no-Matsubara
Niji-no-Matsubara is a stretch of pine trees extending from the city of Karatsu to the coast, and has been designated a special scenic site by the Japanese government. Five kilometers long and over half a kilometer wide, this thick grove of around one million black pines dates to the early seventeenth century, when a local lord planted these trees along the coast for protection against wind and tides.
The pine trees are planted along the coastline to block the sea winds.
Home of Pottery
Ceramics, china and porcelain are the local products; the prefecture boasts a diverse range of pottery, including Arita, Karatsu and Imari wares. In spring and autumn, ceramics fairs held throughout the prefecture attract huge crowds.
Arita ware: Favored for over 400 years not only in Japan but overseas as well.
Specialties of Saga : Saga Brocade 
Beautiful Saga brocade is used to make handbags, purses and obijime (kimono sash of the education of girls from samurai families, brocade styles and techniques have evolved to is used for the weft, and gold, silver and lacquer for the warp. Saga brocade enjoys an excellent reputation abroad as the most outstanding example of Japanese hand-weaving.
ACCESS INFORMATION:
Location: About 900km southwest of Tokyo.
Getting there: Saga Prefecture is a convenient 2-hour flight from Tokyo. A rental car will be convenient for touring Saga. Saga is also accessible from Tokyo or Osaka by train and bus.
(Photo Credits: Sekai Bunka; Yoshinogari Historical Park; Saga City Hall)
