saga guide > outdoors

Hizen

Irohajima Island (いろは島)) is apparently the big attraction in Hizen. Be sure to visit the observatory on the mountain overlooking the bay for a spectacular view of the island and the Genkai Sea. Just follow the white signs on Route 204 indicating “Irohajima” in English. The island offers swimming, eating, fishing and a minshoku (民宿, Japanese-style motel) with a restaurant and onsen with a spectacular view. The imported sandy beach even has changing rooms built to the shape of castles and showers for a mere 100 yen. Town-owned sea kayaks appear available for public use, although when we went we didn’t see anyone there to rent from.

The tiny island of Irohajima is also where you can find Peter Pan’s Magical Island of Flowers and Adventure, although upon inspection we couldn’t find any flowers. Mainly for the kiddies, the attractions include jungle gyms, mazes, zip lines, a beach and, of course, Captain Hook’s ship.

Green Hill and Peony Park, located off Route 204 towards Kitahata, are pleasant places for a stroll. The traditional Japanese garden here costs 300 yen, but our intrepid investigator says that you can climb the wall at night. The peonies (botan) bloom in May. One of the trees is reckoned to be more than 400 years old.

Chinzei

The Hadomisaki Underwater Observatory and Park is a lovely place when the weather is good. While the observatory itself is over-rated (”just a fish bowl turned inside out”), the surrounding park is nice and includes a small beach, camp sites, tennis courts, a minshuku and several stalls selling the freshest of fresh seafood. During the summer, tour boats from Nanatsugama depart here frequently.

Higashisonogi (Ureshino’s neighbor)

Ryutosen waterhole.

Ogi

The Kiyomizu Waterfall itself is pretty spectacular. Fed by waters from Mt. Tenzan, the falls is a 75-meter drop. Additionally, there is a temple above it, many Buddha images, a nearby dam, and several bungalows available for rental, making it a great escape from the noise and bustle of Saga. Unfortunately, it is not near any train or bus line, so you will need a car or very strong legs to get there. The way is well marked from Route 203.

Ogi Park is renowned throughout the ken for some of the finest hanami in the area. The park is also pretty nice the rest of the year. Rumor has it that one can rent swan-like paddle boats here.

While Mt. Tenzan is not the highest mountain in Saga-ken, nor does it afford the best views, it is strategically located right in the center. You just can’t miss it. While the mountain actually occupies parts of Taku, Kyuragi and Fuji as well, the main road to the top begins in Ogi. Follow the signs from Route 203. During the summer Tenzan offers good hiking, and during the winter people attempt to ski and snowboard here. When the winter weather gets a little too warm they make their own “snow,” so the conditions can be a little bit harsh. Adapting to the Japanese workaholic culture, the mountain offers night skiing, staying open until around 10 p.m. Apparently the weekend is the worst time to go, as it is next to impossible to make it down the slope without running into someone. Rentals are available and so are season tickets.

Ushizu

The large white Peace Pagoda is fairly modern and maintained. It can been seen from Route 34 sitting atop a hill overlooking the Saga flats. There are four large Buddha statues facing each of the directions: north, south, east and west. To get there, turn down the road that goes by the elementary school near the Kohoku and Ushizu border and then head for the mountain. There is also a park beside the pagoda that has excellent cherry blossoms in the spring and offers a good view of the area as well.

Kanzaki

Hinokuma Park, located north of Kanzaki, is a new large park with soccer and baseball fields, picnic areas, hiking trails, lake, children’s playground (gym equipment), gymnasium and more. Open everyday; festivals on September 23 and in mid-August (fireworks/laser show).

Higashisefuri

Tom Sawyers Park is a campsite and park located in the mountains of Higashisefuri. If you hike the mountain on a clear day, you can see to the center of Kyushu. There are also many waterfalls. Off Route 34, turn north along Route 385 and follow the signs.

Mitsuse

At 21st Century Park you can rent a paddle boat, bicycles, or simply hike around the park. It is just off Route 263 along Route 39. Follow the signs.

Sefuri

Mt. Sefuri lets you do a bit of hiking. It’s a nice hike, and when you reach the top you should be able to see the ocean in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Tosu

Tashiro Park, about a 15-minute cycle from Tosu station, is quite beautiful, especially when the cherry blossoms are out. It does get quite packed though, so go early to get a picnic table.

Azumaya has a picnic area, river and waterfall, just outside of Tosu. Really refreshing in the summer time. It’s a 25-minute bike ride from Tosu city hall.

Ochozu Falls　(御手洗の滝) offers beautiful waterfall of about 10 meters, and the chilly stream below is home to giant salamanders and bullheads. The region is famous as a major bird watching region, with a number of campgrounds.

Kiyama

Mt. Kizan is the site of the seventh century fortress designed to repel an invasion from South Korea. One of the ingenious water gates (suimon) still remains at the southern end of the mountain. The mountain has some great nature walks and views. There is also grass skiing except during winter. Call 0942-92-7945 for more information. You can take a taxi from Kiyama station or follow the signs off Route 3.

FRKC Racing Gallery (Go-Cart Track) is in Fukuoka Prefecture’s Chikushino-shi, just outside of Kiyama. Take the highway out of Kiyama towards Fukuoka, and then take a left after the Kirin-ya restaurant.

Nakabaru

Ochozu-no-Take. Waterfalls in Nakabaru, just walk towards the mountains, there are also some nice bamboo groves and walking trails.