Ogi-gun 小城郡
Mikazuki (三日月町)
Mikazuki, or “crescent moon town,” 10 kilometers west of Saga City, is somewhat dwarfed by its neighbor, Ogi. A recent independent border commission, however, confirmed that the Ogi train station is actually in Mikazuki. Mikazuki is an agricultural expanse noticeable for its many pachinko parlors and love hotels. Of cultural interest are the archaeological investigations in the area, which have revealed evidence of settlements during the Jomon period (5000 years ago), and these dwellings have been lovingly reconstructed in a history park in town. Apart from the obligatory yakitori-yas and ramen restaurants, Mikazuki has a bit of western cuisine as well. Grande Café serves up European fare, while Sakuragou (さくらごう) is distinguished by its well-above-average hamburgers and its premises, housed within a renovated bright yellow railway car. Both are on Route 203.
On the web
Ogi (小城町)
Along the eastern border of Taku is the fairly prominent town of Ogi. Ogi has a couple of things worth investigation. First and foremost among these is the temple complex and park at Kiyomizu Waterfall (清水滝). Rivaling Kiyomizu in importance, Mt. Tenzan (天山) is the year-round kharmic soul of Saga offering hiking in the summer and skiing or snowboarding in the winter. Finally, Ogi Park (小城公園) is renowned throughout the ken for some of the finest hanami in the area. In the spring time the park is the ideal place to view fireflies.
If sites and attractions aren’t enough to bring you to Ogi, then maybe Ogi’s reknown yokan, or sweet bean paste, will entice you.
On the web
Ushizu (牛津町)
Ushizu’s main claim to fame is that it has its very own train station! Unfortunately for those wanting to venture to the town’s next biggest attraction, the Peace Pagoda, the train station is much too far away to reach it by foot. Just over the bridge along Route 34, there is an excellent sports injury private hospital in Ushizu. Apparently it is one of the best in Japan. A past ALT has even had the pleasure of meeting the sumo champion here while he was recovering from a recent wrist operation. Other past ALTs have had a few operations here and raved at the service and quality of the facility. Finally, Café Rosso, next door to Selio, is rumored to have mouth-watering pizza.
On the web
Ashikari (芦刈町)
Ashikari seems to be very similar to Fukudomi in the sense that it is flat, borders the Ariake Sea, doesn’t have a train station, and there is not a whole lot to do or see here. However, unlike Fukudomi, there is a town gym. For a mere 500 yen you get access to a weight room, swimming pool and sauna for two hours.