I’ve compiled a list of things to do this summer in or around Saga.
I also made a nice PDF which you can download here.

What’s on Saga : August 2009
Contrary to popular belief, Saga is not a sleepy prefecture. There is plenty to do (I think I have had four free weekends in the last 18 months). In addition to Saga events, we are surrounded to the north and east by Fukuoka Prefecture. JETs living in southwest Saga will find Nagasaki prefecture readily accessible. From Tosu City, Kumamoto City is only about an hour away. –Jesse

Nanayama Waterfall Climb (registration closed- Nanayama town, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture)
July 26th
Join hundreds of foreigners and locals alike as you walk up a mountain — in a river. As easy or as hard as you want it to be. Bring: sturdy, waterproof shoes (fully enclosed work much better than flipflops!) Too early this year for newbies, but there is always next year. A unique experience, this scenic and refreshing workout is highly recommended! SagaJET info: http://www.sagajet.com/forums//viewtopic.php?t=2798 (registration and insurance fee)

Saga AJET Welcome Party A (Saga City, Saga Prefecture – TBA)
Date TBA – usually the weekend after Group A arrives in Saga.
Get together in Saga City for your first all-gaijin enkai! Meet other JETs in Saga and enjoy whatever afterparty we’ve got lined up (in the past, karaoke, bowling, arcade games were all options)

Ohori Fireworks Festival (Ohori Park, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
August 1st
Take the orange Fukuoka subway Kuko line to the Ohori Koen stop (denoted with a cherry blossom symbol) arounf sundown and enjoy the biggest fireworks display in Fukuoka City. 6000 shots of fireworks and thousands of visitors. Fireworks are shot off from the central island of a pond in Ohori Park, and you can see them from all around the lake. (free entry)

Fukuoka Now Fireworks Afterparty
August 1st
Ohori Fireworks Festival falls on a Sat. night so continue partying at Fukuoka Now’s post-fireworks party at La Bohème Qualità restaurant! Wear a yukata or jinbei (traditional Japanese summer attire) and get 1 free drink! Best dresser awards & games. No yukata? No problem! Everyone welcomed! (entry fee)

Sakae no Kuni Matsuri (Saga City, Saga Prefecture)
August 2, from 5 pm.

Street stalls, musical groups, dancing, fireworks– a great way to kick off your year in Saga! You can even sign up to be in the parade and learn to do a simple festival dance. Facebook details at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124885466232 (free)

Kurume Fireworks (Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
August 5, 6pm – 10pm (arrive earlier for a good seat)

The biggest fireworks festival in Western Japan! Hang out with fellow JETs from Saga and Fukuoka as we watch the fireworks. To bring: something to sit on (folding chair or just a blanket/tarp) Your beverage(s) of choice, money for festival food (about 2500 yen should be enough to pig out. Most items are around 500 yen / serving) Facebook details at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120649561564 (free entry)

Saga AJET Welcome Party B Hamasaki Town, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture)
August 8th
The second of our Welcome-to-Saga bashes. This one is usually held in the beautiful seaside town of Hamasaki. Music, food, fun in the ocean. Be sure to bring a swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes (there are restrooms to change in on the site).

Isla de Salsa (Momochi Seaside Park, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
August 8-9
Famous latin music festival held every summer in Fukuoka. Formerly held on an island in Fukuoka Bay, now on easily-accessible Momochi Seaside Park. It’s possible to camp out on the site overnight. Advance tickets are available, with a special discount for JETs. See: http://www.sagajet.com/forums//viewtopic.php?t=2808 (entry fee)

District Orientations – various locations throughout Saga –
Week of August 10-14
Spend the day hanging out with your DR (District Rep) and get your practical living questions answered– everything from trash sorting to trains. Ask your DR for more information, or just wait for the announcement.

Shoro Nagashi (Obon Festival- Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture)
August 15th
Climb aboard a sparkling white Kamome train and whisk yourself down to Nagasaki City for the obon festival. Locals make noise to summon the spirits of those who have died this year and direct them to the afterlife. Just be sure you pick up earplugs (get them from a drugstore or convenience store) as the firecrackers get loud! (free entry)

Language Classes (Jichikaikan behind kencho, Saga City, Saga Prefecture)
August 17th – 21st
Mandatory for all new JETs (but usually exceptions for CIRs). Not just a way to pick up some Japanese, but a way to bond with your fellow 2009-2010 Saga JETs. After your classes, it will be rare for everyone to be in one place at the same time, so enjoy going out for dinner and possibly drinks after your classes. If you live far from Saga City, we can arrange for you to stay with someone in town. (no cost)

English Festival – Taku City, Saga Prefecture
August 24th
Come up to Taku city in the mountains of central Saga. Play games and cook food with junior high school kids. Lots ofhttp://www.sagajet.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2816 fun and the city may even reward you with free meals! SagaJET info:
http://www.sagajet.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2816 (no cost)

Saga Orientation – Saga City, Saga Prefecture
August 26 – 27th
Two days at Grand Hagakure Hotel where you can attend workshops prepared by your DRs on locally relevant topics. Less formal and more fun than Tokyo Workshops. This is your chance to meet experienced Saga JETs and learn about working and living in Saga. Dress is professional. There is also a welcome reception at 17:30 for JETs and their supervisors the night of the 26th. (mandatory)

Dragonboat Race (Kubota Town, Saga City, Saga Prefecture)
August 30 (register by August 5th– ask your DR for details)
This community event is held every summer. Teams of 12 people row boats shaped like dragons. The tradition comes from China and the festival begins with the legend of the monk who rowed in one from China to Japan. A good, fun day in the sun. (registration and insurance fee)

AND MORE:
Blueberry picking, Night Aquarium, Cinema, film festivals, concerts, etc. Check it out at Fukuoka Now’s online site http://fukuoka-now.com/en/events

For Nagasaki events, check out the brand new lifestyle magazine, Nagazasshi:
http://www.nagazasshi.com/

Ask your DR or other JETs if you are not sure how to get to a particular place. We’re here to help!