Saga is one of prefecture in the northern part of Kyushu Island. Beautiful nature, wealth of history and festivals are some attractions that Saga could offer not only to local but also international visitors. Saga is located 2 hours from Fukuoka city by car or train. I have been to Saga for few times but I still enchanted with its local attractions.

The first time I visited Saga, I went with my university friends to Arita Porcelain Park. Arita (有田) is a small town not in the Saga city but in the western part of Saga Prefecture and is famous for their pottery, also known as Arita Yaki. Inside of the park, you could see beautiful flowers come in many shapes all over the park. It is like a flower park with European-style restaurants that makes visitor feels not like in Japan anymore.

The main attraction of the Arita Porcelain Park is actually a replication of the Zwinger Palace of Dresden, Germany. Turns out that Dresden, like Arita is famous for its local porcelain. You could see several shops selling the porcelain product within the park or in the Arita town itself. Another best thing to do is to have you design your own pottery cup.

If you come in a group, you might be able to contact the staff in Arita Porcelain Park and ask them to teach and have everyone design their own pottery. It will be a fun experience and they will also send the pottery to your home.

The next destination that worth to visit is called Daikouzenji Temple. Turns out that this temple is also referred to as “The Azalea Temple” because the azalea is covering most of the area of the back of main temple with about 50,000 azaleas from middle April to early May. Unfortunately I missed the opportunity to see the azalea but I could see their wonderful Momiji leaves all over the temple.

Daikouzenji Temple is also famous as a spot to appreciate the autumn leaves (Momiji) so it is highly recommended to visit here during autumn season (starting from the beginning of April to end of May). Not only the colored leaves that make visitor feels the tranquil atmosphere, the Buddhist gods’ statues that are carved out of wood is believed to be culturally rare items. I have no depth understanding about the gods or statues there but it was really worth to see. The tranquility is irreplaceable as well!

Many things in Saga that I have not yet seen with my eyes. Next time I go to Saga: balloon festival, hot springs and historical castles will definitely on my have-to-visit list! 