Saga
2 tours available
Why Visit Saga
Saga Prefecture on Kyushu's northwestern coast is the heartland of Japanese ceramics. The towns of Arita and Imari have produced exquisite porcelain since the early 17th century, when Korean potters first discovered high-quality kaolin clay in the area. Today, hundreds of kilns still operate, and visitors can browse workshops, watch artisans at work, and find pieces ranging from museum-quality antiques to modern tableware.
Beyond pottery, Saga offers the dramatic tidal flats of the Ariake Sea, Ureshino Onsen — famous for its silky, skin-smoothing alkaline waters — and Saga-branded wagyu beef that rivals Kobe in tenderness and marbling. The International Balloon Fiesta held each November fills the sky above the Kase River with over 100 colourful hot-air balloons, drawing spectators from across Japan.
Best Time to Visit
Late April – early May (Arita Ceramics Fair) — Over a million visitors flock to Arita for Japan's largest pottery market. Bargains abound on seconds and end-of-line pieces.
November (Balloon Fiesta) — The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is Asia's largest hot-air balloon event, with mass ascensions at dawn creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Autumn (September – November) — Pleasant temperatures for exploring kiln towns and onsen. Rice fields around Saga turn golden before harvest.
Insider Tips
- Visit the Kyushu Ceramic Museum in Arita for free — its collection traces 400 years of porcelain history with outstanding examples of Kakiemon and Nabeshima ware.
- Try Ureshino's famous yudofu — silken tofu simmered in the local alkaline spring water until it turns impossibly creamy.
- For the Balloon Fiesta, arrive before dawn to watch the mass ascension. The JR Balloon Saga station opens only during the festival.
- Explore the Okawachiyama village — a secluded valley of kilns that once produced secret porcelain exclusively for the Nabeshima lords.
Tours Visiting Saga
Kyushu Pottery Towns & All of Nagasaki
Kyushu: Southern Japan
9-day culinary adventure: Fukuoka, Ureshino, Huis Ten Bosch. Local cuisine, food markets, with premium hotels and trains included.
Premium Kyushu: Serenity, Onsen & Coastal Heritage
Kyushu: Southern Japan
13-day onsen journey through Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Unzen. Traditional ryokan, natural hot springs, with all hotels and trains included.
Recommended Reading
Related Destinations
Region
Kyushu
Location
Available Tours
2 tours