Ever heard of Saga Prefecture in Kyushu?
If not, you’re in for a treat. Nestled between Fukuoka and Nagasaki, Saga Prefecture in Kyushu is a land of ancient pottery, samurai history, steaming hot springs, and peaceful coastlines. It’s the kind of place where you can sip tea in a centuries-old garden in the morning, soak in a seaside onsen by afternoon, and end the day watching the sun set over rice paddies.
Best of all? With a self-drive trip, you can explore Saga’s diverse treasures at your own pace — without rushing for trains or worrying about timetables.
📍 Why Saga Prefecture is Kyushu’s Hidden Star
Saga doesn’t shout for attention like Tokyo or Kyoto. Instead, it whispers — and those who listen are rewarded with authentic culture, slower rhythms, and landscapes that shift with every turn of the road. It’s a place where:
- Ceramic masters have been perfecting their craft for over 400 years.
- Samurai heritage is preserved in tranquil castle towns.
- Mountains, rivers, and coastlines are never far away.
The magic lies in the variety. In a well-planned self-drive trip, you can visit pottery markets, historical sites, and natural wonders — all without heavy crowds.
🚗 Why Self-Drive Is the Best Way to Explore Saga Prefecture
Public transportation in Kyushu is reliable, but Saga’s true gems often lie off the main public transportation lines. Renting a car means that you will get to enjoy the following privileges:
- Flexible itineraries (linger at that pottery shop as long as you like!)
- Easy access to rural villages, coastal drives, and scenic mountain roads
- The freedom to combine Saga with nearby prefectures like Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka
And with HIS’s curated self-drive packages, the planning is already done for you. In addition, all our self-drive packages are fully customisable, meaning that you are free to make changes according to your preferences.
- 🍁 For autumn colors: Kyushu Autumn Self-Drive
- 🌸 For cherry blossom season: Northern Kyushu Sakura Voyage Self-Drive
🌟 Top Places to Visit in Saga Prefecture
🏯 Karatsu Castle & City
Overlooking the blue waters of Karatsu Bay, Karatsu Castle is a photogenic spot year-round. The city is also famous for Karatsu Kunchi Festival (November), which fills the streets with giant floats and lively parades.
🌿 Mifuneyama Rakuen
In Takeo, Mifuneyama Rakuen is a stunning garden that transforms with the seasons — cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery leaves in autumn, and peaceful illuminations in winter.
🏺 Arita & Imari – Pottery Heaven
Saga Prefecture is the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. In Arita and Imari, kilns have been producing exquisite ceramics for centuries. Visit workshops, browse pottery markets, and maybe even try your hand at painting your own piece.
🌊 Yobuko Morning Market
Seafood lovers, rejoice! This charming fishing town is famous for ika (squid) so fresh it’s often served while still moving. The Yobuko Morning Market is one of Japan’s three biggest, with local produce, crafts, and friendly vendors.
🍵 Ureshino Onsen
One of Japan’s top hot spring towns, Ureshino Onsen is known for its silky, skin-softening waters. Don’t miss onsen yudofu — tofu simmered in hot spring water, giving it an incredibly creamy texture.
🙋 FAQs
Q: Can I drive in Japan with my foreign license?
A: Visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under 1949 Geneva Convention, along with their home country license. Check with us if you are unsure!
Q: Is parking easy in Saga?
A: Yes, especially in rural areas. Major attractions and towns have plenty of parking spaces (usually free-of-charge), we will also indicate such information in our self-drive guidebook for customers.
Q: What is the driving like in Kyushu?
A: Roads are well-maintained, and traffic outside big cities is light. Driving is on the left-hand side, similar to that of Singapore.
✨ Final Thoughts
Saga Prefecture is proof that Japan’s most memorable experiences often lie beyond the big cities. Whether you’re soaking in Ureshino’s healing waters, exploring samurai-era castles, or picking out the perfect piece of Arita porcelain, every stop tells a story.
And with a self-drive trip, those stories unfold exactly the way you want them to — at your pace, in your own way.
🚗 Ready to discover Saga Prefecture? Check out the Kyushu Autumn Self-Drive or Northern Kyushu Sakura Voyage Self-Drive for routes, tips, and everything you need for an unforgettable Kyushu adventure.
