Top 12 things to do in Saga according to TripAdvisor

Saga is one of the smaller cities in Japan but every year people from all over the world go there for the hot air balloon festival when if you watch up you will see the sky full of the hot air balloons. Saga is also known for the Imata/Arita porcelain. If you would rather do something more action-packed, there is also the Ninja Village Hizen Yume Kaido where you can train for a day in the arts of stealth on how becoming a ninja. It has also many other ninja related attractions in it. And as most of the cities in Japan Saga as well has couple of castles that are always nice to visit at

Yūtoku Inari Shrine
Yūtoku Inari Shrine
Yūtoku Inari Shrine is one of the three major shrines in Japan dedicated to the worship of the wild fox god. It is visited by 3 million people annually who pray for thriving business and bountiful harvests. The main shrine, the kagura performance hall, and the tower gate are richly colored in lacquer which gives it a magnificent look.
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Ureshino Onsen
Ureshino Onsen
A hot springs town surrounded by nature with plenty of sightseeing spots to enjoy a relaxing stroll. Shopping for “Yoshidayaki” porcelain with a history of 400 years is just one of the enjoyable aspects of the area.
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Ninja Village Hizen Yume Kaido
Ninja Village Hizen Yume Kaido
A place where you can become a ninja by putting on the costume, throwing “shuriken” (ninja stars) and blow darts, and experiencing the ninja fun house. There is also a mini zoo, so the whole family can spend enjoy their time there.
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The Former Takatori House
The Former Takatori House
A modern Japanese building merging the refined taste of the baron of coal and the most stylish designs of the time. A manor with plenty of highlights from the fusion of Japanese and Western styles to the adornments of the finest detail.
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Imari/Arita Ware
Imari/Arita Ware
Arita, the original birthplace of the brilliantly colored porcelain ware. Its history and traditions have been handed down through the generations to the present day. This village of porcelain ware has continued to fascinate people from all over the globe.
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Karatsu Castle
Karatsu Castle
The splendid 5 layer keep of Karatsu Castle took over 7 years to build, finally completed in 1608. The armor and relics of those times are displayed in the castle while the keep has been made into an observation deck.
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Yoshinogari Historical Park
Yoshinogari Historical Park
A unique facility in Japan where you can experience the country’s way of life in times before the birth of Christ. A historical park where people of all ages can happily enjoy their time on the wide grounds.
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Okawachiyama
Okawachiyama
The manufacturing of porcelain began around the year 1600, and before long, kilns by the Saga Nabeshima clan were constructed so that they could create Nabeshima ware to be offered especially for the Shogun and his daimyo (feudal lords). About 30 pottery workshops are located within this village surrounded by the lush green mountainside which creates a unique atmosphere. Annually from mid-June to August, the Fuurin (Wind Chime) Festival is held, and throughout the village, you can view the scene of hanging Imari wind chimes which are beautiful to the eyes and ears.
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Imari-Arita Ware Traditional Crafts Center
Imari-Arita Ware Traditional Crafts Center
Within the center, there are numerous examples of Imari and Arita ware along with the raw ore for the porcelain and the tools used in manufacturing it on display. There is also a variety of special exhibitions held throughout the year and the workshop for painting plates and mugs is popular.
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Imari
Imari
This is the production area of Imari ware, the splendid world-famous porcelain. The port of Imari also became famous as the departure point for export of the ware during the Edo Era. Even now, the culture of this porcelain leaves a strong impression and there are many facilities associated with it in the area.
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Ishigaki-no-Sanpomichi
Ishigaki-no-Sanpomichi
A trail that runs 1.2km west from Karatsu Castle. Edo Era features such as the gate leading to a samurai residence, Ninomon Moat and the old Takatori Villa can be seen along the path which has been admired by the local residents for its quiet atmosphere retaining its appearance of the feudal period.
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Nabeshima Domain Kiln Park
Nabeshima Domain Kiln Park
The checking station under administration by the Nabeshima domain which kept watch over the secret methods of porcelain manufacturing has been restored along with the potters’ residences and the ascending kilns. The Meotoshi Tower consisting of 14 large Imari ware wind chimes must not be missed. Its sound that echoes through the mountain village was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Soundscapes.
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