Saga Prefecture Specialties, Souvenirs, Shrines, Temples, and Travel | 47 Prefecture Guide

Japanese porcelain began in this prefecture. Other things here are also connected to that fact.

Specialties

Saga beef, Yobuko squid, and nori seaweed from the Ariake Sea.

The nori from the Ariake Sea is high quality because it comes from the sea with the largest tidal range in Japan That is why. At low tide, the nori is exposed to the air, and that stress creates aroma and sweetness. Rather than simply increasing yield, it is a way of cultivation that uses time to put the crop under stress.

Souvenirs

Arita ware vessels, Ogi yokan, and maru bolo cookies.

Ogi (Ogi City) is known for having more than a dozen yokan shops gathered in one town. It is the result of good-quality water and makers being located close to one another.

Shrines and Temples

Yutoku Inari Shrine (Kashima City) is a shrine counted among Japan’s three great Inari shrines in total.

It began in 1687, when Manko-hime, wife of Nabeshima Naotomo, lord of the Kashima Domain, enshrined a divided spirit of Inari Okami. The main shrine, kagura hall, and two-story gate are all lacquered and vividly painted, earning the site the name “Nikko of Chinzei.” It is said to receive as many as 3 million visitors a year.

Tozan Shrine (Arita Town) is A shrine where the torii gates, guardian komainu, and large lanterns are all made of Arita ware porcelain. It enshrines Yi Sam-pyeong, who is regarded as the father of porcelain.

The local industry itself has become the material of the shrine. Few examples show so clearly that faith and industry do not exist separately.

The great camphor tree of Takeo Shrine, designated a city natural monument.

Sightseeing

Yoshinogari Ruins is, the remains of a large moated settlement from the Yayoi period. They are often discussed in connection with debates over Yamatai-koku.

Ureshino Onsen, one of Japan’s three great hot springs for beautiful skin; the historic townscape of Uchiyama in Arita; Karatsu Castle; and Niji no Matsubara. The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is one of Asia’s largest hot-air balloon competitions according to estimates.

Traditional Crafts

Nationally designated items are Imari-Arita ware and Karatsu ware is one of 2 items.

In the early 17th century, stone used as raw material for porcelain was found at Izumiyama in Arita, and porcelain was fired in Japan for the first time. Until then, Japan had only pottery made from clay. Eventually, Arita porcelain was exported from Imari Port to Europe by the Dutch East India Company, influencing kilns such as Meissen. It came to be called “Imari” after the name of the shipping port.

For details, see [VILLAGE Report vol.3] Stone Was Found, and Porcelain Began

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References: Saga Prefecture, Arita Town, Imari City, Karatsu City, Kashima City, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries — Value Village Editorial Team