Couples and Married Couples Must-Visit: 10 Date Spots in Saga Prefecture

There’s no place more fun than going somewhere with the person you love. Visiting various places to take photos and make memories turns a date into a special time for two. But dates aren’t just for lovers! This time, we introduce Saga’s date spots that appeal not only to the usual amusement parks but also to young couples, adult couples, and even married couples. Saga Prefecture has plenty of spots where anyone—no matter with whom or how many people you go—can enjoy. It truly is a place worthy of being called an all-rounder prefecture.

Now, let’s introduce our recommended date spots in Saga Prefecture.

1. Kagamiyama Observatory

Kagamiyama is known for its view from the mountain top, where you can overlook the 4km-long pine forest known as “Niji no Matsubara” along the coast of Karatsu Bay. The view from Kagamiyama changes with the time of day—bright during the day, a stunning sunset, and a night view lit by street and car lights. Near the parking lot at the mountain top is the sweet shop “Sayohime Chaya,” where you can enjoy amazake and zenzai while taking in the breathtaking scenery. It’s not a cafe, but chatting in a spot with such a view is just as enjoyable. In summer, they even offer shaved ice.

Kagamiyama Observatory is located about an hour and a half from Fukushima City without using the highway, making it a recommended course for a drive date! Along the roadside from the entrance of Kagamiyama to the observatory, rows of cherry trees line the way—making it possible to enjoy a cherry blossom viewing date in spring.

2. Arita Porcelain Park

Arita Porcelain Park is a theme park centered on Arita ware, featuring both sake and tableware. But it’s not just any theme park! It is the filming location for “Black Butler,” starring Hiro Mizushima, and the large palace is the most eye-catching feature here.

This palace was built modeled on Germany’s Zwinger Palace. Beyond the palace lies a Baroque garden characterized by geometric layouts, and further in is a grand golf course—illustrating just how vast the grounds are. As expected of a filming location, it’s a perfect spot for taking stylish photos to create lasting date memories.

Inside the palace, exhibits of Arita ware from the Edo through the Meiji periods are displayed, and there are spacious areas available for parties. Additionally, within the park grounds, there’s an Arita ware experience workshop, sake brewery tours, a handmade bread workshop, and a buffet-style restaurant, plus an outlet shop selling a wide variety of tableware.

In summer, a fireworks festival is held, and the sight of numerous fireworks launching behind the palace is breathtaking—almost making you forget you’re in Japan. Whether you want to see the filming location, experience a touch of German atmosphere, or enjoy Arita ware and its experiences, this spot is sure to please everyone.

3. Mito Rouber Farm Donguri Village

This farm is home to many familiar animals such as mini pigs, ponies, sheep, rabbits, and hamsters. You can interact with the animals, enjoying both playful moments and a sense of relaxation. The hands-on experience area, where you can make fresh caramel, sausages, and butter—unique to a farm setting—is very popular. With activities like horseback riding and milking experiences, it’s recommended for those looking for an active date.

The buildings on the premises are also beautifully maintained, creating a very soothing environment where you can enjoy a slow, relaxing time away from everyday life while interacting with the animals.

4. Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum Yumeginga

When you think of space, you think of stars, and with stars comes the planetarium. At the Space Science Museum Yumeginga, the planetarium projection is shown about five times a day. It’s best to check the schedule and details in advance as they can change.

There are also interactive exhibits such as “Space Cycling,” where you cross a 4.5m high rope on a bicycle; “Moon Walk,” where you can experience the weightless, floating feeling of space; and “Space Trainer,” where you can be fixed in a spherical apparatus that rotates 360 degrees, simulating astronaut training. All these experiences are included with the entrance fee, making learning about space while staying active even more fun.

In addition to space-related exhibits, there are displays about dinosaurs and even an aquarium section with fish exhibits. With various seasonal events held throughout the year, this date spot is enjoyable no matter how many times you visit. Every Saturday night, a stargazing event is held, so observing the beautiful starry sky through the museum’s high-quality telescopes can make for a refreshing date.

5. Marinepal Yobuko

The boats at Marinepal Yobuko are all designed with great attention to appearance. The boat “Gira,” which allows you to explore the seabed, is designed with a whale motif, and as a semi-submersible sea observation vessel, you can view the ocean floor from the whale’s belly. With many fish approaching right up to you, it feels as if you’re swimming in the sea. On the boat “Ika-maru,” designed with an octopus motif, you set off from the sea towards a cave to see the nationally designated Seven Cauldrons. The moment you enter the cave is filled with awe! Instead of staying inside the boat, be sure to go out onto the observation deck to fully appreciate the impressive view.

Inside the cave, the temperature averages about 14℃, and the cool air adds to the mysterious atmosphere. For those who want a proper cruise, the “Historical Cruise” is recommended. Departing from Yobuko Port within Marinepal Yobuko, the cruise lasts about 35 minutes along Nagoyaura. The combination of history and a boat ride is sure to please, especially the men. During the cruise, the staff shares fun historical insights, ensuring that even those not well-versed in history—and the ladies—will enjoy the experience. Please check the operational status in advance, as it may change depending on weather conditions.

6. Saga Prefectural Office Observatory Hall

Though a prefectural office might conjure up a stiff image, Saga Prefectural Office is different. Its observatory hall features projection mapping—a first in the nation—and this initiative has received a lot of positive reviews on social media and through word-of-mouth. With displays unique to Saga, along with both regular and limited-time versions, it’s something you’ll want to see again and again.

Since there are no buildings taller than the prefectural office nearby, the combination of the beautiful night view and the projection mapping makes it an ideal date spot. And since admission is free, it’s an absolute must-visit!

7. Ponpoko Village Begonia Garden

This unique botanical garden features about 5,000 begonia plants collected from around the world. Begonias are easily available in Japan and are mainly known for their ornamental value, displaying vivid flowers in red, white, yellow, purple, and even some unusually large varieties.

Originally, begonias bloom in tropical or subtropical regions, but at Ponpoko Village Begonia Garden, they are grown in greenhouses so you can enjoy them year-round. Every summer, the “World Stag Beetle Exhibition” is held, offering a different experience within the garden. Begonia sales are also available, so you can bring home a memento. A café is on site, allowing you to savor handmade sweets like cakes, gâteau chocolat, and mousse while enjoying views of the sea and sky.

8. Takeo City Library

Surrounded by books as far as the eye can see, Takeo City Library boasts wooden shelves and tables that exude warmth, a high, open ceiling, and an overall spacious atmosphere. Recently renovated in 2013, it even includes a Starbucks and a café, and you’re welcome to bring your own books inside—making it a perfect spot to enjoy reading with lunch or coffee.

This library has been featured in the “World’s Libraries” photo book, which includes only 188 libraries around the world, highlighting its charm. Its stylish exterior and interior ambiance have even been compared to the world of Harry Potter, making it a well-known tourist spot. For those who prefer a quieter time, visiting on a weekday during non-peak times might be ideal.

Also, with a TSUTAYA store on site, you can purchase books or DVDs. It might even be a good prelude to a home date—finding favorite books together or chatting in the café area can pleasantly redefine your image of a traditional library. It’s conveniently located within walking distance from Takeo Onsen Station, so be sure to visit at least once.

9. Hado Cape

Located at the northernmost tip of the Higashimatsuura Peninsula, Hado Cape, also known as “Heart Cape” due to a heart-shaped sculpture, offers a breathtaking panoramic view. About a 10-minute walk from the heart-shaped sculpture is an underwater observatory where you can see plenty of fish. While an aquarium date is fun, this is a rare chance to see live fish swimming in their natural environment up close.

A short walk from the underwater observatory leads to a stall selling grilled turban shells (sazae no tsubo-yaki). This row of counter-style stalls, reminiscent of street food, is popular for its affordable prices and fresh seafood—not only turban shells but also squid, abalone, and oysters. The clear blue of the sea and sky, contrasted with the white of the heart-shaped sculpture, makes it a perfect photo spot for memorable dates. Be sure to take some pictures together as a keepsake of your date.

10. Daikouzenji

Daikouzenji, also known as “Chigiriyaama” because it is said that a deity on the mountain top made a marriage vow with a certain maiden, is renowned as a temple for matchmaking. In spring, azaleas—symbolic of “joy of love” and “first love”—blossom in full force with about 50,000 plants displaying pink and white flowers, adding a lively touch to your date.

In autumn, more than 500 trees turn red as their leaves and branches drop to the ground, painting the surroundings in shades of red and orange. At night, the illuminated autumn leaves are even more striking, making it a great spot for an evening date.

During the rainy season, hydrangeas bloom, and in summer, the fresh green leaves offer a seasonal view unique to that time of year—one of the many charms of Daikouzenji. Although the stairs and uphill paths might be a bit tiring, it is definitely worth a visit! During the spring “Azalea Festival” and autumn “Autumn Foliage Festival,” areas usually off-limits such as “Hiromoku-ten” and “Tamonten” are open to the public, offering beautiful views along with the chance to explore.

◎ Summary

While standard dates like movies, amusement parks, or shopping are fun, sometimes stepping away from the usual spots can make for a refreshing and exciting date. Choose spots where both partners, whether as a couple or as a married pair, can share joyful moments together and create wonderful memories! Saga is a must-visit town when it comes to traveling in Kyushu.