Let’s Go Sightseeing in Genkai Town, Saga Prefecture! 3 Recommended Spots to Gain Energy for the Future♪

Have you heard of Genkai Town in Saga Prefecture? As its name suggests, it is known as a town where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Genkai-nada Sea, particularly “Hamanoura no Tanada,” a terraced rice field famous for its gorgeous sunsets. While there aren’t many tourist spots, many of the cows raised here are used for the renowned high-grade Saga beef. Additionally, because Kyushu Electric Power’s Genkai Nuclear Power Plant is located in this town, Genkai is a place where you can not only sightsee but also feel the energy that leads us into the future.

This time, we’ll introduce 3 sightseeing spots in Genkai Town, Saga Prefecture. Let’s take a look at what kind of town Genkai is—a town of tomorrow and the future—and what sort of sightseeing you can enjoy!

What is Genkai Town in Saga Prefecture? Are There Sightseeing Spots?

Genkai Town, Saga Prefecture, is located in the northwestern part of the prefecture. While it faces the Genkai-nada Sea, it is completely surrounded by Karatsu City. The main tourist spots, such as “Hamanoura no Tanada,” “Genkai Next-Generation Energy Park ‘Asupia,’” and “Genkai Kaijo Onsen Parea,” are found in the central to northern areas of Genkai Town.

Access to Genkai Town, Saga Prefecture

If you plan to tour Genkai Town in Saga Prefecture, a rental car from Fukuoka Airport or Karatsu City (JR Karatsu Station or Watada) is convenient. You can also take the Showa Bus express bus from Fukuoka Airport to the Karatsu Oteguchi Bus Center. From Showa Bus’s Oteguchi Bus Center, board either the “Chika/Nagoeya Circular Line” or the “Ariura Line.”

If you’re coming for sightseeing via train from Fukuoka Airport or Saga Station, using JR Nishi-Karatsu Station—which has trains arriving directly from the subway or Saga Station—is convenient.

1. The Must-See Scenic Spot in Genkai Town! Hamanoura no Tanada

When talking about scenic spots in Genkai Town, Saga Prefecture, most people would mention “Hamanoura no Tanada.” The best season is from mid-April, when the fields are flooded with water, until mid-May, when rice-planting begins. Visiting in the late afternoon is particularly recommended. You can witness the breathtaking sight of the setting sun reflecting off the water-filled rice fields.

2. Enjoy Natural Hot Springs in Genkai Town – “Genkai Offshore Hot Spring ‘Parea’” – Perfect for Relaxing After Sightseeing!

If you want to take your time in Genkai Town, “Genkai Offshore Hot Spring ‘Parea’” is recommended. In addition to gender-segregated large baths equipped with open-air baths, there are also “family baths” perfect for families, close friends, or couples. There’s also a pool (summer only), as well as a sauna, catering to various needs.
If you feel tired after sightseeing in Genkai Town or Karatsu City, this is the perfect place to unwind.

It’s a popular tourist facility where you can bathe while enjoying a stunning view of the Genkai-nada Sea, which even locals vouch for.

There is also an observation space ideal for cooling down after a bath.

◆Not Just Hot Springs, But Also a Pool! Great for Workations♪

“Genkai Offshore Hot Spring ‘Parea’” in Genkai Town also features a pool (open only in summer), a training gym, and a sauna. Additionally, a co-working share space offers amenities necessary for telework, such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets. You could work, then exercise at the gym or pool, and finally refresh yourself in the hot springs or sauna—making it perfect for a workation that combines sightseeing in Genkai Town.

3. A Perfect Sightseeing Spot for Kids! Learn About the Earth’s Future at Genkai Town Next-Generation Energy Park “Asupia”

In Genkai Town, there are actually two tourist spots where you can learn about energy! One is “Genkai Energy Park,” operated by Kyushu Electric Power, and the other is “Genkai Town Next-Generation Energy Park ‘Asupia,’” operated by Genkai Town.

At first glance, these two tourist spots may seem confusing, but the “Genkai Energy Park,” operated by Kyushu Electric Power, mainly features exhibits about nuclear power generation, while the “Genkai Town Next-Generation Energy Park ‘Asupia’” focuses on new forms of energy other than traditional thermal, hydro, and nuclear power, such as biomass, wind power, and solar power.

In “Asupia-kan,” visitors can learn about the importance of energy and new energy sources through various interactive and easy-to-understand displays, making it accessible even for children.

Entrance to the facility is free, and there is also “Earth Lab,” costing 200 yen per visit (100 yen for elementary and junior high school students as of July 2023), where you can learn about the global environment in a game-like format—another popular attraction.

◆Kids Will Be Thrilled! Enjoy the Vast Grounds of “Asupia”! “Asupia” train Hydrogen go-kart

“Asupia” offers more than just the “Asupia-kan,” where you can learn about energy. It’s a 34,000-square-meter park complete with attractions like hydrogen-powered go-karts (paid) and a road train (free as of July 2023), as well as a barbecue area (free to use and rent equipment, but no ingredients sold) and a picnic area.
Despite having so much to offer, admission to “Asupia” is free! Apart from some attractions, you can basically enjoy it all day long—truly a recommended sightseeing spot.

◎Conclusion

We hope you now understand the charm of sightseeing spots in Genkai Town, which is home to unchanging natural beauty, such as Hamanoura no Tanada and the stunning sea. This town, with places like “Genkai Town Next-Generation Energy Park ‘Asupia,’” is also a place that makes you think about how we can pass on this beautiful world to tomorrow and the future.

And not only regarding the global environment—if you soak in the famous hot spring at “Genkai Offshore Hot Spring ‘Parea,’” you’ll feel a renewed spiritual energy to face tomorrow.

Be sure to capture the scenery of these beautiful sightseeing spots in Genkai Town, Saga Prefecture, in your album of memories.

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