Saga Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of Kyushu. Famous for its scenic coastlines along the Genkai Sea and Ariake Sea, it’s also known for traditional festivals like the Karatsu Kunchi. Why not explore Saga by car? Renting a car and taking a relaxing road trip is a great way to enjoy what the prefecture has to offer. Here, we introduce four recommended drive routes through Saga’s top sightseeing areas.
1. Takeo Area
Takeo is a city in western Saga known for its historic Takeo Onsen, which has been in operation for over 1,300 years. The symbolic red gate, designed by Kingo Tatsuno (who also designed Tokyo Station), is a designated Important Cultural Property. Start your journey by visiting Daishoji Temple, said to be founded in 709 by the monk Gyoki, offering panoramic views of the city and gorgeous autumn foliage.
Drive through the Takeo Bypass to the Takeo Recreation Village, where you can enjoy nature, hot springs, and outdoor activities with the family. There’s a lake with walking paths, boat rides (March to October), and more. Mifuneyama Rakuen is a flower hotspot with cherry blossoms, azaleas, wisteria, and autumn foliage lit up at night. Wrap up your trip with a soak in Takeo’s relaxing hot springs.
Name: Takeo City
Address: Takeo, Saga Prefecture
2. Hamatama Town Area
Located in Karatsu, this area is great for a day trip drive. Known as a summer retreat, many visitors come here to escape the heat. Start at the Nagao IC on the Nagasaki Expressway and head toward the Inobori Falls, selected as one of Japan’s top forest bathing spots, featuring two cascades: one 13m high, and the other 5m. Try the local specialty — flowing somen noodles made with fresh spring water!
Next, visit the Ponpoko Village Begonia Garden on the slope of Mt. Kagamiyama. Here, over 1,000 species of begonias bloom in a large greenhouse. There's also a cafe for a relaxing break and even a pet-friendly guesthouse. In grape season, you can enjoy grape-picking at the Yokotakami Tourist Vineyard.
Name: Hamatama Town
Address: Hamatama-cho, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
3. Genkai Sea Scenic Route
Part of the "Japan Scenic Byways," this route runs along the Genkai Sea through Fukuoka, Itoshima, and Karatsu. The full driving route is approx. 178 km (around 4 hours of drive time; allow 6–7 hours including stops).
Start from Karatsu and head to Mt. Kagamiyama, which offers views of the city from its 284m summit. Then visit Niji no Matsubara, one of Japan’s three great pine groves, followed by the Karatsu Castle (also known as Maizuru Castle), the historic Takatori Residence, and the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall featuring floats from the Karatsu Kunchi Festival.
End your journey in Yobuko and Hado Cape, where you can enjoy fresh seafood such as grilled turban shells.
Name: Genkai Sea Scenic Route
Address: Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
4. Ureshino Area
Ureshino Attaka Road is a short but activity-packed scenic drive in the city of Ureshino. Starting from Ureshino IC, your first stop is Todoroki Falls Park, known for cherry blossoms in spring.
Next, relax at Siebold Footbath Plaza, named after the German doctor Siebold, who once visited during the Edo period. Nearby is Toyotama-hime Shrine, dedicated to the goddess of beauty. Inside, there’s even a Namazu Shrine honoring the goddess’s catfish messenger — a hit with women.
Finally, warm up at Siebold-no-Yu, a public bathhouse. Along the road, you'll also find footbaths and shops selling Yudofu (hot spring tofu).
Name: Ureshino City
Address: Ureshino, Saga Prefecture
◎ Summary
What do you think? These four drive routes highlight Saga's charm — from hot springs to coastlines, waterfalls to historic sites. Saga is also famous for ceramics from Karatsu, Imari, and Arita. A rental car makes it easy to visit scattered attractions at your own pace. Enjoy your scenic drive through the hidden gems of Saga Prefecture!