Known for being the home of pottery in Japan, Saga Prefecture also has a wealth of natural beauty for visitors to appreciate. If you plan to explore the region during spring, this guide covers five destinations packed full of floral color.
Ushio Bairin
The Ushio Bairin plum garden is said to be the oldest spot for fruit cultivation in Saga Prefecture, and the established trees are filled with blossoms in different shades of pink and white. In total there are over 10,000 plum trees dotting the hillside here, making for an incredible visual scene in early spring. It's a treat for other senses too - the perfume of the blossoms adds a wonderful scent to the air.
Ushio Bairin, Ushio, Ushizu-machi, Ogi City, Saga 845-0012
Daikozenji Temple
Daikozenji Temple is a delight during the spring, in big part due to the azaleas covering the precinct. There are over 50,000 of them for visitors to enjoy in a space of around 75,000 square meters, and the best time to appreciate their beauty is from mid April through to early May.
3628 Sonobe, Kiyama, Miyaki District, Saga 841-0203
Mifuneyama Rakuen
Mifuneyama Rakuen comes alive with springtime color, and there are blooms including azaleas, wisteria, and spring maples for visitors to enjoy. The azaleas are often touted as the signature sight here, though - and with over 200,000 of them, you can begin to understand why!
4100 Takeocho Oaza Takeo, Takeo, Saga 843-0022
Ogi Park
Ogi Park is a picturesque spot to visit during spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom - there are approximately 3000 of them on the grounds, so there's definitely no shortage of beauty to enjoy! The park has been designated as one of Japan's Top 100 sakura viewing spots, and for the history buffs out there, it has also been selected as one of the Top 100 Historical Parks in Japan.
185 Ogimachi, Ogi, Saga 845-0001
Karatsu Castle
Around the April to May timeframe, Maizuru Park next to Karatsu Castle is filled with wisteria flowers that cover an area of approximately 500 square meters. Even more impressive than the size of the flower display is their age – the wisteria here is estimated to be over 100 years old.
8 Higashijonai, Karatsu, Saga 847-0016
