Complete guide to the Saga Prefectural Forest of Environmental Art.

Location and Transportation The Forest of Environmental Art is located in the middle of Mount Sakurei in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. It is a certain distance from the city center, so it is recommended to drive to better explore this masterpiece of nature and art. If you choose public transportation, you can take the JR Karatsu Line to "Yamamoto Station" and then drive or take a taxi for about 15 minutes. 🌳 Park Features The Forest of Environmental Art is a forest created by gardener Masaaki Tsuruta and his team over 30 years, using private funds to plant more than 10,000 maple trees on this private land. The original intention of its creation was to recreate the natural environment destroyed by humans so that visitors could experience the original appearance of nature. 🍁 Maple Viewing Season The maple viewing season in Saga Prefecture is generally from mid to late November, when more than 10,000 maple trees dye the valley deep red and orange, complemented by small waterfalls, streams, bridges, natural stones, and Japanese gardens, creating a wonderful landscape. The new green in spring and the red leaves in autumn are the two most beautiful moments here, especially in autumn, when the entire valley is covered with red and orange maple leaves, which is very spectacular. 🏡 Fuyuzan Villa The key area of the park, "Fuyuzan Villa," was created by Mr. Tsuruta. The second floor of this ancient Japanese building offers an excellent view of the red leaves. Here, you can experience a similar reflection of the red leaves as in Kyoto's Rurikoin Temple. To protect this beautiful scenery, visitors need to take photos in designated areas. 📸 Photo Spots Fuyuzan Villa: From the floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor, the 360° view of the red leaves and the reflection of the red leaves on the black reflective tabletop are must-see sights. Maple Path: Walking in the maple forest, every step is a painting, very suitable for taking photos. 📝 Tips Tickets: JPY 700 for adults, JPY 400 for elementary school students, JPY 700 for junior high school students and above. Opening hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. It is recommended to check the latest opening hours in advance to avoid missing the best viewing time. Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. In spring, you can enjoy the new green, and in autumn, you can enjoy the red leaves. Reservation: Although not necessary, it is recommended to book tickets online in advance to ensure a smooth entry into the park. 🌈 Conclusion: The Saga Prefectural Forest of Environmental Art is a hidden natural gem that offers a great opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Whether you are looking for maple leaves or tranquility, this is a great place to visit. Plan your natural art trip now! 🍁✨