[2025 Yoshinogari Attraction] Travel Guide for Yoshinogari Historical Park (Updated Feb)

For those who are interested in history. This is a huge park in Saga prefecture. There many areas and it seems especially good to take kids to spend the day. There is a replica of a Yayoi era (200 BC - 300 AD) village. There's some information in English but most of it is in Japanese. Since the grounds are huge, there's a bus every 20 minutes running around the park. The staff is super friendly and go out of their way to make your experience a nice one. There are 2 parking lots. Parking at the East (main) entrance is more convenient. Entrance fee for adults is 410 yen (as of August 2022). If you like history, that's a great place to spend a few hours.

Saga, Japan, usually refers to Saga Prefecture or Saga City. It is located on the northwest side of the Kyushu region of Japan, bordering the Genkai Sea to the north, the Ariake Sea to the south, Fukuoka Prefecture to the east, and Nagasaki Prefecture to the west. It covers an area of approximately 2,440.68 square kilometers. It has jurisdiction over 10 cities and 10 towns, with a population of about 832,800. The prefectural emblem is composed of three "力" characters, the prefectural flag features camphor tree flowers, the prefectural bird is the magpie, the prefectural tree is the camphor tree, and the prefectural flower is the camphor tree flower. Saga, Japan has many tourist attractions worth visiting. Here are some recommendations: Historical and Cultural Sites - Saga Castle: Located at 2-18 Jonai, Saga City, the remaining parts are important cultural properties. Here, you can experience Japan's rich history.  - Karatsu Castle: Also known as "Maizuru Castle," it was built in 1608 and took seven years to complete by the first lord of the Karatsu Domain. The fifth floor of the castle tower is an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the Genkai Sea and Matsuura Lagoon. Maizuru Park, surrounding the castle, is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing.  - Taku Seibyo: Along with "Ashikaga Gakko (Tochigi Prefecture)" and "Shizutani Gakko (Okayama Prefecture)," it is known as one of Japan's three major Confucian shrines. It has been listed as a National Important Cultural Property. The pillars and beams of the vermillion-lacquered buildings are decorated with auspicious patterns such as dragons, giraffes, and phoenixes, giving it a magnificent appearance.  - Yoshinogari Historical Park: Here lie the ruins of Japan's largest moat settlement from the Yayoi period. Surrounded by a 2.5 km-long moat, reconstructed observation towers, pit dwellings, and raised storehouses allow visitors to fully experience the atmosphere of the Yayoi period.   Hot Spring Resorts - Takeo Onsen: With a 1,300-year history, this is a mildly alkaline hot spring with clear and smooth water. The "Romon" gate, designed by Kingo Tatsuno, the same architect who designed the Bank of Japan and Tokyo Station, has also been designated as a National Important Cultural Property.  - Ureshino Onsen: One of Japan's three major "Bijin-no-Yu" (hot springs for beautiful skin), located at 2202-55 Shimojuku Otsu, Ureshinomachi, Ureshino City. Here, you can enjoy the beautifying effects of the hot spring.  Natural Landscapes - Niji-no-Matsubara: One of Japan's three major pine groves, with 1 million black pine trees growing along the coast. Planted by the first lord of the Karatsu Domain in the 17th century to protect against wind and waves, the top of the mountain is a natural oxygen-rich park.  - Mount Kagami Observatory: Located on Mount Kagami in Karatsu City, legend has it that Princess Sayohime bid farewell to her lover here. A bronze statue of Sayohime stands at the summit, and visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of "Niji-no-Matsubara" from above. Religious Sites - Yutoku Inari Shrine: Along with "Fushimi Inari Shrine" and "Kasama Inari Shrine," it is known as one of Japan's three major Inari shrines. Approximately 3 million people visit each year. The bright vermillion architecture stands out against the backdrop of green trees.

#DomesticTravelRecord Ruins in the Yoshinogari Hills, which straddle Yoshinogari Town and Kanzaki City, Kanzaki County, Saga Prefecture Designated as a special national historic site The remains of a large moated settlement from the Yayoi period, covering an area of ​​approximately 117 hectares Discovered by excavation surveys since 1986, it is now a park partially managed by the government as the National Yoshinogari Historical Park 98 Yayoi period buildings have been restored, recreating the scenery of life in those days You can experience activities that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, such as "Magatama making," "Fire making," "Stone knife making," "Clay whistle making," and "Braided cord making" For more information, please check the website 📍Access The ruins area is close to the east exit The playground and outdoor cooking area are close to the west exit #Saga #SagaTourism #SagaTrip #Ruins #DomesticTrip #SoloTrip #GirlsTrip

The Yayoi period was a long period lasting more than 700 years. The Yoshinogari ruins have been found with buildings and objects from all eras. These relics show the characteristics of each period and can understand the changes in society at that time, which is of extremely high academic value. Yoshinogari Historical Park mainly focuses on the "second half of the late Yayoi period (around the 3rd century AD)" and has been restored and constructed based on current excavation survey results and various professional research results such as ethnology. #ChristmasGreatPlaces2024

Saga, Japan, a charming place😍. There is the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen "Seagull" here, which takes you between cities and enjoys the scenery along the way. There is also the Double Star 4047-Nishi Kyushu Sea Sightseeing Train, which allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ariake Sea and Omura Bay while tasting bento made with local ingredients. Yoshinogari Historical Park in Saga can take you back to the Yayoi period and experience ancient history and culture. Karatsu Castle is a symbol of the city overlooking Karatsu Bay. The observation deck on the fifth floor of the castle tower offers a panoramic view of the Genkai Sea and Matsuura Lagoon. In addition, Ureshino Onsen is also a major feature of Saga. The hot spring water has a smooth texture and is very popular among women. In Saga, you can also taste fresh and delicious seafood, such as squid, etc., which will greatly satisfy your taste buds.

Attractions and local features: Saga's Yoshinogari Historical Park is like a living history book. The ancient moat settlement site is well-preserved, and the restored thatched houses are scattered across the fields, making you feel as if you have traveled back to the Yayoi period. As you stroll through the park, you can see staff dressed in traditional costumes demonstrating ancient farming techniques. The cherry blossoms in full bloom and the ancient buildings intertwine to create a tranquil and timeless pastoral scene. Ticket information: Tickets for Yoshinogari Historical Park are very affordable, with adult tickets priced at JPY 400, elementary and middle school students at JPY 80, and seniors over 65 at JPY 200. Food: Saga's Ureshino tea snacks are a must-try. Made with freshly picked local tea leaves, the matcha cake has a delicate texture, and the tea aroma spreads in your mouth, sweet but not greasy. There are also hot spring buns, steaming hot, with a soft outer skin and sweet filling. Paired with a cup of fragrant tea, it is a pleasant afternoon treat. Shopping recommendations: There are many specialty shops on Ureshino Onsen Street. You can buy exquisite tea utensils, which have unique shapes, and some even incorporate local cultural elements, such as Saga beef patterns or cherry blossom motifs. There are also tea bag gift boxes made with local tea leaves, which are great gifts for friends and family.

The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is held in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu. This international hot air balloon competition takes place over five days! Since hot air balloons are highly dependent on weather conditions, it's better to plan a stay for several days and consider yourself lucky if you get to see them in the morning. There is a station near the riverside venue. It's best to avoid driving as it gets very crowded. The flights usually end around 10 AM and resume in the afternoon, so you can enjoy the stalls at the venue during the free time. You can also visit the Ariake Sea, which is a bit far, or extend your trip to the Yoshinogari Ruins or Takeo. There are many lesser-known spots worth visiting. A car might be recommended for sightseeing outside the venue!

Don't know where to take the kids? Why not come to Saga? There are many places suitable for children to play, and both adults and children can play all day. Don't miss it! Must-visit attractions ✅Mitsuse Farm: Covering an area of 750,000 square meters, children can leisurely enjoy nature in the vast grassland and interact with cute animals up close. There are also various experiential activities in the farm, such as making milk candy and ice cream, which are suitable for families to enjoy. You can also taste local specialties in the restaurant in the farm. ✅Saga Balloon Museum: Saga Prefecture holds a hot air balloon competition in early November every year, which is very lively. If you miss the competition, you can also take your children to the Saga Balloon Museum. The first floor is a projection room with video materials of the International Hot Air Balloon Carnival over the years; the second floor is used for popularizing the history and related knowledge of hot air balloons, and you can also experience real-life operation. ✅Yoshinogari Historical Park: A park built to preserve the largest ruins of the Yayoi period in Japan, the "Yoshinogari Ruins". Here, children can learn more about the Yayoi period through the displayed unearthed cultural relics. ✅Takeo Ureshino Fairy Tale Village: This is a theme park with flowers and squirrels as the theme. There are about 500 cute squirrels in the park, and children can experience feeding squirrels. ✅Ninja Village Hizen Yumekaido: Located in Ureshino Onsen, it is a theme park where you can experience the life of a ninja. The park reproduces the buildings and streets of the Edo period, and various dramas performed by ninjas and samurai are held from time to time.

Address: 1843 Tade, Yoshinogari, Kanzaki District, Saga 842-0035, Japan Getting there: Take a local train from Tosu to Yoshinogarikoen. From Yoshinogarikoen Station it is a 10-15 minute walk to the park's east gate. Highlights: The Yoshinogari Historical Park is an outstanding archaeological site in Saga. It is the largest and most important Yayoi Period site in Japan, and the best place to learn about this era of Japanese history. Today the ancient site has been preserved with impressive reconstructed villages for visitors to explore and learn about Yayoi life and culture. The careful reconstructions include dozens of pit dwellings, elevated store houses, watch towers, shrines and other structures, many of which can be entered. Some contain tools and implements, while mannequins reenact jobs and ceremonies in others. Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily Admission fee: 460yen #passionpassport #japan #traveljapan