May Events in Saga

Don’t have plans for Golden Week yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out these events taking place in May. Get out there and enjoy the spring weather!

Saga

Circle Time

On the third Sunday of every other month, JETs and other English speakers volunteer to sing, read books, and do crafts with local kids. Make the time to participate if you can!

Where: Saga International Plaza
When: May 17, 1:00-2:00pm (please arrive around noon to help set up)

Baby Goat Petting Zoo

Approximately 20 baby goats will be born this spring, and you can meet them at the petting zoo. You can also see other animals and try your hand at making caramels, sausages, and butter (for an additional fee).

Where: Donguri Mura
When: Now to May 31; 10:00am-5:00pm (last entrance 4:00pm)
Cost: ￥500 for adults, ￥200 for children 4yrs to middle school, free for children 3 and under
Website: http://www.dongurimura.com/main/

Modern Takeo Ceramist 14

Works of modern ceramists from Takeo will be introduced at this exhibit.

Where: Nagoya Castle History Museum (about 40 minutes by bus from Karatsu Oteguchi Bus Center)
When: April 24 to June 28
Cost: free

Trout Fishing

Where: Kyuuragi River (厳木川) in Karatsu
When: March 1 to September 30
Cost: ￥1000 per day or ￥5000 for a season pass (amateur rod fishing)

37th Kawakamikyou Spring Matsuri

Approximately 300 carp streamers will be hung along the Kase River. Boat rides are available on weekends and holidays.

Where: Kanjin Bridge (官人橋), Yamato Town, Saga City
When: March 26th to May 10th, 10:00am-4:00pm
Cost: Viewing is free. Boat rides are ￥300 for middle school and older, ￥100 for elementary, and free for younger. Rides are approximately 15 minutes long. Boats can be rented for up to 15 people for ￥8000 between 6:00pm and 10:00pm. Private rides last two hours. Contact organizers for more details.
Website: http://www.sagabai.com/main/?cont=event&eid=16611

Newly Collected Items Exhibition, Saga Prefectural Museum

Where: Saga Prefectural Museum
When: March 27 to May 13, 9:30am-6:00pm. Closed Mondays (except May 4)
Cost: free
Website: http://saga-museum.jp/museum/

Kizan Grass Skiing

Where: Kizan Grass Ski Slope
When: March 21 to May 31, sled rentals from 10:00am-4:00pm on weekends and holidays
Cost: ￥300 for sled rentals, admission is free
Website: http://www.kiyaman.net/

Karatsu Ware Festival

A chance to see and purchase Karatsu pottery

Where: Karatsu City center, 5 minutes walk from Karatsu Station
When: April 29 to May 5

Public Opening for Kunenan

This famous Meiji Period home and garden will be open to the public for five days.

Where: Kanzaki City
When: May 2 to May 6, 8:30am-4:00pm
Cost: ￥300
Note: Hannah went there in the fall and there was a pretty long line to get in. After you finish you can grab some local snacks and use the foot onsen near the bus stop!
Website: http://www.city.kanzaki.saga.jp/

Marche at Yoshinogari Historical Park

Approximately 20 shops will open up at the park, selling many types of items and crafts. There will also be local foods, music, and dance performances. From the 3rd to the 5th there will be nagashi Kanzaki Soumen.

Where: Yoshinogari Historical Park
When: May 2 to May 6, 9:00am-5:00pm
Cost: free access to event areas during the above times: on May 3rd and 4th access to the entire park will be free of charge
Website: http://www.yoshinogari.jp/

Daikouzenji Spring Azalea Festival

Enjoy the temple garden, which has 50,000 azaleas and trees

Where: Daikouzenji Temple
When: April 17 to May 6, 8:30am to sunset. The timing of the blossoms depends on the weather.
Cost: ￥500 for adults, ￥300 for elementary/middle school students

Arita Ceramics Fair

500 shops will line up across 4km in the city to sell original and special porcelain. There will also be events such as a stamp rally and plate stacking contest. Local food will also be on sale.

Where: Arita Porcelain Museum
When: April 29 to May 5
Website: http://www.arita-toukiichi.or.jp/

23rd Saga Prefecture Calligraphy Exhibition

Where: Saga Prefectural Museum Building 2, Exhibition Room 3
When: May 27 to June 13

33rd Ogi Arts and Crafts Exhibition

Where: Ogi Community Center
When: May 28 to May 31

31st Kashima Gatalympics

A unique, muddy day for sports. Advance registration is necessary. Applications are due mid-April (TBA). Please contact the organizers at 0954-62-5656.

Where: Nanaura Beach Sports Park, 10 minutes walk from JR Hizen Nanaura Station
When: May 31

7th Prefectural Border Festival, Tenkenji Bridge Tug-of-War

There will be events to celebrate the friendship between Saga and Fukuoka, as well as food stalls.

Where: Tenkenji Bridge Area
When: May 31, 9:00am-5:00pm
Cost: free

Nagoya Castle History Museum Ruins Tour

Take a tour of the castle ruins with a local historian.

Where: Nagoya Castle Ruins
When: May 31
Cost: A charge may be necessary for materials

Fukuoka

Friendship Day

MCAS Iwakuni will be open to the public for airshows, American food, and different activities and events. Be sure to bring your ID!

Where: MCAS Iwakuni, 30 minutes walk from JR Iwakuni Station or Minami Iwakuni Station
When: May 3, 7:00am-4:00pm (last entry 2:00pm)
Cost: admission is free
Website: http://friendship-day.net

Fukuoka Zoo Free Entrance Day

The Fukuoka Zoo is offering free entry in honor of Greenery Day.

Where: Fukuoka City Zoological Garden
When: May 4th
Cost: Free!
Website: http://zoo.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/

Fukuoka Dontaku Matsuri

Where: Fukuoka City, Chuo Ward
When: May 3rd and 4th
Website: http://www.dontaku.fukunet.or.jp/

Dontaku Cosplay Parade 2015

Where: Fukuoka City, Chuo Ward, Tenjin 5-2
When: May 4, 11:00am-5:00pm
Cost: free for observers (there is a charge for photos if participating)
Website: http://fukuoka-otaku.com/event/dontaku2015/

Belgian Beer Weekend 2015

Where: Fureai Park (in front of City Hall)
When: May 8th to May 17th, weekdays 4:00pm-10:00pm, weekends 11:00am-10:00pm (closes at 9:00pm on May 17th)
Cost: Everything must be paid for with special coins. Check the website for details.
Website: https://belgianbeerweekend.jp/en/city/fukuoka/view