Tokujin Yoshioka: Tornado

• When: July 2 to August 2, 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. (Closed Mondays)
• Where: Saga Prefectural Art Museum, Exhibition Rooms 2 to 4
• Cost: Free

More information here.

Asomanabu

A special event held by SPIRA to promote internationalization. Circle Time will be held in the last 30 minutes, so feel free to come early, help set up, then read and play with local Saga kids!

• When: July 18 (Saturday!!), 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Where: Saga International Plaza

Machinaka Bar

Use special tickets to buy beer and food at a discounted rate!

• When: July 4 to 8
• Where: Various bars and restaurants in Saga City.

More information here.

Opening of Imari Beach

Includes rest area, shower, and toilets.

• When: July 5 to August 23
• Where: About 30 minutes by bus from Imari Station.

“Let’s Get Our Hands on a Steam Warship!” Exhibition

With Mietsu Naval Dock recently being designated as a World Heritage site, Chokokan will be showcasing writings by Naomasa, as well as three steamship models.

• When: July 6 to September 12, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, closed Mondays and holidays
• Where: Chokokan
• Cost: ￥300

Opening Ceremony for Shirahama Beach

This is the first man-made beach on the Ariake Sea. Swimming times will vary based on the tide, so you should call in advance (0955-20-9031)

• When: July 9; Beach open for use July 10 to August 31
• Where: 15 minutes on foot or three minutes by car from Hizen Ooura Station

Reopening of the Saga Prefectural Space and Science Museum

16 years after its opening, the Space and Science Museum is getting a big renovation!

• When: July 11, 9:15 am to 5:15 pm (This is just the first day of its reopening. Check the website for more details on hours of operation on other days.)
• Where: Saga Prefectural Space and Science Museum
• Cost: ￥510 for adults (A separate charge is needed for the planetarium. A combined ticket is also available.)

*July 11 is the planned date. Double-check the website to make sure there have been no delays before attending.

Mifuneyama Rakuen Bamboo Lights

• When: July 17 to August 31, 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm (May be cancelled due to rain)
• Where: Mifuneyama Rakuen
• Cost: ￥300 for adults, ￥100 for children (Free if you come in yukata or jinbei)

More information here.

Ocean Carnival in Karatsu

Events such as sailing and fish catching are being planned

• When: July 19
• Where: 10 minutes by car from JR Karatsu Station

Takukosu 3

A cosplay event in Taku

• When: July 19, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Where: Taku City Machidukuri Kouryuu Center Aiparet
• Cost: Free entrance. Cosplay registration is ￥1000, camera registration is ￥500.

More information here.

Nagoya Castle History Museum History Talk

Learn about the results of excavations at the castle and about the history and culture of Saga.

• When: Sunday, July 19 (times not listed–call 0955-82-4906 or fax 0955-82-5664 for information)
• Where: Nagoya Castle History Museum
• Cost: ￥100 for materials

 11^th Annual Arita Window Display Koshien

• When: Opening ceremony July 22. On display July 23 to August 23
• Where: Arita

More information here.

Beer Garden Hoshinomi

Drinks and food available, and may be be brought in as well.

• When: July 25, 31, August 1, 7, 8, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm (canceled in the event of rain)
• Where: The roof of Taku City Machidukuri Kouryuu Center Aiparet
• Cost: Entrance is free.

Fishing Experience

Experience fishing without a reel or lure.

• When: Saturday, July 25, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Where: 21^st Century Kenmin no Mori Information Center Hoonoki
• Cost: ￥1500 yen (includes fishing, bento and insurance)

Registration: Call Ozoegawa at Smile Earth, 0952-57-2341

*Must register by Tuesday, July 21

Karatsu Bay Raft Competition

Approximately 40 rafts will race

• When: July 26
• Where: Nishinohama in Karatsu
• Cost: ￥2000 yen per raft and ￥2000 yen per participant (including insurance)

Please contact Takeno for more information: 090-3607-1288

Matsuri Tosu

A long-running summer festival, ending with a dance.

• When: July 26
• Where: Two-minute walk from JR Tosu Station

Masuda Shrine Summer Festival

• When: July 26
• Where: 50 minutes by bus from the Karatsu Bus Center. (Get off at Takakushi Bus Stop)

Pleyel Piano Recital

The music will be played on a piano owned by Kikuko of the Nabeshima family.

• When: July 26. Morning performance at 11:00 am, afternoon performance at 2:00 pm
• Where: Chokokan
• Cost: ￥1000, ￥500 for elementary students and younger

Reservations must be made by phone: 0952-23-4200

More information here.

Kodomo Gion Yamakasa Festival

Men will carry a 15 meter high, 3 ton float into the sea.

• When: July 29 and 30. The ceremony will be held around 2:00 pm and moving to the sea will start around 3:00 pm. (Times may differ slightly.)
• Where: Kodomo in Yobuko

Featured image credit.