Kawakami Gorge Carp Streamers

川上峡春祭り

When: March 16th (Saturday) to May 19th (Sunday)

Where: Near Kanjinbashi Bridge in Yamoto town, Saga City

Approximately 300 carp streamers are flown over the the river, in an area said to be the “Arashiyama of Kyushu”. It is free to see the streamers, but for a fee (unsure of price) there is also a sightseeing boat called Yodohime which will run (currently in preparation).

Yutoku Inari Shrine Azalea Festival

50,000 azalea will bloom around Yutoku Inari Shrine in Kashima city from late April into May.

Arita Pottery Market

Arita Tokiichi is a golden week festival that draws in visitors from all over Kyushu. Kind of like a giant warehouse sale of porcelain, shops open onto the streets to sell their goods. More than 450 makers line the 4km stretch of road from the JR Arita station.

When: April 29th to May 5th.

Where: Area around JR Arita station

NOTE: Karatsu and Imari also have Markets similar, as well as an area in Nagasaki called Hasami.

Saga Arena Drive-in Indoor Theatre

When: Friday, April 19th to Sunday 21st April

If you own a car, will be able to drive into Saga Arena to view various movies. For those without car, you can still visit as there is also general seating.

5 different movies will be played so you can pick one you like. Options are “Wild Speed” aka Fast and Furious, Minions, Back to the future, Sing and Jurassic World. Of course, it is all Japanese dubbing.

Fee: Car viewing: 4,950 yen; general admission: 1,600 yen

Genkai Underwater Observation Tower Re-opening!

玄海海中展望塔

Fee: 1000yen

The observation tower in Hado Cape (Hadomisaki)/Genkai area, Karatsu, is re-opening after it’s first renovation since starting in 1974.

If you come to Hado Cape, you can also eat Sazae, turban shells from huts along the coast. Depending on the weather, you also might be brave enough to take a swim at the beach. Or going down the coast to Genkai’s onsen “PAREA” is probably a safer option.

Additionally, a one day free pass for 1000yen with let you ride all buses within Karatsu city and Genkai town for 1500yen. This is a good price as one way to Hado Cape from Oteguchi, Karatsu bus centre, is over 900yen! Note that buses are especially infrequent in this area, so please double check your timing and routes.

Yobuko Morning Market

Yobuko, famous for squid, runs its morning market from around 8am to noon everyday.

April is a great season for seafood and squid, which makes this an ideal time to take a trip. On the weekends, sightseeing boats run for Nanatsugama caves (depending on weather) and some are glass-bottom to allow you to see the sea.