Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo

The cherry blossoms are long gone, but this month we can enjoy other flowers instead! The azalea are in beautiful bright bloom everywhere you go, too. And if we’re lucky, the hot weather should follow soon! (It’s been a cold Spring so far, brr!)

As I’ve been resting over the holiday period myself, some of these events have passed already – but as they are centered around flower viewing or Golden Week celebrations they’re worth making a note of – you can be sure you’ll have a chance to stop by next year!

4月29日〜5月3日　ー　伊万里市　Imari City　ー　Okawachiyama Pottery Fair　

This is a great time of year to venture up into the ‘Village of Secret Kilns’, Okawachiyama. From 1675~1871, the village was the official kiln of the Nabeshima family of the Saga Domain, and has produced high-quality pottery for generations. You’ll be able to find some excellent pottery at very affordable prices, and enjoy the scenery along the way! 　

Accessible 15 minutes from Imari Station via car, or via direct bus every 2 hours

4月29日~5月5日　ー　有田町 Arita Town　ー　 Arita Ceramic Fair

Visited by more than a million people each year, during Golden Week over 500 shops line up along a 4km stretch in Arita to sell their wares. Arita-yaki is incredibly famous across Japan, and you can find unique pieces for very affordable prices. Some vendors offer coffee or tea, and let you keep the cup afterwards! And potteries may even open up their kilns to the public.

Accessible easily by train, as it is held between Arita Station and Kami-Arita Station

4月29日~5月5日　ー　唐津市 Karatsu City　ー　 Karatsu Yakimon Festival

Karatsu also hosts a Ceramic festival during Golden Week. Exhibitions and sales are held throughout the town, and there is usually an exhibition at the former Karatsu Bank. Some eateries in the city may offer limited menu items served to you in Karatsu-yaki. Tea ceremonies are also available, but are booked up very quickly.

Most venues accessible via foot from Karatsu Station, or else via car/bus

4月7日〜5月6日　ー　武雄市　Takeo City – Mifuneyama Rakuen

As you can expect from any flower festival, the dates are adjusted each year. But from early April to May you can enjoy beautiful scenery at Mifuneyama Rakuen; azaleas, wisteria, and spring maples. The park boasts over 200,000 azaleas, which certainly steal the show!

Accessible within 5 minutes drive or 30 minutes walk from Takeo Onsen Station

4月〜5月　ー　基山町　Kiyama Town ー　Daikouzenji Azalea Festival

The ‘love sanctuary’, Daikouzenji Temple, opens its azalea garden from mid-April to May. Within a 75,000 square meter park, you’ll be able to view over 50,000 azaleas during their prettiest time of year.

Accessible 10 minutes from Kiyama Station via car.

5月3日〜5月5日　ー　神崎　Kanzaki ー　Kanzaki Soumen Festival

Held every Golden Week. From 9:00 to 16:00 in Yoshinogari Historical Park.

3月17日〜5月31日　ー　佐賀市　Saga City ー　Kawakamiyo Spring Festival

Enjoy the carp streamers along the Kawakami Gorge in Yamato-cho, Saga City. Boat rides are available for a small fee per person on weekends and holidays.

5月3日〜5月6日　ー　神崎　Kanzaki ー　Kune’nan Spring Open House　

In early May when the leaves are more vivid, this holiday villa and garden of a Meiji period entrepeneur turns green from the moss that thrives on the ground and the green maples within the grounds.

The events on offer this Month might be as fleeting as the changing of the weather, or the elusive 4-day weekend, but there’s always plenty on offer in Saga. Keep an eye on the LINE group or other communication for any district or AJET events that might be organised!