9 Islands in Saga worth your time

A volcanic island in Saga Prefecture famous for its castle-shaped observatory, ancient temple ruins, and local blue crab delicacies.

What it is

• A volcanic island with a four kilometer circumference connected to the mainland by a bridge.
• Site of Takezaki Kanzeon-ji Temple founded by the monk Gyoki in the year 709.
• A strategic maritime location during the Nanboku-cho period now known for hot springs.
• Home to the Onimatsuri festival which is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

What to see

• An observatory shaped like a castle tower standing near the old ruins.
• A stone triple-story pagoda dating back to the Kamakura period.
• Takezaki Port which is uniquely located inside a volcanic crater.
• Local restaurants serving the famous brand of crab known as Takezaki-gani.

Getting there

• Buses run regularly between Kashima Bus Center and Takezaki Port.
• The island is accessible by car via Route 295 across the connecting bridge.

Read more about Takezaki Island

A small inhabited island in Genkai Quasi-National Park featuring ancient burial mounds, Manyoshu poem monuments, and a resident emu population.

What it is

• A small island covering 1.41 square kilometers within the Genkai Quasi-National Park.
• An inhabited community belonging to Karatsu City with a population of approximately 248 people.
• A historical site containing Onizuka burial mounds dating back to the Kofun period.
• A sanctuary for about 50 emus raised by local residents since 2021.

What to see

• Sumiyoshi Shrine which enshrines the three traditional Sumiyoshi deities.
• A Mongolian anchor stone designated as a cultural property of Karatsu City.
• A colony of crinum lilies recognized as a city-designated natural monument.
• Seven different Manyoshu poem monuments located at various points across the island.

Getting there

• Take a ferry from Minato Port for an eight minute journey to the island.

Read more about Kashiwa Island

An uninhabited island park in Karatsu Bay featuring a shrine and summer water sports, accessible by a short ferry ride.

What it is

• An uninhabited island in Karatsu Bay designated as Torishima Nature Park.
• A natural breakwater for Karatsu Port located 700 meters offshore from Nishinohama.
• Home to Torishima Benzaiten, a deity divided from Enoshima Shrine in Kanagawa.
• The closest island to the Karatsu city center.

What to see

• Torishima Benzaiten shrine located on a sandbar on the southeast side.
• Natural park landscapes on an island that once hosted a restaurant until the 1960s.
• Views of Karatsu Bay from the island's shores.

When to go

• Summer months for long-distance swimming and raft races.
• Twice a year during the festival involving island cleaning.

Getting there

• Access is available via reservation-based ferry boats from the mainland.

Read more about Torishima

A sacred reef in the Ariake Sea featuring a lighthouse and statues that completely submerge during high tide.

What it is

• A sacred reef in the Ariake Sea consisting of two parts named Ojima and Mejima
• The only island located within the Saga Prefecture portion of the Ariake Sea
• A site dedicated to the deity Okigami Daimyojin and the spirit of a girl named Oshima
• A historic cultural asset designated by the Fisheries Agency in 2006

What to see

• The Okinokamise Lighthouse which has stood on Ojima since 1950
• A stone statue of a girl named Oshima located on the reef
• The entire island disappearing beneath the waves during high tide
• Religious sites associated with the nearby underwater torii of Ouo Shrine

When to go

• Annual rituals are held on the nineteenth day of June
• Low tide is necessary to see the land before it submerges

Read more about Okinoshima

A scenic island in Genkai Quasi-National Park featuring Saga's oldest shrine, ancient burial mounds, and famous citrus jelly.

What it is

• A small island in the Genkai Sea connected to the mainland by a bridge.
• Part of the Genkai Quasi-National Park and recognized as a top Japanese village landscape.
• Home to Tashima Shrine, which is considered the oldest shrine in Saga Prefecture.
• A former major whaling site during the Edo period with a current agricultural focus.

What to see

• The Yobuko Ohashi bridge spanning the water to the mainland.
• The Hisagozuka Tumulus, a burial mound dating back to the early 6th century.
• Local farms cultivating rice, vegetables, and Yobuko Amanatsu citrus fruits.
• Coastal views of the Genkai Sea from the 2.68 square kilometer island.

Getting there

• Buses run directly to the island from the Yobuko bus terminal.

Read more about Kabe Island

A small fishing island north of Karatsu known for its historic whaling heritage and preserved Taisho-era lookout station.

What it is

• A small inhabited island located north of Yobuko Town in Karatsu City.
• A traditional fishing community where whaling flourished from the 18th century to early Showa.
• Site of a whaling base established by the Nakao family in 1595.

What to see

• A whale memorial tower erected in 1863 to honor the animals.
• A preserved whale lookout station dating back to the Taisho era.
• The active Ogawashima Fishing Port located in the southern part of the island.
• Prefectural cultural properties including the historic memorial tower and lookout station.

Getting there

• Take the Soyokaze ferry from Yobuko Port for a 20-minute journey.
• The ferry operates five round trips daily during the peak season.

Read more about Ogawashima

A volcanic island in the Genkai Sea known as the birthplace of King Muryeong and for its unique dog taboo.

What it is

• A volcanic island formed approximately 2.55 million years ago in the Genkai Sea.
• The northernmost point of Saga Prefecture and part of Genkai Quasi-National Park.
• The reported birthplace of King Muryeong of the Baekje Kingdom.
• A small fishing community where keeping dogs is traditionally considered a taboo.

What to see

• Native camellia trees used by residents to produce local camellia oil.
• Coastal views from the northernmost tip of Saga Prefecture.
• Active pole-and-line fishing operations around the island harbor.

Getting there

• Take a regular ferry from Yobuko Port to reach the island.
• The ferry journey across the sea takes approximately 20 minutes.

Read more about Kakara Island

A small fishing island in Karatsu Bay home to the Hoto Shrine, accessible by a short ferry ride.

What it is

• A small island in Karatsu Bay covering approximately 0.62 square kilometers.
• A residential fishing community with a population of about 174 people.
• Home to the Hoto Shrine and a local elementary school.
• The site of an NBC Radio Saga relay station.

What to see

• The Hoto Shrine located within the island interior.
• Active fishing boats and infrastructure supporting the primary local industry.
• Coastal views of Karatsu Bay from the island perimeter.

Getting there

• Take a regular ferry from Hoto Pier for a ten-minute crossing.
• Explore the island on foot as there is no public transportation available.

Read more about Takashima

The largest island in Saga Prefecture, featuring a historic Catholic church and views from the highest peak in the Genkai Sea.

What it is

• The largest island in Saga Prefecture located within the Genkai Sea.
• A historic stop for Japanese missions traveling to China.
• The westernmost point of Saga Prefecture consisting of four main settlements.
• The birthplace of sumo wrestlers Matsuura-gata and Aranami Hideyoshi.

What to see

• A Catholic church relocated to the island from Hirado in 1928.
• Bansho-no-tsuji peak which stands at 237.9 meters high.
• Coastal views across the 4.24 square kilometer island landscape.

Getting there

• Regular ferry service operates from Yobuko and Nagoya ports.

Read more about Madara Island