Saga, Japan: A Perfect Encounter of Slow Living and Delicious Cuisine

📍 Location and Overview
Saga is located in the northwest of Kyushu Island and is the smallest of Kyushu's seven prefectures. With 45.1% forest coverage and 23.9% arable land, it's a major agricultural and fishing region in Japan. Saga is known for its abundant production of nori (seaweed), tangerines, glutinous rice, and wheat. It's also Japan's "Home of Ceramic Crafts"! 🌳🌾

🚀 Transportation Guide
By Air: Spring Airlines is the main carrier offering direct flights to Saga from mainland China. Flights depart from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Saga on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Super convenient! ✈

Local Transportation: After arriving at Saga Airport, you can choose between JR trains, buses, or taxis to reach the city center. Taking a bus from the airport to the city center (JR Saga Station) takes about 35 minutes and offers great value for money! 🚌🛤

🏞 Recommended Attractions
Saga Castle: A must-visit spot in Saga! Stroll along the ancient castle walls and feel like you've traveled back to a peaceful yet prosperous era. 🏰

Takeo Onsen & Ureshino Onsen: One of Asia's top 50 hot spring destinations. Soak in the warm spring water under a starry sky for complete relaxation of body and mind. 🛁✨

Mifuneyama Rakuen: Enjoy breathtaking scenery that changes with the seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, cool retreats in summer, autumn foliage, and hot springs in winter - each season brings a different surprise. 🍂🏞

🍽 Must-Try Foods
Saga Beef: How can you visit Saga without trying Saga beef? The meat is tender and juicy, whether you have it as teppanyaki or steak, it's sure to satisfy! 🥩🔥

Dried Strawberries: Saga's dried strawberries are exceptional! With their sweet strawberry flavor and long shelf life, they make perfect souvenirs for friends and family back home! 🍓🎁

Washoku-dokoro OOSHIMA: This restaurant prides itself on fresh, direct-delivery seafood from the Ariake Sea, offering an extraordinary culinary experience. Seafood lovers shouldn't miss it! 🐟🍣

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
Hot Spring Hotels: Saga has many hot spring hotels. Whether in Takeo Onsen or Ureshino Onsen, you'll find high-quality hotels to choose from. After a relaxing soak, enjoy a sumptuous kaiseki meal for a perfect day! 🛁🍽

🛍 Shopping Guide
Ureshino Drug Stores: Offer a wide variety of products at affordable prices, and tax-free shopping is available! 💄💊

AEON: A large shopping mall with a full range of brands, from electronics to clothing. You can find everything here and enjoy tax-free shopping with credit cards. 🛍💳

💡 Tips
Climate: The average annual temperature in Saga Prefecture is around 16°C (60.8°F). Summers are hot and winters are cold, so remember to bring suitable clothing! 🧥🌞

Currency: Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY). It's advisable to exchange currency in advance and carry some cash.

Language: English is not widely spoken. It's recommended to download a translation app for convenience.