Asia's largest hot-air balloon convention "Saga International Balloon Fiesta" (hereinafter referred to as, "Balloon Fiesta") is held at Kase Riverside from late October to the beginning of November. 111 hot-air balloons from 18 countries and regions participated at Balloon Fiesta 2017 and 886,000 visitors attended the event. In addition to high level hot-air balloon competitions, visitors will come across plenty of excitement such as the fantastic spectacle of "Simultaneous takeoff" where hot-air balloons rise together from the riverside and this can be experienced only at the Balloon Fiesta. There is a food corner at the venue for visitors to enjoy the delicious food of Saga.

Cycling trips are full of charm, enjoy your personal sightseeing trip

Though you can go for sightseeing on bus tours or in groups, for memories that are different from the usual and not just ordinary traveling, cycling trips are recommended. You can go to any place without worrying about waiting for a bus or train that does not match your schedule, or when you find a shop that you have been looking for, you do not have to worry about parking the car. Cycling trips are ideal for those who love the outdoors as you can enjoy nature.

The most attractive feature of cycling trips is that you can fully enjoy the shops and scenery not listed in the sightseeing guide. Go around Saga city making your own "Sightseeing map".

Though not as famous as Beppu and Ureshino, Saga city has many hot springs. Furuyu Onsen is located 200 meters above sea level on the upstream side of the Kase river flowing through the city, while Kumanokawa Onsen is about 5 km downhill in the mountains. Both have been long-time favorite hot spring resorts where many celebrities visit for recuperation. The lukewarm water is 38°C, which is slightly warmer than the human skin, giving the skin a moist and pleasant feel. The water is said to have immunity boosting effect, and skin beautification effect, etc. If you like to leisurely soak in hot water, you will not want to step out of the bath. Wash away the tiredness of the day and enjoy local cuisine at a restaurant on a day-trip to the hot springs, or enjoy a private bath reserved for couples and families or stay at a Ryokan (Japanese Inn) where you can fully enjoy the sumptuous cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely bath at the hot spring of your choice amid nature with sunlight streaming through the trees and relieve the weariness of your journey.

Facilities that introduce Saga culture and history are located at the center of Saga city and can be visited in a day. This is a guide to a mini-tour to learn about Saga, mainly from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period when Saga influenced Japan the most.

There are two common ways to travel from Fukuoka city, the gateway of Kyushu to Saga city.

1. (1) Trains from JR "Hakata Station"
2. (2) Express buses from "Nishitetsu Tenjin Expressway Bus Terminal"

To board the train of (1) or bus of (2), you must first reach Tenjin or Hakata.