Day Trip to Saga, Kyushu, Japan: Fall Foliage Viewing | Daikozenji Temple, Kunen-an, Yoshinogari Station, Yutoku Inari Shrine, and Mifuneyama Rakuen (Departing from Fukuoka)
- Experience the historical charm of traditional temples and admire the vibrant autumn leaves and ancient architecture
- Experience the unique beauty of autumn leaves at Kunen-an, one of Saga's most famous autumn scenery spots
- Visit the sacred Yutoku Inari Shrine and admire the beautiful autumn leaves surrounding it
- Visit Mifuneyama Rakuen, a famous autumn garden, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of the garden, which perfectly blends nature and human landscapes
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 2 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Autumn Maple |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
This day trip will take you on an in-depth exploration of the autumn charm of Saga, Kyushu. The itinerary departs from Fukuoka and features five must-visit spots for viewing autumn foliage:
- Daxingshan Temple: Experience the solemn atmosphere of the ancient temple and stroll among the autumn leaves covering the mountains.
- Kyuen-an Shrine: Saga's most famous spot for viewing autumn foliage, its maple forests are breathtakingly beautiful. Kyuen-an Shrine is open from November 15th to November 30th. For other dates, visit Ninhiyama Shrine instead.
- Yoshino Station: Step into ancient Japanese cultural heritage sites, experience Kyushu history, and enjoy Saga-style local cuisine and handmade bento boxes in the dining area.
- Mifuneyama Rakuen: A hidden autumn paradise, renowned for its stunning autumn foliage and garden scenery.
- Yutoku Inari Shrine: A solemn and sacred shrine, and also an ideal place to enjoy the autumn scenery.
*The above itinerary schedule may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, or other reasons. Thank you for your understanding.
Located in Kiyama Town, Saga Prefecture, Daikozenji Temple boasts a history of over 1,300 years and is a Tendai sect temple. Nestled in a mountainside setting, the temple offers breathtaking scenery year-round, but is particularly renowned for its vibrant autumn foliage, earning it the nickname "Kyushu's Sacred Autumn Foliage Site."
Every November, more than 3,000 maple trees dye the valley red, and the stone steps and temples are hidden among the fiery red maple leaves. The quiet ancient temple and the gorgeous autumn colors complement each other, attracting countless tourists and photography enthusiasts to come and worship and enjoy the maple leaves.
Built during the Meiji era, Kunen-an is a private villa and strolling Japanese garden by industrialist Yotaro Itami, a project that took nine years to create. With its lush landscapes and moss-covered landscapes, Kunen-an offers a breathtaking scenery in all seasons, with autumn's vibrant red maple leaves being the most stunning.
Open only from mid-to-late November, it's known as "Kyushu's most dreamy red foliage wonderland." The garden's vibrant maple leaves, ancient houses, and moss-covered gardens create a tranquil and elegant autumn scene.
Located in Yoshinogari Town, Kanzaki District, Saga Prefecture, Yoshinogari Station is a multi-functional facility that combines leisure, shopping, and cultural experiences. It is an ideal stopover for visiting the Yoshinogari Ruins and sightseeing in Saga. The facility features: A specialty market selling agricultural products such as Saga beef, nori, amazake, and yuzu products. A dining area offering local Saga cuisine and handmade bento boxes. Experiences and exhibitions immerse you in the ancient rice-growing culture and historical atmosphere of the Yoshinogari Ruins.
Hidden away in the mountains of Kyushu, Mifuneyama Rakuen is one of Saga's most popular autumn leaf viewing spots. Originally built in the late Edo period, the gardens span approximately 500,000 square meters, nestled against the mountainside. The interweaving of mountains, water, maple leaves, and rocks creates a picturesque scene, offering breathtaking views in all seasons.
Every autumn, thousands of maple and ginkgo trees paint the entire mountain forest crimson, and the lake reflects the vibrant colors, creating a scene reminiscent of an oriental oil painting. The park also features a nighttime red leaf illumination event, where light and shadow intertwine with the crimson maples, creating a dreamlike experience.
Yutoku Inari Shrine, located in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture, was founded in 1687 and is one of Japan's three major Inari shrines, alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto and Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki. It is popular for praying for business success, family prosperity, abundant fishing harvests, and safe travel. In autumn, the shrine's surroundings are bathed in a fiery red and orange hue of maple leaves, coating the mountain paths and ancient torii gates. Walking through the vermilion torii gates and golden-red forests, one feels transported to a mysterious and solemn place of prayer.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Fukuoka and Saga
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Furumanko Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum number of people in a group: 2
Team leader: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
License exemption number: Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Travel Industry No. 2-633
Travel Industry Association Name: Regular member of Japan Travel Industry Association
Reminders
A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This itinerary is a fixed route for shared rides. Please be sure to abide by the stopover time at each attraction and follow the driver's instructions.
Please note that no refund will be given if you fail to attend or withdraw from the trip due to personal reasons (including lateness).
If you leave the group during the trip, it will be deemed as giving up the trip and the fee will not be refunded. You will be responsible for any personal or property safety issues caused by leaving the group.
The itinerary may be delayed or cancelled due to force majeure factors such as traffic, weather, festivals or crowds. Please understand that no refunds will be given for this reason.
If you have a small group, you will be transported by a car with a driver who also serves as your tour leader. This product is a carpooling service and you will be sharing the car with other guests. You are not allowed to stop at any other places except at the scenic spots.
Traffic jams may occur on weekends and national holidays. The driver will adjust the itinerary accordingly. Please be aware of this and be mentally prepared before placing an order.
To keep the train clean and comfortable, please refrain from eating or drinking. If you cause any stains, you will be charged a cleaning fee based on local standards. Thank you for your understanding.
Please be sure to arrive at the designated meeting point on time. Please do not be late. This tour does not allow for transfers or mid-trip joining. If you are unable to join the tour due to personal reasons, you will be solely responsible for any losses. Thank you for your understanding.
Kyuen-an Shrine is open from November 15th to November 30th. For other dates, please visit Ninbiyama Shrine instead.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Mifuneyama Rakuen typically showcases its most vibrant autumn leaves from mid-November to early December. During this peak period, the vast garden transforms into a spectacular display of fiery reds, brilliant yellows, and deep oranges, often illuminated at night for an enhanced viewing experience. This timing allows visitors to fully appreciate the harmonious blend of nature and landscape design.
The Saga region in Kyushu generally experiences its peak autumn foliage viewing season from late November to early December. Attractions like Daikozenji Temple, Kunen-an, and Yutoku Inari Shrine display their most vivid colors during this time, with variations depending on yearly weather patterns. Planning your visit within this window offers the best chance to witness the area's stunning natural beauty.
Daikozenji Temple offers a unique autumn leaf experience by blending historical charm with natural beauty. Visitors can wander through the temple grounds, marveling at the vibrant autumn leaves framing traditional architecture. The setting provides a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for photography and appreciating Japan's cultural heritage amidst the seasonal splendor. The temple is especially known for its deep red maples.
Kunen-an is renowned for its limited public opening, creating an exclusive and highly anticipated autumn viewing experience. This historic villa garden becomes a breathtaking tapestry of fall colors, particularly its moss garden carpeted with vibrant red maple leaves. The unique charm lies in its serene, meticulously maintained landscape, offering a tranquil escape to witness nature's seasonal artistry.
Yutoku Inari Shrine is famous for its striking vermillion architecture set against a hillside, offering beautiful autumn viewing spots. Visitors can climb through rows of torii gates up to the main hall, which is built over a valley, providing panoramic views. The surrounding trees burst into vibrant autumn colors, creating a picturesque contrast with the shrine's red structures, especially stunning from the upper levels and viewpoints.
To best experience Mifuneyama Rakuen's blend of nature and human landscapes in autumn, visitors should take leisurely strolls along its winding paths. The garden, originally designed in the Edo period, integrates natural cliffs and ravines with meticulously cultivated autumn trees, ponds, and traditional teahouses. Look for the reflection of vibrant maples and azaleas on the tranquil water features, creating a serene, living artwork that evolves with the season.
When visiting Saga's temples and gardens for autumn leaf viewing, it's advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes, as many sites involve walking on uneven paths or steps. Dress in layers, as autumn temperatures can vary throughout the day. Consider bringing a camera to capture the vibrant foliage, and check local weather forecasts for rain protection. Some popular spots might be crowded, so visiting early in the day can enhance the experience.
Yes, visits to traditional temples like Daikozenji and Kunen-an in Saga highlight rich cultural and historical aspects. Daikozenji, known as a 'temple of flowers,' has a history spanning over 1,300 years, offering insights into ancient Buddhist practices and architecture. Kunen-an, a private villa, showcases Edo-period garden design and the refined aesthetic of the era. These sites provide a glimpse into Japan's past, particularly the appreciation for seasonal beauty in traditional arts and spiritual life.
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