The symbol of Saga City: the ruins of the 360,000-koku castle of the Nabeshima clan. See the Shachihoko Gate and Tsudzuki Yagu, designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Historic Sites
Castle
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Highlights
Visit the Shachihoko Gate and Tsudzuki Yagu, designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Experience the history of Saga Castle.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the vast moat and earthen ramparts.
Explore the well-maintained Saga Castle Park, perfect for a stroll.
Appreciate the seasonal flowers, including cherry blossoms, azaleas, and lotuses.
Car: 20-minute drive from Saga Yamato IC on the Nagasaki Expressway
JR: 30-minute walk from Saga Station on the JR Nagasaki Main Line; 10-minute taxi ride from Saga Station
Bus: Take the Saga City Bus Saga Castle Ruins Line from Saga Station Bus Center. Get off at the Saga Castle Ruins bus stop, and it's a 1-minute walk from there. Show route
Op.Hours
9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Free
INFO
Saga Castle Ruins boasts a vast site perfect for strolling, so comfortable shoes are recommended. In summer, the sun is strong, so don't forget sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.
Saga Castle was originally Murauchi Castle, belonging to the Ryuzouji clan, who ruled Saga. It was expanded and renovated by the father and son duo, Nabeshima Naosige and Nabeshima Katsusige, and completed in 1611. A flatland castle, Saga Castle's honmaru (main enclosure) measured approximately 126m east-west and 122m north-south. It is said that a four-story, five-tiered keep stood in the northwest corner, with stone walls approximately 9m high. The castle was surrounded by a wide moat (approximately 80m wide) and earthen ramparts, with pine and camphor trees planted on the ramparts to obstruct views into the castle. The castle suffered repeated fires and reconstructions. In 1874, during the Saga Rebellion led by Eto Shinpei, some buildings were destroyed. Remaining structures were gradually demolished over time, leaving only the Shachihoko Gate (the honmaru gate), the Tsudzuki Yagu (a connecting turret), and the stone walls. The Shachihoko Gate's white walls are topped with bronze shachihoko (ornamental mythical creatures), giving the gate its name. The gate and doors bear bullet marks from the Saga Rebellion, a stark reminder of the fierce battles fought there.
Today, the moat and surrounding area comprise Saga Castle Park. Waterfowl and carp swim in the moat, and the park features fountains, lawns, and seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and lotuses. Along the moat are large camphor trees estimated to be over 300 years old, designated as prefectural natural monuments. Saga Castle Ruins offers a blend of history and nature, making it a leading tourist attraction in Saga.
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