Saga-ken

Introducing Saga-ken

The smallest of Kyūshū's prefectures, Saga-ken occupies the isthmus linking Fukuoka-ken to the northeast and Nagasaki-ken to the south. Most visitors to this part of the island are here to browse, admire and study the local ceramics, still made using the techniques learned from captured Korean potters in the 17th century. Imari and Arita are two of the best 'kiln-towns' where the local kaolin clay is transformed into beautiful porcelain ware. The larger town of Karatsu is a charming spot to stop a while and scope some of the local ceramics, glazed in earthier tones than the bright colours of Arita or the classic blue-and-white of Amari. Don't make any expansive gestures while you're wandering the porcelain stores; if you knock over a vase it could set you back a cool ¥5,000,000. And dudes, relax, if your idea of hell is porcelain grazing, Karatsu also offers some of Kyūshū's best surfing.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009