Slow Down, Feel Japan – Ureshino Awaits
This blog begins in Ureshino, a quiet town in Saga known for its silky hot springs, green tea fields, and warm-hearted people. From there, the journey expands to nearby towns such as Kashima, with its famous sake breweries, and Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain.
Here, I share not just tourist spots but also the everyday life of these countryside towns—the food, the crafts, the festivals, and the people who make them special. My hope is to help travelers discover a slower, more authentic side of Japan beyond the big cities.
Monthly Discoveries from Rural Japan
October 2025 at Saga Pref.
Each month we share a glimpse of rural Japan—its changing seasons, local flavors, festivals, and hidden traditions. Whether you have visited before or dream of coming one day, these stories bring you closer to the countryside life of Japan.
The charm of rural life in Japan
Slow living, deep connections
Onsen
Onsen Life: Wellness and Tradition in Japan
Hot springs in Japan are more than relaxation. For centuries, people have visited onsen to restore health, ease fatigue, and connect with others. The mineral-rich waters refresh the body and skin, while the ritual of bathing reflects a deep cultural heritage that continues to shape daily life and longevity in Japan.
Experience
Hands-on traditions of Japan
Don’t just watch Japanese culture—touch it with your own hands, and your senses may truly come alive. Pottery making, sake brewery tours, tea picking, and porcelain painting are experiences you can only find in Japan. For children too, these moments can become unforgettable memories.
Eat
Healthy flavors of rural Japan
In Ureshino, food is simple yet nourishing. From silky onsen tofu to fresh sushi and local sake, meals are built on dashi—broths of bonito and kelp that highlight the natural taste of each ingredient. This countryside way of eating supports longevity and health, offering flavors you can only experience in Japan.
Discover
Walk, see, and discover Japan’s soul
Public transport may be limited in the countryside, but that becomes part of the experience. Walking through quiet streets and small paths allows you to notice details you might otherwise miss. By slowing your pace, you also slow down time—and in that gentle rhythm, new discoveries await.
Nature
Where seasons shape daily life.
Japan’s countryside has changed rapidly over the past fifty years, as modern life spread even into remote villages. Fifty years from now, some of these natural landscapes may no longer exist. By visiting today, you can still feel the gentle rhythm of tea fields, rivers, and seasonal beauty. Take these memories home, and carry with you a piece of nature that is uniquely Japan—while it still remains.
Stay
Live like a local, even for a short while.
Staying in the Japanese countryside is more than just finding a place to sleep. Traditional inns with hot springs, renovated farmhouses, and family-run guesthouses open the door to daily life. Here, you can wake up to the sound of nature, share meals with locals, and feel what it’s like to truly live in Japan—even if only for a few days.
WHERE TO GO
Popular Destinations
Culture & Crafts
Hidden ceramic traditions of Kyushu.
Yoshida-yaki, crafted in the hills of Saga, is a lesser-known cousin of Arita porcelain. With a history of more than 400 years, it blends everyday practicality with quiet beauty. Visiting Yoshida means discovering a hidden gem of Japanese craftsmanship, where tradition is still alive in local kilns.
Stay & Ryokan
Stay in tradition, live like a local.
Staying in rural Japan is not just about having a room—it is about experiencing a way of life. From family-run guesthouses to renovated farmhouses, and traditional ryokan with tatami rooms, hot springs, and seasonal kaiseki meals, each stay opens a window into Japanese hospitality. Here, even a few nights can feel like living as part of the community.
UreshinoJapanese Sake
The Spirit of Japan, Brewed for Centuries
Sake is more than just a drink—it is Japan’s heritage in liquid form. Made from rice, water, and craftsmanship, sake has been part of daily life, festivals, and traditions for centuries. Visiting a brewery in Saga lets you taste this culture firsthand.
Featured Breweries
Mitsutake Shuzo
founded in 1688 / Kashima Saga / junmai sake / brewery tours
Founded in 1688 in Kashima, Mitsutake Shuzo has brewed sake for over 330 years. Known for smooth junmai labels and creative new flavors, the brewery blends long history with fresh ideas. Visitors can explore the kura and enjoy tastings that reflect the local land.
Yano Shuzo
founded in 1796 / Kashima Saga / family-run brewery / natural spring wate
Established in 1796 in Kashima, Yano Shuzo remains a small but highly respected brewery. Famous for refined sake made with natural spring water and local rice, it offers a personal look into the dedication of family-run brewing. A visit here feels like stepping into sake’s living tradition.
TRIPS GALLERY
Exploring Rural Kyushu
Yūtoku Inari Shrine
Yūtoku Inari Shrine in Kashima, Saga, is one of Japan’s three great Inari shrines. Founded in 1687, its brilliant vermilion halls rise dramatically against the hillside, earning it the nickname “the Nikko of Western Japan.” Dedicated to Inari Ōkami, the deity of prosperity, good harvest, and thriving business, the shrine draws millions of visitors each year. Beyond its impressive architecture, the shrine offers sweeping views, peaceful gardens, and a lively approach street filled with local shops. For those seeking success in business as well as cultural discovery, Yūtoku Inari is an unforgettable destination.
Mount Tara, rising 996 meters on the border of Saga and Nagasaki, is a popular hiking spot. With trails that can be completed in about three hours, it offers sweeping views of the Ariake Sea and even the distant Unzen peaks—an ideal way to enjoy Kyushu’s natural beauty.
Enjoy a three-hour walk that takes you from the charming streets of town to the peaceful countryside scenery. A perfect way to experience the rhythm of everyday life in rural Japan.
Mount Kagami in Karatsu, Saga, is famous for its panoramic views of the Genkai Sea and Karatsu Bay. The 284-meter summit can be reached easily by car or a short hike, making it a favorite spot for locals and travelers alike. On clear days, the scenery stretches far across the coastline, offering one of Kyushu’s most breathtaking vistas.
Getting to Ureshino
Ureshino is located in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu. The nearest airports are Fukuoka Airport and Nagasaki Airport, both about 1.5 hours away by car. From Hakata (Fukuoka), you can also take the Kyushu Shinkansen to Takeo Onsen Station, then continue by bus or taxi to Ureshino.
Rental Cars & Driving in Kyushu
For travelers who want more freedom, renting a car is the easiest way to explore Ureshino and nearby areas like Arita, Kashima, and Nagasaki. Major rental companies are available at airports and train stations, and driving in Kyushu is convenient with well-marked roads and scenic routes.