5 Photogenic Buildings and Townscapes of Saga | Instagrammable Retro Architecture and Castle Recommendations

Saga Prefecture is a "treasure house of the photogenic" known to those in the know. In this prefecture where historic castles, Western-style buildings, and retro townscapes are condensed, we introduce 5 spots that will make you want to press the shutter.

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1. Saga Castle Ruins, Shachi Gate | The Dignified Beauty of the Samurai

The Shachi Gate, with its stunning contrast of white walls and black tiles, is one of the few surviving structures at the Saga Castle ruins. Early morning to late morning, when the soft morning light hits the white walls, is the most beautiful shooting time. Shooting as if looking up from a low angle from the front makes for a shot where the gate's dignity and the blue sky stand out. In autumn the surrounding trees color, creating a more painterly atmosphere.

Access: About 10 minutes by bus from JR Saga Station, get off at "Sagajoato-mae," right there

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2. Former Koga Residence and Former Sansei Bank | The Retro Townscape of Yanagimachi

In Saga City's Yanagimachi, there is a cobblestone street lined with Western-style architecture from the Meiji to Taisho eras. The contrast of red brick and white window frames is just like Europe. On cloudy days the light spreads evenly, bringing out the texture of the buildings. A "composition with depth" that captures the street diagonally is the standard for being Instagrammable. A plus point is that in spring you can shoot it together with the nearby cherry blossoms.

Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Saga Station

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3. Takeo Onsen Romon Gate | A Fantastical Vermilion Gate

The Takeo Onsen Romon Gate, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, is a building like a dragon palace whose vivid vermilion catches the eye. From dusk to the illuminated night is the greatest photogenic time. The gate lit by warm orange light is full of an extraordinary feel. Shooting with a symmetrical composition from the front gives it an overwhelming presence on social media.

Access: About an 8-minute walk from JR Takeo-Onsen Station

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4. Yutoku Inari Shrine | Kyushu's "Fushimi Inari"

"Yutoku Inari Shrine," where the vivid vermilion shrine buildings stand out against the mountain's greenery, is one of Japan's three great Inari shrines. Looking back while climbing the stairs, a grand panorama spreads out. The fresh greenery of May and the foliage of November are especially breathtakingly beautiful. The composition framing the shrine buildings with the torii gate makes the depth and color stand out.

Access: About 20 minutes by bus from JR Hizen-Kashima Station

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5. Nagoya Castle Ruins | A Historic Spectacular View Overlooking the Sea

The stone wall ruins of Nagoya Castle, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, are a spectacular spot overlooking the Genkai Sea. The scenery woven by the neatly stacked stone walls and the blue of the sea is somehow melancholy yet beautiful. If you visit in the evening, the sun setting in the west and the silhouette of the stone walls are fantastical. A vertical composition incorporating the sea through the gaps in the stone walls is recommended.

Access: About 30 minutes by car from central Karatsu City

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Each of Saga's buildings and townscapes has its own deep history and drama. Be sure to set out with camera in hand to search for your own one-of-a-kind shot ✨

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`#SagaTrip` `#SagaSightseeing` `#Instagrammable` `#Photogenic` `#RetroArchitecture` `#SagaCastle` `#TakeoOnsen` `#YutokuInariShrine` `#NagoyaCastle` `#Yanagimachi` `#KyushuTrip` `#TravelGirl` `#Photogenic` `#TabitabiJAPAN`