Saga Travel / Saga Tour

The Eriyama rice terraces are located 250 meters above sea level in Ogi City, and are a scenic spot that has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Rice Terraces (certified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries). This is a recommended place for those who want to relax in a laid-back rural landscape. There are about 600 rice terraces spread across the mountain slope. The abundant spring water and clear streams that overflow from the Tianshan mountain range, the highest peak in Saga Prefecture, become drinking water here in Eriyama and agricultural water for the rice terraces, and they produce delicious rice.
Now, these tranquil rice terraces become a little lively every autumn. This is because the bright red spider lilies bloom here and there, coloring the paths along the rice fields, creating the most beautiful scenery of the year. The spectacular view is so popular among photography enthusiasts that some people visit Eriyama every year during this season.
By the way, do you know why red spider lilies bloom along the banks of rice terraces? It's because red spider lilies have strong roots, typical of bulbous plants, and they help prevent the soil from collapsing. One theory is that red spider lilies contain toxins that are destructive to grazers and other insects that damage rice terraces. They're not just beautiful, they're also very useful flowers, put to good use by farmers.
The best time to see the red spider lilies is usually in late Sep., so if you're planning a trip to visit, why not plan your trip to coincide with this season?

When it comes to seafood from Saga Prefecture, the Yobuko squid is famous throughout the country, but there are many other delicious local specialties in Saga that we want to know more about. One of them is the Takezaki crab. It is a blue crab that is a specialty of Tara Town. It has a different taste from other blue crabs. Its rich flavor is irresistible.
The secret to its flavor lies in the living things that Takezaki crabs eat on a daily basis. These are plankton and small animals that live on the vast tidal flats created by the tides of the Ariake Sea. These animals bathe in Nikko on the tidal flats once a day when the tide goes out, absorbing a lot of far infrared rays and becoming very nutritious. The Takezaki crabs grow up eating these things, which is why they are so delicious.
Takezaki crabs can be eaten all year round in Saga. It is said that the males are tastier in summer, and the females in autumn. The eggs inside the shells are also delicious. Local Takezaki crab dishes include the classic salt-boiled version, as well as tempura, miso soup, and gratin. Even if you're not a crab lover, you should definitely try Takezaki crab at least once. You'll surely discover a new deliciousness.