Balloon-dori Hakusan Ikiiki Shopping Street (バルーン通り白山いきいき商店街)

Flow of the course

About this spot

The central shopping district of Saga City, spreading out from the south side of Saga Station, lined mainly under an arcade with grocery stores, variety shops, and restaurants. It is packed with local street food, from Saga beef croquettes to snacks made with Ariake Sea nori and Saga's famous sweets, making it ideal for souvenir hunting too. During the Sakae no Kuni Festival, the shopping street is wrapped in festival mood too, letting you feel the energy of the local people. To lift your spirits ahead of the night's fireworks, this is the perfect time to experience the everyday bustle of the castle town. It gets crowded from evening onward, so buying your souvenirs here and leaving them at your hotel or car will let you move around more freely.

Tips

About 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Saga Castle Park, and within walking distance of Saga Station. Traffic restrictions may be in place on the day of the festival, so check the latest traffic information before heading out. Stocking up on food and drink during this time will give you peace of mind at the venue in the evening.

Best time to visit

Allow about 1.5 hours; the afternoon of the festival day is comfortably lively with locals, letting you enjoy the atmosphere

Access & map

〒840-0826 Saga Prefecture, Saga City, Hakusan (佐賀県佐賀市白山) ２丁目２−２１