Ureshino, A Hidden Gem of Japan's Hot Springs and Tea Culture

Saga Castle History Museum

Saga Castle History Museum is a significant cultural landmark which is a reconstruction of the Honmaru Goten (“Inner Circle Palace”) of Saga Castle, making it the first of its kind in Japan and the largest wooden reconstruction in the country, covering 2,500 square meters. Located about 40 km from Ureshino, this musuem is reachable in roughly an hour by car or an hour and a half by public bus.

  The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the restoration of Saga Castle and showcases the advanced science and technology of the Saga clan, which played a pivotal role during the Bakumatsu and Meiji Restoration periods. Visitors can explore the rich history of the region and learn about the influential figures from Saga.

  Inside, the museum offers an immersive experience with a 45-meter-long tatami (Straw mat) corridor and a grand hall adorned with 320 tatami mats (approximately 584 square meters), allowing guests to enjoy a traditional Japanese space in a truly authentic setting.

Opening Hours:

- Open: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
- Closed: December 29 to 31, and occasionally for maintenance

There is no requirement of entry fee, however, donations are kindly requested.

Toyotamahime Shrine

Toyotamahime Shrine: Located in the heart of Ureshino city, the deity of the shrine, Toyotamahime Okami, is the goddess of beautiful skin. The messenger of Toyotamahime, "the Catfish", has been revered by visitors for its supposed curative effects on "skin diseases" since antiquity.

Hatten Shrine

Nestled in the mountains of Saga, roughly midway between Ureshino and Kashima, Hatten Shrine is a remarkable site with a rich tapestry of history and architecture. Originally known as Hattengu Shrine or the Eight Tengu Shrine, it was founded in the mid-7th century as a center for Shugendo, the eclectic mountain-worshiping religion that deeply influenced historical Japan.  

Today, Hatten Shrine is renowned for its association with fire safety, honoring Hino Kagutsuchi, the kami (deity) of fire. The shrine is also dedicated to Susano'o and the eight kami of Kagutsuchi. According to legend, Izanami (goddess of creation and death), who gave birth to Kagutsuchi, was mortally wounded by the flames of his birth, leading to her death. Izanagi (deity of both creation and life in Japanese mythology), in his grief, killed Kagutsuchi, and from his blood emerged eight kami linked to swords, while other kami associated with mountains were born from different parts of his body.  

This shrine not only stands as a historical and spiritual landmark but also as a testament to the deep-rooted cultural practices of ancient Japan.

Ruins of Ureshino-juku Main Camp

The ruins of Ureshino Juku's Main Camp (本陣跡) are a historic site located in Ureshino, Japan. Ureshino-juku was once an important post station on the Nagasaki Kaido, a key route connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Nagasaki. Established during the Edo period (1603-1868) , the Main Camp, known as the honjin(an inn for government officials), was a lodging facility reserved for high-ranking officials such as feudal lords, government officials, and samurais (members of the warrior class in Japan). It was a central stop for rest and refreshment during their travels.  

Though the original structure no longer remains, the site is preserved as a reminder of Ureshino's historical significance. Visitors to the ruins can explore the area and imagine the bustling activities of travelers who passed through this key checkpoint on their way to Nagasaki, which was Japan's gateway to foreign trade during the period. Temples like Zuikoji and Myogenji, along with various historical gates, shrines, and stone monuments, collectively preserve the legacy of Ureshino-juku as a pivotal post station on the Nagasaki Kaidō. Visitors today can explore these sites to appreciate the blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that defines Ureshino-juku.